Colleges That Offer Massage Therapy Fultondale AL

How to Choose the Best Massage Therapist Training Course near Fultondale Alabama

Fultondale AL massage therapist working on shoulderSelecting the right massage therapy school near Fultondale AL is a critical first step toward beginning a fulfilling first or second career in massage therapy.  After all, who wouldn’t enjoy working in an occupation where the primary goal is to help patients function and feel better?  Massage therapists can work in a wide range of locations, such as hospitals, day spas, health clubs and even aboard cruise ships!  But before beginning a career in this specialty of holistic healthcare, obtaining the right training and licensing is imperative.  And keep in mind that massage therapist schools are not all the same.  When making your evaluations, it’s essential that you look at all aspects of the schools you are considering and not make your decision based solely on location or cost of tuition.  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 Massage Therapy?

knee massage therapy in Fultondale ALAs mentioned in the introduction, massage therapy is a holistic form of healthcare in Fultondale AL 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 Fultondale AL 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

Fultondale AL 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 Fultondale AL 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 Therapist Courses

Questions to ask Fultondale AL massage therapy schoolsBefore you choose 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 Fultondale AL. 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 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 Fultondale AL 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 Fultondale AL 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.

Colleges That Offer Massage Therapy Fultondale AL

Fultondale AL 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 Colleges That Offer Massage Therapy and wanting to get more information on the topic Accredited Local Massage Therapy Courses.  However, by following the suggestions contained within this article, you will have an excellent opportunity for success by picking the right massage therapy training course.  And with the right education you will soon become a professional massage therapist servicing the Fultondale Alabama area.

Other Massage Therapy Locations in Alabama

  • Certificate In Therapeutic Massage Millport AL
  • Accelerated Massage Therapy Programs Brierfield AL
  • Clinical Massage Therapy Schools Marion Junction AL
  • Massage Therapy Major Woodland AL
  • Affordable Massage Therapy School Fort Rucker AL
  • Nearest Massage Therapy School Sayre AL
  • Registered Massage Therapist School Maylene AL
  • Registered Massage Therapist Course Spanish Fort AL
  • Massage Therapy Training Uriah AL
  • Massage Therapy School Curriculum Gaylesville AL
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    Fultondale, Alabama

    This area was once known as Fulton Springs. Prior to the building of Interstate 65, US 31 was the main route for travelers northbound from Birmingham towards Nashville, Tennessee. As a result, hotels such as the Keystone Lodge and Buchmann Motor Inn prospered. On the city's southern edge was located one of the few drive-in theatres in the Birmingham area (the "Skyview"). This was torn down when I-65 was built in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The Pine Bowl bowling alley is still a long time fixture in the city.Traces of the old routing of US 31 are still noticeable in the city. From just south of the city hall to an old bridge on this city's northern side, most of this old routing is known as Stouts Road or in some cases simply "old US 31."[6]

    Fultondale was a relatively stagnant community until the last decade. Growth has occurred in residential areas mainly west of Interstate 65, while retail development has focused along and near the I-65/Walkers Chapel Road exit.

    According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 12.2 square miles (32 km2), all land. Fultondale is located along one of the many ridgelines that comprise the southern end of the Appalachian Mountain chain. The area has been thoroughly mined for coal and other minerals in the past 100 years. The city is served by two major north/south highways, Interstate 65 and US Highway 31. The new Interstate 22 encroaches on the city's western edge and on June 20, 2016, the interchange with I-65 just south of Fultondale opened. I-22 will provide direct interstate access to Memphis, Tennessee. Upon completion of Interstate 22, Fultondale will become the fourth Alabama city (after Birmingham, Montgomery, and Mobile) to be directly served by more than one two-digit interstate highway (I-65 & I-22). The only east/west thoroughfare of note is Walkers Chapel Road (west of US 31) and New Castle Road (east of US 31). Rail lines run north/south along the city's eastern edge from Boyles Yard in Tarrant to points north and east. Air travel is available from nearby Birmingham International Airport.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 48

    Massage Dat
    13 Reviews
    Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    500 Southland Dr, Ste 201, Birmingham, AL 35226

    Judy Bowles
    6 Reviews
    Massage, Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    1025 23rd St S, Birmingham, AL 35205

    The Retreat Day Spa
    8 Reviews
    Day Spas
    Phone:
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    Evolve Massage & Alternative Healing
    5 Reviews
    Massage Therapy, Pain Management, Alternative Medicine
    Phone:
    1034 23rd St S, Ste 202, Birmingham, AL 35205

    Escape Day Spa
    74 Reviews
    Massage, Day Spas, Eyelash Service
    Phone:
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    Birmingham Massage
    1 Reviews
    Massage Therapy, Massage
    Phone:
    101 23rd St N, Birmingham, AL 35203

    Spiro Salt Room & Massage Therapy
    6 Reviews
    Massage Therapy, Halotherapy
    Phone:
    2816 Culver Rd, Mountain Brook, AL 35223

    Massage Envy - Mountain Brook
    29 Reviews
    Massage, Skin Care, Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    2800 Cahaba Village Plz, Mountain Brook, AL 35243

    Elite Hands Massage Therapy
    2 Reviews
    Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    1776 Independence Ct, Ste 202B, Birmingham, AL 35216

    Widdoss Therapeutic Massage
    2 Reviews
    Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    2802 Airport Rd Greenville,, AL, Ste 260, Greenville, AL 36037