Massage Therapist School Hawkinsville GA

How to Pick the Right Massage Therapist School near Hawkinsville Georgia

Hawkinsville GA massage therapist working on shoulderPicking the right massage therapy school near Hawkinsville GA is an important first step toward starting a rewarding first or second career as a massage therapist.  After all, who wouldn’t enjoy working in a profession where the sole purpose is to help patients function and feel better?  Massage therapists are employed in a wide range of locations, including medical clinics, health spas, hospitals and alternative care facilities.  But before beginning a career in this specialty of alternative medicine, obtaining the proper training and licensing is essential.  And remember that massage therapist schools are not all alike.  When evaluating your options, it’s important that you research all facets of the schools you are reviewing and not make your decision based solely on location or cost of tuition.  Following are some basic tips that you should incorporate into your review process when choosing a massage therapist school.

What is Massage Therapy?

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

Hawkinsville 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 Hawkinsville 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 Hawkinsville GA massage therapy schoolsBefore you select 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 Hawkinsville 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 Hawkinsville 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 Hawkinsville 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.

Massage Therapist School Hawkinsville GA

Hawkinsville 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 Massage Therapist School and wanting to get more information on the topic Massage Therapy Training School.  However, by following the suggestions contained within this article, you will have an excellent opportunity for success by selecting the right massage therapist degree program.  And with the right education you will soon become a professional massage therapist servicing the Hawkinsville Georgia area.

Other Massage Therapy Locations in Georgia

  • Certified Massage Therapist Training Portal GA
  • Massage Therapy Degrees Near Me Clinchfield GA
  • Medical Massage Classes Pine Lake GA
  • Massage Therapy Night School Vidalia GA
  • Massage Therapy School Curriculum Upatoi GA
  • Massage Therapy School Prices Blue Ridge GA
  • Massage Therapy School Time Leslie GA
  • Accredited Local Massage Therapy Training Saint Simons Island GA
  • College Of Massage Therapy Hull GA
  • How To Become A Sports Massage Therapist Orchard Hill GA
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

     

    Hawkinsville, Georgia

    Hawkinsville is known as the "Harness Horse Capital" of Georgia.[5] The Lawrence Bennett Harness Horse Racing facility is owned by the city and serves as an important training ground during winter months.[6] The Harness Festival takes place every April at the end of training before horses head north for the harness racing season.

    Hawkinsville was founded by European Americans in 1830. In 1837, the seat of Pulaski County was transferred to Hawkinsville from Hartford.[7] The community was named for Benjamin Hawkins, delegate to the Continental Congress, and the United States Indian Agent in the Southeast, appointed by President George Washington.[8]

    The city includes Hawkinsville High School and several historical sites, including Hawkinsville City Hall-Auditorium, Hawkinsville Public School, the Merritt-Ragan House, the Pulaski County Courthouse, and Taylor Hall. St. Thomas African Methodist Episcopal Church was organized after the American Civil War as one of hundreds of AME churches planted in the South by missionaries from the first black independent denomination in the United States, founded in the early 19th century in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Hawkinsville Commercial and Industrial Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Hawkinsville is also home to the historic Hawkinsville Opera House.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 11

    At Ease Therapeutic Massage Inc
    4 Reviews
    Massage
    Phone:
    344 Corder Rd, Warner Robins, GA 31088

    Chiropractic Care & Rehabilitation
    4 Reviews
    Chiropractors, Massage Therapy, Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    2811 Watson Blvd, Ste 3, Warner Robins, GA 31093

    Serenity Salon & Spa
    7 Reviews
    Massage, Day Spas, Nail Salons
    Phone:
    239 Smithville Church Rd, Ste A, Warner Robins, GA 31088

    Jade Massage
    2 Reviews
    Massage, Massage Therapy, Reflexology
    Phone:
    1105 Russell Pkwy, Ste B1, Warner Robins, GA 31088

    Seasons Salon and Spa
    5 Reviews
    Beauty & Spas
    Phone:
    225 Wes Park Dr, Perry, GA 31069

    Smith Spinal Care Center
    1 Reviews
    Chiropractors, Pain Management, Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    1103 Russell Pkwy, Warner Robins, GA 31088

    Tibidabo Spa
    6 Reviews
    Day Spas, Nail Salons
    Phone:
    203 Byrd Ct, Warner Robins, GA 31088

    Footprints Spa
    18 Reviews
    Nail Salons, Massage, Day Spas
    Phone:
    3035 Watson Blvd, Ste 15, Warner Robins, GA 31093

    Illusions Salon & Spa
    2 Reviews
    Hair Salons, Day Spas
    Phone:
    1521 Russell Pkwy, Warner Robins, GA 31088

    Synergy Wellness & BodyCare
    1 Reviews
    Massage, Eyelash Service, Reflexology
    Phone:
    158 S Houston Lake Rd, Warner Robins, GA 31088