Accredited Local Massage Therapy Training Pigeon Forge TN

How to Choose the Right Massage Therapist Training Course near Pigeon Forge Tennessee

Pigeon Forge TN massage therapist working on shoulderPicking the best massage therapist school near Pigeon Forge TN is an important first step toward beginning a fulfilling new career as a massage therapist.  After all, who wouldn’t enjoy working in an occupation where the primary goal is to help patients function and feel better?  Massage therapists are employed in a wide variety of settings, such as medical clinics, health spas, hospitals and alternative care facilities.  But before beginning a career in this specialty of holistic healthcare, receiving the right training and licensing is a must.  And keep in mind that not all massage therapy programs are the same.  When evaluating your options, 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 should incorporate into your due diligence process when choosing a massage therapy school.

What is Massage Therapy?

knee massage therapy in Pigeon Forge TNAs mentioned in the introduction, massage therapy is a holistic form of healthcare in Pigeon Forge TN 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 Pigeon Forge TN 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

Pigeon Forge TN 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 Pigeon Forge TN 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 Pigeon Forge TN massage therapy schoolsBefore you choose a massage therapist 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 Pigeon Forge TN. 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 selecting a massage therapist 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 Pigeon Forge TN 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 Pigeon Forge TN 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.

Accredited Local Massage Therapy Training Pigeon Forge TN

Pigeon Forge TN 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 Accredited Local Massage Therapy Training and wanting to get more information on the topic Massage Therapy College Near Me.  However, by following the suggestions contained within this article, you will have an excellent opportunity for success by picking the right massage therapist school.  And with the right education you will soon become a professional massage therapist servicing the Pigeon Forge Tennessee area.

Other Massage Therapy Locations in Tennessee

  • Registered Massage Therapist Program Cumberland Furnace TN
  • Good Massage Therapy Schools Allons TN
  • Massage Therapy Curriculum Centerville TN
  • Registered Massage Therapist School Springville TN
  • Certified Massage Therapist School Georgetown TN
  • Become A Massage Therapist Erwin TN
  • Massage Therapy Degree Yuma TN
  • Massage Therapy Classes Online Eva TN
  • Become A Massage Therapist Loretto TN
  • Licensed Massage Therapist School Maury City TN
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

     

    Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

    Pigeon Forge is a mountain resort city in Sevier County, Tennessee, in the southeastern United States. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 5,875. Situated just 5 miles (8 km) north of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Pigeon Forge is a tourist destination that caters primarily to Southern culture and country music fans. The city's attractions include Dollywood and Dollywood's Splash Country as well as numerous gift shops, outlet malls, amusement rides, and musical theaters.

    The name "Pigeon Forge" comes from an iron forge built by Isaac Love (1783–1854) some time around 1820. The name of this forge referred to its location along the Little Pigeon River, in the vicinity of what is now the Old Mill. The name of the river comes from the flocks of passenger pigeons that frequented its banks at the time of the first Euro-American settlers' arrival.[5]

    For centuries, the Cherokee used the valley where Pigeon Forge is now located as a hunting ground. A Cherokee footpath known as "Indian Gap Trail" crossed the Great Smokies from North Carolina and passed through the Pigeon Forge valley en route to its junction with Great Indian Warpath in modern Sevierville. (US-441 closely parallels this ancient trail, although it crests the mountains at Newfound Gap rather than Indian Gap). From Sevierville, Great Indian Warpath headed west toward the Overhill Cherokee towns along the Little Tennessee River.[6]

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 25

    Pure Mountain Therapy
    5 Reviews
    Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    1052 Scenic Hills Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

    St Somewhere Spa
    11 Reviews
    Day Spas
    Phone:
    131 Island Dr, Ste 5108, Margaritaville Island Hotel, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

    Smoky Mountain Massage Therapy
    3 Reviews
    Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    2902 Veterans Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

    Sevierville Massage Therapy
    12 Reviews
    Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    636 Wall St, Ste 1, Sevierville, TN 37862

    Quiet Reflections Massage
    11 Reviews
    Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    1352 Dolly Parton Pkwy, Sevierville, TN 37862

    Gatlinburg Mobile Massage
    19 Reviews
    Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    Gatlinburg, TN 37738

    Blue Mountain Mist Spa
    9 Reviews
    Day Spas, Massage, Nail Salons
    Phone:
    1811 Pullen Rd, Apt A, Sevierville, TN 37862

    The Spa at RiverStone
    5 Reviews
    Day Spas, Massage Therapy, Skin Care
    Phone:
    212 Dollywood Ln, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

    Serenity Spa by Westgate
    2 Reviews
    Day Spas, Massage, Skin Care
    Phone:
    915 Westgate Resort Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

    Recharge Yourself Massage & Bodywork
    1 Reviews
    Massage, Massage Therapy, Day Spas
    Phone:
    1038 Boardly Hills Blvd, Sevierville, TN 37876