How to Pick a Massage Therapy Program near Sterling Virginia

Picking the best massage therapist school near Sterling VA is an important first step to launching a rewarding first or second career in massage therapy.  After all, who wouldn’t want to work in an occupation where the primary goal is to help patients function and feel better?  Massage therapists can work in a wide variety of locations, such as hospitals, day spas, health clubs and even aboard cruise ships!  However prior to starting a career in this specialty of holistic healthcare, obtaining the proper training and licensing is imperative.  And remember that not all massage therapy programs are alike.  When making your evaluations, it’s essential that you look at all aspects of the schools you are reviewing and not just the cost or convenience of the locations.  We will provide a few fundamental tips that you need to include in your due diligence process when selecting a massage therapist school.

What is Therapeutic Massage?

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 muscles, tissue and skin to diminish stress and relieve pain and tension in their patients.  Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the type of massage that most people think of when discussing therapeutic massage, and most Sterling VA massage therapy schools teach it as their primary type of massage.  But keep in mind, there are many other forms of massage that schools have the option to include as part of their course of instruction.  Following 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 masseuse or a masseur, which refers to a male or female massage practitioner. However, these names generally carry a derogatory connotation among Sterling VA professionals and the public at large and are better avoided.

Massage Therapist Education Requirements

Most Sterling VA massage therapy programs require enrolling students have a high school diploma or a GED to qualify. Programs can vary in length from several months for a Diploma or a Certificate to as long as 2 years for an Associate’s Degree.  How long the programs are will also be State specific based on the training hours required for licensing.  Another factor that may also have an effect on the program length is whether classes are scheduled during the daytime or in the evening.  Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy often has general education requirements and are often transferrable into a similar Bachelor’s Degree Program.  Once you have received your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the training doesn’t stop there. The amount and type of continuing education you will need to complete will vary based on the State where you are licensed.  Some states have requirements for both number of hours and subjects covered, such as HIPPA compliance or ethics. 

Massage Therapy Licensing

Once you have graduated from an accredited Sterling VA massage therapy program, you will then need to become licensed in the State where you will be practicing.  The Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), is an exam conducted and controlled by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is required by the majority of States as part of the licensing process.  There are States that have their own or additional exams, so find out from your State prior to enrolling in a massage therapy school.  If you do not pass the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can take it again after 30 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 previously stated, completion of a specific number of continuing education hours are usually required as a prerequisite for renewal.  And if you decide to move to a different State, licensing will be required for that new State as well. Every State regulates massage therapy differently, so it is not safe to assume that you will automatically qualify for licensing. Check with your new State before moving to confirm that you have satisfied the requirements to legally practice 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 Sterling 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 Sterling 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 Sterling 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 Sterling 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 Sterling 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 Sterling 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.

Find Out More About Sterling Massage Therapist Colleges

Pick the Best 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 Sterling Virginia.