How to Find the Right Massage Therapist Degree Program near Earlville Pennsylvania
Enrolling in the best massage therapist school near Earlville PA is an important first step toward launching a fulfilling new career as a massage therapist. After all, who wouldn’t want to work in a profession where the sole purpose is to help patients feel and function better? Massage therapists are employed in a wide variety of locations, including medical clinics, health spas, hospitals and alternative care facilities. But before beginning a career in this specialty of alternative medicine, receiving the proper training and licensing is essential. And keep in mind that not all massage therapy programs are alike. When making your evaluations, it’s vital 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 fundamental tips that you need to include in your due diligence process when choosing a massage therapist school.
What is a Massage Therapist?
As mentioned in the introduction, massage therapy is a holistic form of healthcare in Earlville 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 Earlville 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.
Click Here to Get Free Information on Massage Therapy Schools Near You!
Massage Therapist Training 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 Earlville 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 Therapist Schools
Before you select 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 Earlville 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 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 Earlville 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 Earlville 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.
Massage Therapy School Requirements Earlville 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 Massage Therapy School Requirements and wanting to get more information on the topic Massage Therapy Program Cost. However, by following the suggestions contained within this article, you will have an excellent opportunity for success by choosing the right massage therapy training program. And with the right education you will soon become a professional massage therapist servicing the Earlville Pennsylvania area.
Other Massage Therapy Locations in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Route 562
Pennsylvania Route 562 (PA 562) is a state highway in Berks County, Pennsylvania. The route runs 13.92 mi (22.40 km) from U.S. Route 422 Business (US 422 Bus.) in St. Lawrence east to PA 73 in Boyertown. PA 562 is a two-lane undivided road its entire length, passing through rural areas of eastern Berks County as it connects Boyertown to the Reading area. Along the way, PA 562 intersects PA 662 in the community of Yellow House. PA 562 was first designated by 1930 between Stonersville and PA 62 (later PA 100) southwest of Boyertown, running via Amityville and Yellow House. In the 1930s, the route was extended west to US 422 (now US 422 Bus.) in St. Lawrence and was realigned to its current alignment. PA 562 was extended east to PA 73 in 1964 after PA 100 was shifted to a new alignment to the east of Boyertown.
PA 562 begins at an intersection with US 422 Bus. in the borough of St. Lawrence in Berks County to the east of the city of Reading. From this intersection, the route heads east as two-lane undivided St. Lawrence Avenue, passing through business areas. The road curves southeast into residential areas, soon turning to the east. PA 562 leaves St. Lawrence for Exeter Township and becomes Boyertown Pike, passing through the residential community of Jacksonwald. The road continues into a mix of farmland and woodland with some homes, curving southeast as it comes to the community of Stonersville. The route heads northeast into Amity Township and continues through agricultural areas, curving east and forming the border between Oley Township to the north and Amity Township to the south. In the community of Yellow House, PA 562 crosses PA 662.[2][3]
The road continues east through farmland and becomes the border between Earl Township to the north and Amity Township to the south as it comes to the residential community of Earlville and crosses Manatawny Creek. The route bends south to fully enter Amity Township, where it runs between woodland to the north and residential subdivisions to the south. PA 562 continues east-northeast into Earl Township and passes through a mix of farms and woods with some homes, soon entering Douglass Township. The road becomes Reading Avenue and continues through rural areas, passing through the community of Greshville. The route heads northeast into Colebrookdale Township and intersects Farmington Avenue as it passes through the residential community of Morysville. PA 562 enters the borough of Boyertown and continues past homes on South Reading Avenue before it reaches its eastern terminus at PA 73 in the commercial downtown. North Reading Avenue continues past this intersection to an interchange with PA 100 near New Berlinville.[2][3]
Business Results 1 - 10 of 198
3 Reviews 
8 Reviews 
3 Reviews 
3 Reviews 
1 Reviews 
1 Reviews 
9 Reviews 
11 Reviews 
1 Reviews 
33 Reviews 