Home >> Washington >> Union Hill Novelty Hill >> Massage Courses


Request Free Info on Therapeutic Massage Schools Union Hill Novelty Hill Wa


How to Select a Massage Therapist School near Union Hill Novelty Hill Washington

Union Hill Novelty Hill Washington clinical massage therapist with arm on patientChoosing the best massage therapy school near Union Hill Novelty Hill WA is a critical first step to starting a rewarding new career in massage therapy.  After all, who wouldn’t want to work in an occupation where the sole purpose is to help patients function and feel better?  Massage therapists are employed in a wide variety of settings, such as medical clinics, health spas, hospitals and alternative care facilities.  However prior to beginning a career in this specialty of alternative medicine, receiving the right training and licensing is a must.  And keep in mind that not all massage therapy programs are the same.  When evaluating your options, it’s essential that you research all facets of the schools you are considering and not just the cost or convenience of the locations.  Following are some fundamental tips that you need to incorporate into your due diligence process when selecting a massage therapist school.

What is Therapeutic Massage?

Union Hill Novelty Hill Washington massage therapist treating woman patientAs previously discussed, therapeutic massage is an alternative form of healing that provides relief from pain and helps people function better. The massage therapist manipulates skin, muscles and tissue to reduce stress and alleviate tension and pain in their patients.  Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the type of massage that most of us relate to when researching therapeutic massage, and most Union Hill Novelty Hill WA massage therapy schools offer it as their primary type of massage.  However, there are numerous other types of massage that programs 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 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 male or female massage professional. However, these names typically have a negative connotation among the general public and Union Hill Novelty Hill WA professionals alike and are better avoided.

Massage Therapy Training Requirements

Union Hill Novelty Hill Washington massage therapist rubbing woman patient's backMost Union Hill Novelty Hill 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 a few months for a Certificate or a Diploma to as long as two years for an Associate’s Degree.  The lengths of the programs will also vary by State based on the number of hours required for licensing.  An additional factor that can also have an effect on the length of the program is whether classes are scheduled during the daytime or in the evening.  Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy often has general studies requirements and are often transferrable into a related Bachelor’s Degree Program.  After you have received your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the training doesn’t stop there. The type and amount of continuing education you are required 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 ethics or HIPAA compliance. 

Massage Therapy Licensing

Union Hill Novelty Hill Washington clinical massage therapist moving male patient's armAfter your graduation from an accredited Union Hill Novelty Hill WA 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 mandated by most States as part of the licensing process.  Some States have additional tests or their own, 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 re-take it after 30 days but will be charged another exam fee.  After obtaining your license, you will need to renew it in most states, which means paying a renewal fee and satisfying renewal requirements.  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 also. 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 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 Union Hill Novelty Hill 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

woman wondering what to ask Union Hill Novelty Hill Washington massage therapist schoolsBefore 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 Union Hill Novelty Hill 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 Union Hill Novelty Hill 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 Union Hill Novelty Hill 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 Union Hill Novelty Hill 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 Union Hill Novelty Hill 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.

Learn More About Union Hill Novelty Hill Massage Therapy 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 Union Hill Novelty Hill Washington.