Going To School For Massage Therapy Goleta CA

How to Pick the Right Massage Therapy Training Program near Goleta California

Goleta CA massage therapist working on shoulderChoosing the right massage therapist school near Goleta CA is an important first step toward launching a fulfilling first or second career in massage therapy.  As you have no doubt concluded, who wouldn’t want to work in an occupation where the sole purpose is to help people feel and function better?  Massage therapists can work in a wide range of locations, such as medical clinics, health spas, hospitals and alternative care facilities.  But before starting a career in this specialty of holistic healthcare, receiving the right training and licensing is a must.  And remember that massage therapist schools are not all the same.  When making your evaluations, it’s important that you research all aspects of the schools you are reviewing and not make your decision based solely on location or cost of tuition.  We will provide some basic tips that you should incorporate into your due diligence process when selecting a massage therapist school.

What is Massage Therapy?

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

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

Massage Therapist Education Requirements

Goleta 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 Goleta 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 Therapy Courses

Questions to ask Goleta CA massage therapy schoolsBefore you enroll in 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 Goleta 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 enrolling in 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 Goleta 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 Goleta 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.

Going To School For Massage Therapy Goleta CA

Goleta 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 Going To School For Massage Therapy and wanting to get more information on the topic How To Become A Massage Therapist.  However, by following the suggestions contained within this article, you will have an excellent opportunity for success by selecting the right massage therapy degree program.  And with the right education you will soon become a professional massage therapist servicing the Goleta California area.

Other Massage Therapy Locations in California

  • How Much Is Massage Therapy School Nicolaus CA
  • Massage Therapy Colleges Bozeman CA
  • Colleges That Offer Massage Therapy Orange Cove CA
  • Learn Massage Therapy Online Victorville CA
  • Top Massage Therapy Schools Burrel CA
  • Massage Therapy Program Cost Weimar CA
  • Top Rated Massage Therapy Schools Greenwood CA
  • Massage Therapy School Cost Tracy CA
  • Massage Therapist Years Of School Cardiff By The Sea CA
  • Therapeutic Massage Schools Near Me Placentia CA
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

     

    Goleta, California

    Goleta (/ɡəˈliːtə/; Spanish: [ɡoˈleta], "schooner"[13]) is a city in southern Santa Barbara County, California, USA. It was incorporated as a city in 2002, after a long period as the largest unincorporated populated area in the county. As of the 2000 census, the census-designated place had a total population of 55,204; however, a significant portion of the census territory of 2000 did not incorporate into the new city. The population was 29,888 at the 2010 census. It is known for being near the University of California, Santa Barbara campus, although the CDP of Isla Vista is closer to the campus.

    The area of present-day Goleta was populated for thousands of years by the native Chumash people. Locally they became known by the Spanish as Canaliños because they lived along the coast adjacent to the Channel Islands. One of the largest villages, S'axpilil, was north of the Goleta Slough, not far from the present-day Santa Barbara Airport.[14]

    The first European visitor to the Goleta area was the Spanish mariner Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo, who spent time around the Channel Islands in 1542, and died there in 1543. During the 1980s, discovery of some 16th-century cannon on the beach led to the advancement of a theory that Sir Francis Drake sailed into the Goleta Slough in 1579. Goleta is one of many alternative locations (and the one farthest south) proposed for Drake's "New Albion", generally believed to be today's Drake's Bay, north of San Francisco.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 166

    McVeigh Massage
    74 Reviews
    Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    1907 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

    Jenny's Oriental Massage
    1 Reviews
    Massage
    Phone:
    1016 McHenry Ave, Ste 4, Modesto, CA 95350

    Vasta Massage
    1 Reviews
    Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    5973 Encina Rd, Ste 102, Goleta, CA 93117

    Massage Angel
    49 Reviews
    Massage, Massage Therapy, Reflexology
    Phone:
    1050 Edison Street, Suite B, Santa Ynez, CA 93460

    Erin DiAngelis
    11 Reviews
    Life Coach, Yoga
    Phone:
    32 E Micheltorena, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

    Massage By Sharon
    52 Reviews
    Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    1520 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

    Upscale Massage
    47 Reviews
    Massage
    Phone:
    5276 Hollister Ave, Ste 158, Santa Barbara, CA 93111

    Royal Thai Massage
    102 Reviews
    Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    3204 State St, Ste A, Santa Barbara, CA 93105

    Linnea Villegas Massage Therapy
    7 Reviews
    Massage
    Phone:
    914 Anacapa St, Ste B, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

    Firestar Bodywork
    21 Reviews
    Massage Therapy, Reiki, Life Coach
    Phone:
    Santa Barbara, CA 93109