Therapeutic Massage Training Programs Near Me Tuscaloosa AL

How to Choose the Best Massage Therapist Training Classes near Tuscaloosa Alabama

Tuscaloosa AL massage therapist working on shoulderSelecting the best massage therapy school near Tuscaloosa AL is an important first step toward beginning a rewarding new career as a massage therapist.  After all, who wouldn’t want to work in a profession where the sole purpose is to help people feel and function better?  Massage therapists can work in a wide range of settings, such as hospitals, day spas, health clubs and even aboard cruise ships!  However prior to beginning a career in this specialty of holistic healthcare, receiving the proper training and licensing is essential.  And remember 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 reviewing and not just the cost or convenience of the locations.  We will provide a few fundamental tips that you should incorporate into your due diligence process when choosing a massage therapy school.

What is Massage Therapy?

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

Tuscaloosa 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 Tuscaloosa 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 Therapy Programs

Questions to ask Tuscaloosa AL massage therapy schoolsBefore you pick 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 Tuscaloosa 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 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 Tuscaloosa 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 Tuscaloosa 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.

Therapeutic Massage Training Programs Near Me Tuscaloosa AL

Tuscaloosa 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 Therapeutic Massage Training Programs Near Me and wanting to get more information on the topic Massage Therapy Night Classes.  However, by following the suggestions contained within this article, you will have an excellent opportunity for success by choosing the right massage therapist degree program.  And with the right education you will soon become a professional massage therapist servicing the Tuscaloosa Alabama area.

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    Tuscaloosa, Alabama

    Tuscaloosa (/tʌskəˈluːsə/ TUS-kə-LOO-sə) is a city in and the seat of Tuscaloosa County in west central Alabama (in the southeastern United States).[5] Located on the Black Warrior River at the Atlantic Seaboard fall line of the Piedmont, it is the fifth-largest city in Alabama, with an estimated population of 100,287 in 2017.

    Incorporated as a town on December 13, 1819, it was named after Tuskaloosa, the chief of a band of Muskogean-speaking people. They battled and were defeated by forces of Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto in 1540 in the Battle of Mabila, thought to have been located in what is now central Alabama.[6] Tuscaloosa served as Alabama's capital city from 1826 to 1846.

    Tuscaloosa is the regional center of industry, commerce, healthcare, and education for the area of west-central Alabama known as West Alabama. It is the principal city of the Tuscaloosa Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes Tuscaloosa, Hale and Pickens counties. In 2013 its estimated metro population was 235,628. Tuscaloosa is also the home of The University of Alabama, Stillman College and Shelton State Community College. While the city attracted international attention when Mercedes-Benz announced it would build its first automotive assembly plant in North America in Tuscaloosa County, the University of Alabama remains the dominant economic and cultural engine in the city.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 11

    Nancy Taylor Skin Therapy & Day Spa
    17 Reviews
    Day Spas, Hair Salons, Massage
    Phone:
    1213 McFarland Blvd NE, Tuscaloosa, AL 35406

    A Grayceful Touch Massage
    1 Reviews
    Massage Therapy, Massage
    Phone:
    9770 Hwy 69 S, Ste A, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405

    Spa Belle La Vie
    6 Reviews
    Day Spas, Massage, Skin Care
    Phone:
    1847 Commons N Dr, Tuscaloosa, AL 35406

    Dustin Wright
    1 Reviews
    Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    2703 Mcfarland Blvd E, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405

    Hydralive Therapy
    4 Reviews
    IV Hydration, Massage Therapy, Cryotherapy
    Phone:
    710 22nd Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

    JW Orthopedic Massage Therapy
    1 Reviews
    Massage Therapy, Medical Spas, Cryotherapy
    Phone:
    710 22nd Ave, Ste 1, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

    Spine And Sport Chiropractic
    2 Reviews
    Chiropractors, Massage Therapy, Sports Medicine
    Phone:
    1800 McFarland Blvd E, Ste 340, Tuscaloosa, AL 35404

    Chancee's Wellness Spa
    2 Reviews
    Massage Therapy, Skin Care, Waxing
    Phone:
    2324 McFarland Blvd E, Ste 5, Tuscaloosa, AL 35404

    Professional Massage Therapy
    2 Reviews
    Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    1420 B Greensboro Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

    Nova Vita Massage Therapy Clinic
    1 Reviews
    Reiki, Massage Therapy, Reflexology
    Phone:
    303 Hargrove Rd E, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401