Massage Therapy College Courses Summerdale AL

How to Enroll in the Right Massage Therapy Training Course near Summerdale Alabama

Summerdale AL massage therapist working on shoulderSelecting the right massage therapy school near Summerdale AL is an important first step toward starting a fulfilling first or second career in massage therapy.  As you have no doubt concluded, who wouldn’t want to work in a profession where the sole purpose is to help people feel and function better?  Massage therapists can work in a wide range of locations, including hospitals, day spas, health clubs and even aboard cruise ships!  However prior to beginning a career in this specialty of holistic healthcare, receiving the proper training and licensing is imperative.  And keep in mind that not all massage therapy programs are the same.  When evaluating your options, it’s essential that you look at all facets of the schools you are reviewing and not make your decision based solely on location or cost of tuition.  Following are a few fundamental tips that you need to incorporate into your due diligence process when selecting a massage therapy school.

What is a Massage Therapist?

knee massage therapy in Summerdale ALAs mentioned in the introduction, massage therapy is a holistic form of healthcare in Summerdale AL that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manipulates skin, muscles and tissue to reduce stress and relieve tension and pain in their patients.  Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the type of massage that most people think of when discussing massage therapy, and most massage therapy schools teach it as their primary form of massage.  However, there are many other types of massage that programs 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 massage therapy in Summerdale AL 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 female or a male massage practitioner. However, these terms generally carry a negative connotation among the general public and professionals alike and should be avoided.

Click Here to Get Free Information on Massage Therapy Schools Near You!

Massage Therapist Training Requirements

Summerdale AL massage therapy school studentMost schools offering massage therapy require that the enrollee have a high school diploma or its equivalent to qualify. Programs can range in length from several 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.  Another factor that may also influence the program length is whether classes are offered in Summerdale AL during the day or in the evening.  Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy may have general education requirements and are often transferable into a related Bachelor’s Degree Program.  Once you have received your Certificate or Degree, the education does not end there. The amount and type of continuing education you will need 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 HIPAA compliance or ethics.

Massage Therapist Licensing

Once you have graduated from an accredited 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 required by most States as part of the licensing process.  Some States have their own or additional exams, so check with your State prior to enrolling in a massage therapy program.  If you do not pass the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can take it again after 30 days but must pay an additional exam fee.  Once licensed, you will need to maintain it in most states, which means paying a renewal fee and satisfying renewal requirements.  As previously mentioned, renewal typically requires a certain number of hours of continuing education be completed.  And if you should move to another State, you will need to get licensed in 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 meet the requirements to legally practice there.

Questions to Ask Massage Therapy Programs

Questions to ask Summerdale AL massage therapy schoolsBefore you select a massage therapy program, 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 Summerdale AL. 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 therapy 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 Summerdale AL 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 near Summerdale AL make sure that they are offered 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 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 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.

Massage Therapy College Courses Summerdale AL

Summerdale AL massage therapist with clientGood 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.  You originally came to this website because of your interest in Massage Therapy College Courses and wanting to get more information on the topic How Much Does It Cost To Become A Massage Therapist.  However, by following the suggestions contained within this article, you will have an excellent opportunity for success by choosing the right massage therapist training program.  And with the right education you will soon become a professional massage therapist servicing the Summerdale Alabama area.

Other Massage Therapy Locations in Alabama

  • Learn Massage Therapy Phil Campbell AL
  • Medical Massage Therapy School Whatley AL
  • Massage Therapy Night Courses Gordon AL
  • Student Massage Therapy Russellville AL
  • Therapeutic Massage Training Programs Near Me Hurtsboro AL
  • Massage Therapy Night Classes Fosters AL
  • Massage Therapy Program Cost Section AL
  • Become A Certified Massage Therapist Livingston AL
  • Massage Therapy School Requirements Walnut Grove AL
  • Schools With Massage Therapy Programs Samantha AL
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

     

    Summerdale, Alabama

    Summerdale is a rural town in south-central Baldwin County, Alabama, United States. It is the site of the Naval Outlying Field Summerdale. At the 2010 census the population was 862.[3] It is part of the Daphne–Fairhope–Foley Metropolitan Statistical Area.

    Summerdale is located at 30°29'15.468" North, 87°42'4.036" West (30.487630, -87.701121).[4]Alabama State Route 59 passes along the west side of the town, leading north 5 miles (8 km) to Robertsdale and south 6 miles (10 km) to Foley.

    As of the census[7] of 2000, there were 655 people, 255 households, and 184 families residing in the town. The population density was 125.7 people per square mile (48.5/km²). There were 282 housing units at an average density of 54.1 per square mile (20.9/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 90.23% White, 4.89% Black or African American, 1.07% Native American, 0.15% Asian, 0.92% from other races, and 2.75% from two or more races. Nearly 2.29% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 35

    Coastal Massage Therapies
    1 Reviews
    Massage Therapy, Massage
    Phone:
    316 S McKenzie St, Ste 111, Foley, AL 36535

    Delatorre Day Spa
    7 Reviews
    Day Spas
    Phone:
    412 Swaying Willow Ave, Fairhope, AL 36532

    Gulf Shores Massage Therapies
    9 Reviews
    Massage
    Phone:
    1544 W 2nd St, Ste 106, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

    The Styling Station
    3 Reviews
    Hair Salons, Massage, Waxing
    Phone:
    6580 Spanish Fort Blvd, Spanish Fort, AL 36527

    Back On Track Chiropractic & Wellness Center
    1 Reviews
    Chiropractors
    Phone:
    21040 Miflin Rd, Ste 6, Foley, AL 36535

    Mountain Massage & Day Spa
    9 Reviews
    Massage, Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    101 Lottie Ln, Ste 5, Fairhope, AL 36532

    Austin Massage
    5 Reviews
    Massage
    Phone:
    1574 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

    Gulf Coast Medical Spa & Salon
    7 Reviews
    Hair Salons, Day Spas, Medical Spas
    Phone:
    619 E Laurel Ave, Foley, AL 36535

    Rose Haven Massage Therapy
    1 Reviews
    Massage Therapy, Reflexology, Skin Care
    Phone:
    3501 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Ste 4, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

    Elements Massage - Foley
    1 Reviews
    Massage, Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    3105 S McKenzie St, Foley, AL 36535