Massage Therapy School Requirements Weyers Cave VA

How to Choose the Best Massage Therapist Course near Weyers Cave Virginia

Weyers Cave VA massage therapist working on shoulderSelecting the best massage therapist school near Weyers Cave VA is a critical first step toward beginning a rewarding new career as a massage therapist.  After all, who wouldn’t enjoy working in a profession where the primary goal is to help patients feel and function better?  Massage therapists are employed in a wide range of settings, including medical clinics, health spas, hospitals and alternative care facilities.  However prior to starting a career in this specialty of holistic healthcare, obtaining the proper training and licensing is essential.  And remember that massage therapist schools are not all alike.  When making your evaluations, it’s important that you look at all facets of the schools you are reviewing and not make your decision based solely on location or cost of tuition.  Following are some fundamental tips that you should include in your review process when choosing a massage therapy school.

What is Massage Therapy?

knee massage therapy in Weyers Cave VAAs mentioned in the introduction, massage therapy is a holistic form of healthcare in Weyers Cave VA 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 Weyers Cave VA 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 Therapy Training Requirements

Weyers Cave VA 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 Weyers Cave VA 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 Programs

Questions to ask Weyers Cave VA massage therapy schoolsBefore you enroll in a massage therapy 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 Weyers Cave VA. 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 therapist 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 Weyers Cave VA 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 Weyers Cave VA 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 Weyers Cave VA

Weyers Cave VA 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 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 therapist training course.  And with the right education you will soon become a professional massage therapist servicing the Weyers Cave Virginia area.

Other Massage Therapy Locations in Virginia

  • Massage Therapy Night Classes Park VA
  • Become A Massage Therapist Wardtown VA
  • Top Ranked Massage Therapy Schools Altavista VA
  • Licensed Massage Therapist School Goochland VA
  • How Much Is Massage Therapy School Corbin VA
  • Massage Therapy College Near Me Wicomico VA
  • I Want To Learn Massage Therapy Charles City VA
  • Massage Therapy Classes Lancaster VA
  • Massage Therapy Lessons Broad Run VA
  • Massage Therapy School Requirements Norwood VA
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

     

    Weyers Cave, Virginia

    Weyers Cave (/ˈwɪərz/ WEERZ) is a census-designated place (CDP) in Augusta County, Virginia, United States. The population was 2,473 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Staunton–Waynesboro Micropolitan Statistical Area.

    Weyers Cave is the site of the first chapter (1927) of the Future Farmers of Virginia, later to become the National FFA Organization. It is also the site of Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport and the main campus of Blue Ridge Community College.

    As of the census[5] of 2000, there were 1,225 people, 462 households, and 354 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 185.1 people per square mile (71.4/km²). There were 490 housing units at an average density of 74.1/sq mi (28.6/km²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 96.73% White, 0.90% African American, 0.08% Asian, 0.98% from other races, and 1.31% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.73% of the population.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 25

    Becky Bartells Massage Therapy
    3 Reviews
    Massage Therapy, Reiki
    Phone:
    217 S Liberty St, Ste 201, Harrisonburg, VA 22801

    Cedar Stone A Wellness Spa
    28 Reviews
    Day Spas, Massage, Skin Care
    Phone:
    1832 S Main St, Harrisonburg, VA 22801

    Healing Touch Body Work
    10 Reviews
    Massage Therapy, Reflexology, Traditional Chinese Medicine
    Phone:
    644 Greenville Ave, Staunton, VA 24401

    Bompiani Chiropractic Center
    1 Reviews
    Chiropractors, Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    861 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Harrisonburg, VA 22801

    Solace Therapeutic Massage
    3 Reviews
    Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    2015 Reservoir St, Ste 202, Harrisonburg, VA 22801

    The Spa at Massanutten
    13 Reviews
    Day Spas, Massage, Skin Care
    Phone:
    1824 Resort Dr, Massanutten Resort, Massanutten, VA 22840

    The Healing Touch Wellness Spa
    15 Reviews
    Day Spas, Hydrotherapy
    Phone:
    1966 Evelyn Byrd Ave, Harrisonburg, VA 22801

    Rivendell Massage Therapy
    2 Reviews
    Massage
    Phone:
    225 N High St, Harrisonburg, VA 22802

    Four Seasons Harmony
    2 Reviews
    Ayurveda, Massage, Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    217 S Liberty St, Ste 201, Harrisonburg, VA 22801

    Cedar Stone Spa
    1 Reviews
    Waxing, Skin Care, Day Spas
    Phone:
    315 Lucy Dr, Harrisonburg, VA 22801