Become A Massage Therapist Kansas City MO

How to Select the Right Massage Therapist Training Classes near Kansas City Missouri

Kansas City MO massage therapist working on shoulderEnrolling in the best massage therapy school near Kansas City MO is a critical first step toward beginning a fulfilling first or second career in massage therapy.  After all, who wouldn’t want to work in a profession where the sole purpose is to help people function and feel better?  Massage therapists can work in a wide variety 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 right training and licensing is essential.  And keep in mind that massage therapist schools are not all the same.  When making your evaluations, it’s essential that you research all facets of the schools you are reviewing and not just the cost or convenience of the locations.  We will provide a few basic tips that you need to include in your review process when selecting a massage therapy school.

What is Massage Therapy?

knee massage therapy in Kansas City MOAs mentioned in the introduction, massage therapy is a holistic form of healthcare in Kansas City MO 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 Kansas City MO 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 Therapy Education Requirements

Kansas City MO 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 Kansas City MO 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.

What to Ask Massage Therapy Programs

Questions to ask Kansas City MO 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 Kansas City MO. 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 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 Kansas City MO 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 Kansas City MO 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.

Become A Massage Therapist Kansas City MO

Kansas City MO 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 Become A Massage Therapist and wanting to get more information on the topic Student Massage Therapy.  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 Kansas City Missouri area.

Other Massage Therapy Locations in Missouri

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    Kansas City, Missouri

    Kansas City is the largest city in the U.S. state of Missouri. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city had an estimated population of 491,918 in 2018,[6] making it the 38th most-populous city in the United States. It is the central city of the Kansas City metropolitan area, which straddles the Kansas–Missouri state line. Kansas City was founded in the 1830s as a Missouri River port at its confluence with the Kansas River coming in from the west. On June 1, 1850 the town of Kansas was incorporated; shortly after came the establishment of the Kansas Territory. Confusion between the two ensued and the name Kansas City was assigned to distinguish them soon after.

    Sitting on Missouri's western boundary, with Downtown near the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri Rivers, the modern city encompasses some 319.03 square miles (826.3 km2), making it the 23rd largest city by total area in the United States. Most of the city lies within Jackson County, but portions spill into Clay, Cass, and Platte counties. Along with Independence, one of its major suburbs, it serves as one of the two county seats of Jackson County. Other major suburbs include the Missouri cities of Blue Springs and Lee's Summit and the Kansas cities of Overland Park, Olathe, and Kansas City.

    The city is composed of several neighborhoods, including the River Market District in the north, the 18th and Vine District in the east, and the Country Club Plaza in the south. Kansas City is known for its long tradition of jazz music and culture, especially theater – the city was the center of the Vaudevillian Orpheum circuit in the 1920s. It is also noted for its cuisine, including its distinctive Kansas City-style barbecue, and its craft breweries.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 257

    Crossroads Chiropractic & Wellness Center
    39 Reviews
    Chiropractors, Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    1808 McGee St, Kansas City, MO 64105

    Haleli Wellness, LLC
    21 Reviews
    Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    5722 North Broadway, Kansas City, MO 64118

    Body Therapy By Betty
    5 Reviews
    Massage Therapy, Reiki
    Phone:
    706 W Pennway, Kansas City, MO 64108

    Kyle Myrick Massage
    4 Reviews
    Massage
    Phone:
    Kansas City, MO 64111

    Praxis Wellness
    22 Reviews
    Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    11 On The Mall, Prairie Village, KS 66208

    Dark Horse Massage Therapy
    10 Reviews
    Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    1620 Locust, Ste 200, Kansas City, MO 64108

    The Massage Point
    8 Reviews
    Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    6247 Brookside Blvd, Ste 243, Kansas City, MO 64113

    Centered Spirit
    1 Reviews
    Massage Therapy, Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine
    Phone:
    8131 Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO 64114

    Massage by Mary
    3 Reviews
    Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    2790 Clay Edwards Dr, Kansas City, MO 64116

    Green Leaf Massage + Day Spa
    22 Reviews
    Massage, Skin Care, Day Spas
    Phone:
    3700 Broadway, Ste 380, Kansas City, MO 64111