Home >> Washington >> Kirkland >> How To Become A Massage Therapist


Get Free Info on Massage Therapist Schools Kirkland Wa


How to Choose a Massage Therapist Program near Kirkland Washington

Kirkland Washington clinical massage therapist pressing arm on patientPicking the best massage therapist school near Kirkland WA is a critical first step to starting a rewarding first or second career as a massage therapist.  After all, who wouldn’t enjoy working in a profession where the sole purpose is to help people function and feel better?  Massage therapists can work in a wide range of settings, including medical clinics, health spas, hospitals and alternative care facilities.  However prior to starting a career in this specialty of alternative medicine, obtaining the proper training and licensing is a must.  And remember that massage therapist schools are not all alike.  When making your evaluations, it’s essential 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 include in your due diligence process when choosing a massage therapy school.

What is Therapeutic Massage?

Kirkland Washington clinical massage therapist massaging female patientAs previously discussed, therapeutic massage is a holistic form of healthcare that provides relief from pain and helps people function better. The massage therapist manipulates skin, muscles and tissue to reduce stress and relieve pain and tension in their clients.  Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the type of massage that most of us think of when discussing massage therapy, and the majority of Kirkland WA massage therapy schools offer it as their principal type of massage.  However, there are many other types of massage that schools may or may not include within their course of instruction.  Following are just a few examples.

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

Professionals that work in therapeutic massage should be referred to as massage therapists. On occasion one may hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which refers to a female or a male massage practitioner. However, these names often carry a negative connotation among the general public and Kirkland WA professionals alike and should be avoided.

Massage Therapist Training Requirements

Kirkland Washington medical massage therapist rubbing woman patient's backMost Kirkland WA massage therapy programs require that the enrollee has earned a high school diploma or a GED to qualify. Programs can vary in length from several months for a Certificate or a Diploma to as long as 2 years to earn an Associate’s Degree.  How long the programs are will also vary by State dependent on the training hours required for licensing.  Another factor that can also influence the length of the program is whether classes are scheduled during the daytime or in the evening.  In addition, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy often has general education requirements and the credits may be transferrable into a similar Bachelor’s Degree Program.  Once you have received your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the training 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 have requirements for both number of hours and subjects covered, such as ethics or HIPAA compliance. 

Massage Therapist Licensing

Kirkland Washington massage therapist moving man patient's armAfter your graduation from an accredited Kirkland WA 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 an exam controlled and administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is required by the majority of States as a portion of the licensing process.  There are States that have additional tests or their own, so find out from your State before enrolling in a massage therapy school.  If you do not pass the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can re-take it after thirty days but will be charged another testing fee.  After obtaining your license, you will need to maintain it in most states, which means complying with renewal requirements and paying a renewal fee.  As previously mentioned, 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, you will need to get licensed in that new State as well. Each State has different regulations for massage therapists, 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 practice legally there. 

Online Massage Therapy Schools

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 Kirkland WA 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

female wondering what to ask Kirkland Washington massage therapy programsBefore 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 Kirkland WA. 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 Kirkland WA 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 Kirkland WA 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 Kirkland WA 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 Kirkland WA 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 Kirkland Therapeutic Massage 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 Kirkland Washington.