How Long Is Massage Therapy School Columbus GA

How to Enroll in the Right Massage Therapy Training Program near Columbus Georgia

Columbus GA massage therapist working on shoulderPicking the best massage therapist school near Columbus GA is a critical first step toward beginning a rewarding new career as a massage therapist.  After all, who wouldn’t enjoy working in a profession where the sole purpose is to help patients feel and function better?  Massage therapists are employed in a wide range of locations, including medical clinics, health spas, hospitals and alternative care facilities.  But before starting a career in this specialty of holistic healthcare, receiving the proper training and licensing is a must.  And keep in mind that massage therapist schools are not all alike.  When evaluating your options, it’s important that you look at 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 include in your review process when selecting a massage therapy school.

What is Massage Therapy?

knee massage therapy in Columbus GAAs mentioned in the introduction, massage therapy is a holistic form of healthcare in Columbus GA 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 Columbus GA 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

Columbus GA 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 Columbus GA 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 Columbus GA massage therapy schoolsBefore you select a massage therapist 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 Columbus GA. 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 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 Columbus GA 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 Columbus GA 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.

How Long Is Massage Therapy School Columbus GA

Columbus GA 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 How Long Is Massage Therapy School and wanting to get more information on the topic Massage Therapist Training Cost.  However, by following the suggestions contained within this article, you will have an excellent opportunity for success by picking the right massage therapy training course.  And with the right education you will soon become a professional massage therapist servicing the Columbus Georgia area.

Other Massage Therapy Locations in Georgia

  • Massage Therapy School Length Sylvester GA
  • Nationally Accredited Massage Therapy Schools Centerville GA
  • Massage Therapy Night Classes Pendergrass GA
  • Top Rated Massage Therapy Schools Warner Robins GA
  • Massage Therapy Degree Cost Williamson GA
  • Certified Massage Therapist School Offerman GA
  • Online Massage Therapy Courses Statesboro GA
  • Massage Therapist School Hawkinsville GA
  • Massage Therapy Degree Mystic GA
  • Training To Become A Massage Therapist Rocky Ford GA
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

     

    Columbus, Georgia

    Columbus is a consolidated city-county located on the west central border of the U.S. state of Georgia. Located on the Chattahoochee River directly across from Phenix City, Alabama, Columbus is the county seat of Muscogee County, with which it officially merged in 1970.[4] Columbus is the third-largest city in Georgia and the fourth-largest metropolitan area. According to the 2017 estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, Columbus has a population of 194,058 residents, with 303,811 in the Columbus metropolitan area.[2] The metro area joins the nearby Alabama cities of Auburn and Opelika to form the Columbus–Auburn–Opelika Combined Statistical Area, which has a 2017 estimated population of 499,128.

    Columbus lies 100 miles (160 km) southwest of Atlanta. Fort Benning, the United States Army's Maneuver Center of Excellence and a major employer, is located south of the city in Chattahoochee County. Columbus is home to museums and tourism sites, including the National Infantry Museum, dedicated to the United States Army's Infantry Branch. It has the longest urban whitewater rafting course in the world constructed on the Chattahoochee River.

    This was for centuries and more the traditional territory of the Creek Indians, who became known as one of the Five Civilized Tribes of the Southeast after European contact. Those who lived closest to white-occupied areas conducted considerable trading and adopted some European-American ways.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 17

    European Kür & Spa
    9 Reviews
    Massage, Eyelash Service, Waxing
    Phone:
    5210 Armour Rd, Ste 400, Columbus, GA 31904

    A1 Foot body massage
    3 Reviews
    Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    5887 Veterans Pkwy, Ste 100, Columbus, GA 31909

    Jennifer S Clifton, LMT
    4 Reviews
    Massage Therapy, Reflexology
    Phone:
    18 9th St, Ste 104, Columbus, GA 31901

    Breathe Holistic Health & Wellness Spa
    4 Reviews
    Reflexology, Massage Therapy, Reiki
    Phone:
    5402 15th Ave, Columbus, GA 31904

    City Life Massage
    21 Reviews
    Massage
    Phone:
    2521 Airport Thruway, Ste 100B, Columbus, GA 31904

    Uli's European Hair Studio
    2 Reviews
    Makeup Artists, Hair Salons, Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    5409 Summerville Rd, Phenix City, AL 36867

    Massage Envy - Bradley Park
    17 Reviews
    Massage, Skin Care, Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    1639 Bradley Park Dr, Columbus, GA 31904

    Angel's Massage
    4 Reviews
    Massage
    Phone:
    7401 Fortson Rd, Columbus, GA 31909

    CaraVails Day Spa
    19 Reviews
    Day Spas
    Phone:
    6575 Whittlesey Blvd, Ste A 200, Columbus, GA 31909

    Soyoung Salon and Spa
    15 Reviews
    Hair Salons, Nail Salons, Hair Removal
    Phone:
    107 12th St, Columbus, GA 31901