How to Select the Best Massage Therapy Course near Dornsife Pennsylvania
Choosing the right massage therapist school near Dornsife PA is a critical first step toward launching a rewarding new career in massage therapy. After all, who wouldn’t want to work in an occupation where the sole purpose is to help patients feel and function better? Massage therapists can work in a wide range of settings, including medical clinics, health spas, hospitals and alternative care facilities. However prior to beginning a career in this specialty of holistic healthcare, obtaining the right training and licensing is a must. And keep in mind that not all massage therapy programs are the same. When making your evaluations, it’s vital that you research all aspects 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 incorporate into your review process when selecting a massage therapist school.
What is Massage Therapy?
As mentioned in the introduction, massage therapy is a holistic form of healthcare in Dornsife PA 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 Dornsife PA 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
Most 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 Dornsife PA 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 Schools
Before you choose a massage therapy 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 Dornsife PA. 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 picking 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 Dornsife PA 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 Dornsife PA 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 To Become A Massage Therapist Dornsife PA
Good 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 To Become A Massage Therapist and wanting to get more information on the topic Massage Therapy Curriculum. 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 Dornsife Pennsylvania area.
Other Massage Therapy Locations in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Route 225
Pennsylvania Route 225 (PA 225) is a 48.5-mile-long (78.1 km) state highway located in Dauphin and Northumberland Counties in Pennsylvania. The southern terminus is at an interchange with U.S. Route 22 (US 22)/US 322 in Dauphin. The northern terminus is at PA 61 in Shamokin. PA 225 is mostly a two-lane undivided road running through mountain and valley areas in the central part of the state. The route serves the communities of Halifax, Elizabethville, Berrysburg, Pillow, and Trevorton. PA 225 intersects PA 325 north of Dauphin, PA 147 in Halifax, US 209 in Elizabethville, PA 25 in Berrysburg, and PA 890 in Trevorton.
PA 225 was designated in 1928 to run from PA 25 in Berrysburg north to Shamokin, where it turned south and ended in Line Mountain. The northern terminus of the route was truncated to US 122 (now PA 61) in Shamokin in the 1930s, with PA 125 replacing the section between Shamokin and Line Mountain. Also, the route was extended south to US 11/US 15/US 22/US 322 at Allegheny Street in Dauphin. The southern terminus was constructed into an interchange in 1942. The south end of PA 225 was realigned to end at an interchange with the US 22/US 322 freeway bypass of Dauphin in 1999, with the new alignment of PA 225 bypassing the borough to the west.
PA 225 begins at an interchange with the US 22/US 322 freeway in Middle Paxton Township, Dauphin County, heading east on Peters Mountain Road, a four-lane divided highway. The route soon becomes a two-lane undivided road and runs through wooded areas with some residences. The road briefly enters the borough of Dauphin, where it turns north back into Middle Paxton Township and heads through rural areas of homes. PA 225 turns to the northwest and intersects PA 325, at which point that route comes from the east to turn north and form a concurrency with PA 225. The road passes through woods before heading into agricultural areas, with PA 325 splitting to the west. Past this, the route turns northeast to ascend forested Peters Mountain. At the summit, the road heads into Halifax Township and passes under a bridge carrying the Appalachian Trail, making a hairpin turn to the west to descend the mountain. PA 225 makes another hairpin turn to the northeast before turning north and coming into a valley containing agricultural areas with a few homes. The route runs north-northeast before passing through the residential communities of Powells Valley and Matamoras, heading more to the north at this point. PA 225 turns northeast again and intersects PA 147, at which point that route turns northeast to join PA 225. The road gains a center left-turn lane and heads north through rural areas of homes and businesses. The two routes continue into the borough of Halifax and become South 4th Street, losing the center left-turn lane and passing several homes. PA 147 splits from PA 225 by heading west on Market Street, and PA 225 continues north on North 4th Street. The route turns east onto Armstrong Street, passing more residences and some businesses.[2][3]
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