Category Archives: Rhode Island

Nearest Massage Therapy School Westerly RI

How to Choose the Best Massage Therapy Training Classes near Westerly Rhode Island

Westerly RI massage therapist working on shoulderPicking the right massage therapy school near Westerly RI is a critical first step toward beginning a fulfilling first or second career as a massage therapist.  After all, who wouldn’t want to work in an occupation where the primary goal is to help patients feel and function better?  Massage therapists can work in a wide variety of settings, including hospitals, day spas, health clubs and even aboard cruise ships!  However prior to beginning a career in this specialty of alternative medicine, obtaining the proper training and licensing is imperative.  And remember 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 considering and not just the cost or convenience of the locations.  Following are a few fundamental tips that you need to include in your due diligence process when selecting a massage therapist school.

What is Massage Therapy?

knee massage therapy in Westerly RIAs mentioned in the introduction, massage therapy is a holistic form of healthcare in Westerly RI 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 Westerly RI 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

Westerly RI 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 Westerly RI 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 Westerly RI 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 Westerly RI. 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 choosing 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 Westerly RI 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 Westerly RI 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.

Nearest Massage Therapy School Westerly RI

Westerly RI 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 Nearest Massage Therapy School and wanting to get more information on the topic Massage Therapy Programs Near Me.  However, by following the suggestions contained within this article, you will have an excellent opportunity for success by selecting the right massage therapist training program.  And with the right education you will soon become a professional massage therapist servicing the Westerly Rhode Island area.

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    Westerly, Rhode Island

    Westerly is a town on the southwestern shoreline of Washington County, Rhode Island, first settled by English colonists in 1661 and incorporated as a municipality in 1669. It is a beachfront community on the south shore of the state with a population of 22,787 as of the 2010 census.

    The Pawcatuck River flows on the western border of Westerly and was once renowned for its own species of Westerly salmon, three of which are on the town's official seal. The river flows from 15 mi (24 km) inland, emptying into Little Narragansett Bay. It also serves as the boundary between Westerly and Pawcatuck, Connecticut. Three large salt ponds lie along the coast of Westerly which serve as shallow, reef-like pools whose outer walls form the long, white beaches for which the town is renowned. From west to east, these ponds are Maschaug Pond, Winnapaug Pond, and Quonochontaug Pond.

    The Westerly area was known for its granite and stone-cutting industry,[3][4] which quarried a unique stone known as Westerly granite. This pinkish granite is ideal for statuary and has been used in numerous government buildings of several states on the eastern seaboard. [5]

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 67

    New Harmony Therapeutic Massage & Somatic Bodywork
    1 Reviews
    Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    13 River Crest Dr, Pwctck, CT 06379

    Uptown Salon & Spa
    24 Reviews
    Day Spas, Hair Salons, Nail Salons
    Phone:
    31 Post Rd, Westerly, RI 02891

    Massage On Main
    7 Reviews
    Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    212 Main St, South Kingstown, RI 02879

    The Tranquil Owl
    2 Reviews
    Massage, Reiki
    Phone:
    22 Bayview Ave, 4D, Stonington, CT 06378

    Barnett Chiropractic and Massage Center
    3 Reviews
    Chiropractors, Massage Therapy, Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    495 Gold Star Hwy, Ste 324, Groton, CT 06340

    Optimal Wellness Therapeutic Massage
    3 Reviews
    Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    24 Salt Pond Rd, Ste D 8, Wakefield, RI 02879

    Stonington Natural Health Center
    3 Reviews
    Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    107 Wilcox Rd, Ste 103, Stonington, CT 06378

    Massage Therafix
    2 Reviews
    Massage Therapy, Pain Management, Acupuncture
    Phone:
    10 Croft Ct, Pawcatuck, CT 06379

    Mystic Massage & Wellness
    4 Reviews
    Skin Care, Massage, Reiki
    Phone:
    60 Willow St, Ste 102B, Mystic, CT 06355

    Spa Thayer
    12 Reviews
    Massage, Skin Care, Hair Salons
    Phone:
    9 Pier Marketplace, Narragansett, RI 02882