Massage Therapy Programs Near Me Big Sur CA

How to Choose the Best Massage Therapist Course near Big Sur California

Big Sur CA massage therapist working on shoulderEnrolling in the right massage therapy school near Big Sur CA is an important first step toward starting a fulfilling first or second career as a massage therapist.  As you have no doubt concluded, who wouldn’t want to work in an occupation where the primary goal is to help people function and feel better?  Massage therapists can work in a wide range of settings, such as hospitals, day spas, health clubs and even aboard cruise ships!  But before starting a career in this specialty of holistic healthcare, obtaining the proper training and licensing is essential.  And remember 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 reviewing and not make your decision based solely on location or cost of tuition.  We will provide a few fundamental tips that you need to include in your due diligence process when choosing a massage therapy school.

What is Massage Therapy?

knee massage therapy in Big Sur CAAs mentioned in the introduction, massage therapy is a holistic form of healthcare in Big Sur CA 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 Big Sur CA 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.

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Massage Therapy Education Requirements

Big Sur CA 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 Big Sur CA 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 Therapist Schools

Questions to ask Big Sur CA massage therapy schoolsBefore you choose 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 Big Sur CA. 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 picking a massage therapy degree 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 Big Sur CA 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 Big Sur CA 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 Programs Near Me Big Sur CA

Big Sur CA 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 Programs Near Me and wanting to get more information on the topic Massage Therapy School Prices.  However, by following the suggestions contained within this article, you will have an excellent opportunity for success by picking the right massage therapist training course.  And with the right education you will soon become a professional massage therapist servicing the Big Sur California area.

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    Big Sur

    Big Sur is a rugged and mountainous section of the Central Coast of California between Carmel Highlands and San Simeon, where the Santa Lucia Mountains rise abruptly from the Pacific Ocean. It is frequently praised for its dramatic scenery. Big Sur has been called the "longest and most scenic stretch of undeveloped coastline in the contiguous United States,"[1] a "national treasure that demands extraordinary procedures to protect it from development"[2] and "one of the most beautiful coastlines anywhere in the world, an isolated stretch of road, mythic in reputation."[3] The stunning views, redwood forests, hiking, beaches, and other recreational opportunities have made Big Sur a popular destination for about 7 million people who live within a day's drive and visitors from across the world. The region receives about the same number of visitors as Yosemite National Park, but offers extremely limited bus service, few restrooms, and a narrow two-lane highway with few places to park alongside the road. North-bound traffic during the peak summer season and holiday weekends is often backed-up for about 20 miles (32 km) from Big Sur Village to Carmel.

    The unincorporated region encompassing Big Sur does not have specific boundaries, but is generally considered to include the 71-mile (114 km) segment of California State Route 1 between Malpaso Creek near Carmel Highlands[4] in the north and San Carpóforo Creek near San Simeon in the south,[5] as well as the entire Santa Lucia range between these creeks.[6] The interior region is mostly uninhabited, while the coast remains relatively isolated and sparsely populated, with between 1,800 and 2,000 year-round residents[7] and relatively few visitor accommodations scattered among four small settlements. The region remained one of the most inaccessible areas of California and the entire United States until, after 18 years of construction, the Carmel–San Simeon Highway (now signed as part of State Route 1) was completed in 1937. Along with the ocean views, this winding, narrow road, often cut into the face of towering seaside cliffs, dominates the visitor's experience of Big Sur. The highway has been closed more than 55 times by landslides, and in May 2017, a 2,000,000-cubic-foot (57,000 m3) slide blocked the highway at Mud Creek, north of Salmon Creek near the San Luis Obispo County line, to just south of Gorda. The road was reopened on July 18, 2018.

    The region is protected by the Big Sur Local Coastal Plan, which preserves it as "open space, a small residential community, and agricultural ranching."[8] Approved in 1986, the plan is one of the most restrictive local-use programs in the state,[9] and is widely regarded as one of the most restrictive documents of its kind anywhere.[10] The program protects viewsheds from the highway and many vantage points, and severely restricts the density of development. About 60% of the coastal region is owned by governmental or private agencies which do not allow any development. The majority of the interior region is part of the Los Padres National Forest, Ventana Wilderness, Silver Peak Wilderness or Fort Hunter Liggett.

     

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