Accelerated Massage Therapy Programs Pagosa Springs CO

How to Pick the Right Massage Therapist Training Classes near Pagosa Springs Colorado

Pagosa Springs CO massage therapist working on shoulderPicking the best massage therapy school near Pagosa Springs CO is an important first step toward beginning a rewarding new career in massage therapy.  As you have no doubt concluded, who wouldn’t enjoy working in an occupation where the sole purpose is to help patients function and feel better?  Massage therapists can work in a wide variety of settings, including medical clinics, health spas, hospitals and alternative care facilities.  However prior to beginning a career in this specialty of holistic healthcare, receiving the proper 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 important that you research all facets of the schools you are considering and not just the cost or convenience of the locations.  Following are a few fundamental tips that you need to incorporate into your due diligence process when selecting a massage therapy school.

What is Massage Therapy?

knee massage therapy in Pagosa Springs COAs mentioned in the introduction, massage therapy is a holistic form of healthcare in Pagosa Springs CO 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 Pagosa Springs CO 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 Therapist Education Requirements

Pagosa Springs CO 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 Pagosa Springs CO 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 Courses

Questions to ask Pagosa Springs CO massage therapy schoolsBefore you enroll in a massage therapist 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 Pagosa Springs CO. 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 selecting 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 Pagosa Springs CO 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 Pagosa Springs CO 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.

Accelerated Massage Therapy Programs Pagosa Springs CO

Pagosa Springs CO 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 Accelerated Massage Therapy Programs and wanting to get more information on the topic Find A Massage Therapy School.  However, by following the suggestions contained within this article, you will have an excellent opportunity for success by enrolling in the right massage therapy training program.  And with the right education you will soon become a professional massage therapist servicing the Pagosa Springs Colorado area.

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    Pagosa Springs, Colorado

    Pagosa Springs is a municipality that is the county seat of, and the only incorporated municipality in, Archuleta County, Colorado, United States.[7] The population was 1,727 at the 2010 census.[8] Approximately 65 percent of the land in Archuleta County is either San Juan National Forest, Weminuche and South San Juan Wilderness areas, or Southern Ute Indian land.

    Pagosa Springs and the surrounding county are both experiencing a substantial influx of second-home owners; a 2006 property assessment indicates that 60% of area private properties are owned by non-residents.

    Pagosa Springs is located approximately 35 miles (56 km) north of the New Mexico border, nestled at 7,126 feet (2,172 m) on the Western Slope of the Continental Divide. This combination of high desert plateau and dramatic Rocky Mountains to the north and east creates an unusually mild climate, especially in the summer months, when compared with much of the surrounding Southwest. Pagosa is favored with around 300 days of sun each year, as well as four distinct seasons.[9]

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 13

    Hippie Chick Massage
    7 Reviews
    Reiki, Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    2035 Eagle Dr, Ste 106, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147

    Ambers Alchemy
    3 Reviews
    Skin Care, Massage, Waxing
    Phone:
    100 Country Center Dr, Ste I , Bldg F, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147

    Overlook Mineral Springs Spa
    55 Reviews
    Day Spas, Massage
    Phone:
    432 Pagosa St, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147

    Rebecca Cortez Massage Therapy
    1 Reviews
    Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    138 Pagosa St, Ste D, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147

    Mane Avenue Salon
    4 Reviews
    Hair Salons, Eyelash Service, Tanning
    Phone:
    103 Pagosa St, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147

    San Juan Sports Massage
    5 Reviews
    Massage
    Phone:
    302 Pagosa St, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147

    Pagosa Springs Massage Center
    1 Reviews
    Massage, Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    510 San Juan St, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147

    Mountain Massage
    1 Reviews
    Massage Therapy, Chiropractors, Reiki
    Phone:
    126 Handicap Ave, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147

    All About You
    14 Reviews
    Day Spas
    Phone:
    190 Talisman Dr, Ste C 2, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147

    The Springs Resort & Spa
    252 Reviews
    Hotels, Day Spas
    Phone:
    165 Hot Springs Blvd, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147