How to Enroll in a Massage Therapist Course near Roanoke Virginia

Choosing the best massage therapist school near Roanoke VA is a critical first step to launching a fulfilling first or second career in massage therapy.  After all, who wouldn’t want to work in an occupation where the sole purpose is to help people feel and function better?  Massage therapists are employed in a wide range of settings, including medical clinics, health spas, hospitals and alternative care facilities.  But before starting a career in this specialty of alternative medicine, receiving the proper training and licensing is a must.  And keep in mind that massage therapist schools are not all the same.  When making your evaluations, it’s vital that you research all aspects of the schools you are considering and not make your decision based solely on location or cost of tuition.  We will provide some basic tips that you should incorporate into your due diligence process when selecting a massage therapist school.

What is Massage Therapy?

As mentioned in the introduction, massage therapy is a holistic form of healing that provides relief from pain and helps people function better. The massage therapist manipulates skin, muscles and tissue to diminish stress and alleviate pain and tension in their patients.  Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the kind of massage that most people relate to when discussing therapeutic massage, and the majority of Roanoke VA massage therapy schools offer it as their primary type of massage.  However, there are numerous other types of massage that schools have the option to include within their syllabus.  Below are some of the more popular examples.

• Neuromuscular Therapy Massage
• Deep Tissue Massage
• Sports Massage
• Shiatsu Massage
• Thai Massage
• Hot Stone Massage
• Pregnancy Massage

Professionals that work in massage therapy should be referred to as massage therapists. From time to time one may hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which refers to a female or a male massage professional. However, these names generally carry a derogatory connotation among the general public and Roanoke VA professionals alike and are better avoided.

Massage Therapist Education Requirements

Most Roanoke VA massage therapy programs require that the enrollee has earned a high school diploma or a GED to qualify. Programs can vary in length from a few months for a Diploma or a Certificate to as long as 2 years to earn an Associate’s Degree.  The lengths of the programs will also be State specific dependent on the number of hours required for licensing.  Another factor that can also influence the program length is whether classes are offered during the daytime or at night.  Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy often has general education requirements and are often transferrable into a related Bachelor’s Degree Program.  After you have received your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the education does not end there. The type and amount of continuing education you are required to complete will depend on the State where you are licensed.  Some states require both a certain number of hours of continuing education as well as specific education in subjects, such as HIPPA compliance or ethics. 

Massage Therapist Licensing

After your graduation from an accredited Roanoke VA massage therapy school, you will then need to become licensed in the State where you will be practicing.  The Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), is a test controlled and administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is mandated by most States as part of the licensing process.  Some States have their own or additional exams, so find out from your State prior to enrolling in a massage therapy program.  If you do not pass the MBLEx in your initial attempt, you can re-take it after thirty days but must pay an additional testing fee.  Once licensed, you will be required to renew it in most states, which means complying with renewal requirements and paying a renewal fee.  As earlier stated, renewal typically requires a certain number of hours of continuing education be completed.  And if you should move to another State, licensing will be required for that new State also. Each State regulates massage therapy differently, so do not assume that you will automatically be qualified for licensing. Check with your new State before moving to confirm that you have satisfied the requirements to practice legally there. 

Massage Therapy Online Programs

Since massage therapy by nature is a hands-on profession, programs generally require a good deal of clinical or physical training. This means that online programs are not available (or should not be available) that are offered solely online. However hybrid programs are available in Roanoke VA that allow students to complete their general education requirements remotely, and then attend classes on campus for their clinical massage therapy training. These programs can often have lower tuition fees and give students more flexibility by allowing them to complete some of their classes at home at their convenience. It is important, however, that students make sure that they can attend the scheduled portions of the program, such as for clinical training or online seminars prior to enrolling as they would with a more traditional program.   

What to Ask Massage Therapy Schools

Before you choose a massage therapy school, there are some important questions that you need to ask about the programs you are considering.  As previously mentioned, the location of the school is important, particularly if you will be commuting to classes from Roanoke VA. And of course the total cost, including tuition, books and all training materials will also be an important factor.  But beyond those basic qualifications, following are some questions you should ask so that you have all of the facts before choosing a massage therapist training program.

• Is the School Accredited? Accreditation may be required for licensing as well as student loans or financial aid. It also helps to ensure that the program meets acceptable levels of quality.  Some Roanoke VA employers also prefer job candidates from accredited schools.
• Does their Curriculum Comply with EALP Standards? Entry-Level Analysis Project (EALP) standards were created by an association of massage organizations to define minimum standards for preparing massage school graduates for entry-level professional work.
• What Massage Therapy Programs are Available? Find out if the type of program you are interested in is available, such as an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy. Also, if you need to attend evening classes make sure that they are offered near Roanoke VA as well.
• What Types of Massage Therapy are Taught? As previously mentioned, most massage therapy schools teach Swedish Massage. However, the better programs include multiple types of massage therapy.  Make sure that the program you choose includes those you are most interested in.
• Is Financial Aid Available? To qualify for federal financial aid or a student loan, the school will need to be accredited by a national accrediting organization.  Find out from the schools you are considering what they offer in aid or if they assist students in obtaining funding from other sources.
• How Long has the School Existed? One indication that a school provides a quality education is longevity.  However, all schools had to start from day one, and many fine schools are relatively new.  So use this as one of several qualifications when comparing schools.
• Does the School have a Job Placement Program? Find out if the schools have job placement programs in the Roanoke VA area and what their placement rates are.  Ask if they assist with such skills as how to interview for a position and how to prepare a resume.
• Is Plenty of Hands-On Training Provided? This includes classroom training as well as placement in Roanoke VA internship programs.  The best massage therapy schools make sure that students have plenty of time to practice what they learn so they can develop their skills and be corrected when necessary.
• What is the Background of the Faculty? Find out what the experience and credentials are of the teaching faculty.  Speaking with schools’ faculty in person can also provide valuable information. Before applying, arrange to take a tour of the school and talk with staff members and students if permissible. Schools may also have Open House events for prospective students.

Learn More About Roanoke Massage Therapist Programs

Enroll in the Right Massage Therapy School

Good luck as you embark on your journey to begin a career as a professional massage therapist.  As with all things worth achieving, it will take a lot of hard work and dedication to succeed.  And by following the suggestions contained within this article, you will have an excellent opportunity for success by choosing the right school and training program.  With the right education you will soon become a professional massage therapist servicing Roanoke Virginia.