Massage Therapy Programs Near Me Little Rock AR

How to Find the Best Massage Therapy Training Program near Little Rock Arkansas

Little Rock AR massage therapist working on shoulderEnrolling in the best massage therapist school near Little Rock AR is a critical first step toward starting a fulfilling new 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 variety of locations, such as medical clinics, health spas, hospitals and alternative care facilities.  But before beginning a career in this specialty of holistic healthcare, receiving the proper training and licensing is a must.  And keep in mind that massage therapist schools are not all the same.  When making your evaluations, it’s vital that you look at all facets of the schools you are reviewing and not just the cost or convenience of the locations.  Following are a few basic tips that you need to incorporate into your due diligence process when choosing a massage therapist school.

What is a Massage Therapist?

knee massage therapy in Little Rock ARAs mentioned in the introduction, massage therapy is a holistic form of healthcare in Little Rock AR 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 Little Rock AR 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 Therapist Education Requirements

Little Rock AR 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 Little Rock AR 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 Courses

Questions to ask Little Rock AR massage therapy schoolsBefore you enroll in 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 Little Rock AR. 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 Little Rock AR 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 Little Rock AR 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 Programs Near Me Little Rock AR

Little Rock AR 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 Programs Near Me and wanting to get more information on the topic Massage Therapy School Prices.  However, by following the suggestions contained within this article, you will have an excellent opportunity for success by enrolling in the right massage therapy school.  And with the right education you will soon become a professional massage therapist servicing the Little Rock Arkansas area.

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    Little Rock, Arkansas

    Little Rock is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Arkansas. As the county seat of Pulaski County, the city was incorporated on November 7, 1831, on the south bank of the Arkansas River close to the state's geographic center. The city derives its name from a rock formation along the river, named the "Little Rock" (French: La Petite Roche) by the French explorer Jean-Baptiste BĂ©nard de la Harpe in the 1720s. The capital of the Arkansas Territory was moved to Little Rock from Arkansas Post in 1821. The city's population was 198,541 in 2016 according to the United States Census Bureau. The six-county Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) is ranked 78th in terms of population in the United States with 738,344 residents according to the 2017 estimate by the United States Census Bureau.[4][5]

    Little Rock is a cultural, economic, government, and transportation center within Arkansas and the South. Several cultural institutions are in Little Rock, such as the Arkansas Arts Center, the Arkansas Repertory Theatre, and the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, in addition to hiking, boating, and other outdoor recreational opportunities. Little Rock's history is available through history museums, historic districts or neighborhoods like the Quapaw Quarter, and historic sites such as Little Rock Central High School. The city is the headquarters of Dillard's, Windstream Communications, Acxiom, Stephens Inc., University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Heifer International, the Clinton Foundation, the Rose Law Firm, and Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Other corporations, such as Dassault Falcon Jet, LM Wind Power, Simmons Bank, Euronet Worldwide, AT&T, and Entergy have large operations in the city. State government is a large employer, with many offices downtown. Two major Interstate highways, Interstate 30 and Interstate 40, meet in Little Rock, with the Port of Little Rock serving as a shipping hub.

    Little Rock derives its name from a small rock formation on the south bank of the Arkansas River called the "Little Rock" (French: La Petite Roche). The Little Rock was used by early river traffic as a landmark and became a well-known river crossing. The Little Rock is across the river from The Big Rock, a large bluff at the edge of the river, which was once used as a rock quarry.[6]

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 51

    Little Rock Touch
    4 Reviews
    Massage, Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    415 N McKinley St, Ste 465C, Little Rock, AR 72205

    Massage Little Rock
    3 Reviews
    Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    615 Beechwood St, Little Rock, AR 72205

    Arkansas Healing Arts Massage & Wellness
    9 Reviews
    Massage, Reflexology, Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    8201 Cantrell Rd, Ste 340, Little Rock, AR 72227

    Christina's Therapeutic Massage
    1 Reviews
    Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    7909 Mann Rd, Ste D, Little Rock, AR 72209

    V-Star Salon
    5 Reviews
    Hair Stylists, Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    2110 W Short 17th St, North Little Rock, AR 72114

    H&H Holistic Massage Therapy
    2 Reviews
    Massage Therapy, Massage
    Phone:
    1015 W 2nd St, Ste 214, Little Rock, AR 72201

    The Body Shoppe Massage & Day Spa
    8 Reviews
    Day Spas, Massage, Skin Care
    Phone:
    11815 Mara Lynn Rd, Little Rock, AR 72211

    Ava Bella Day Spa
    13 Reviews
    Day Spas, Nail Salons, Eyelash Service
    Phone:
    301 N Shackleford Rd, Ste C3, Little Rock, AR 72211

    Medical Massage
    4 Reviews
    Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    1017 West 41st St, Medical Massage, North Little Rock, AR 72118

    The Massage Whisperer
    1 Reviews
    Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    4 Shackleford Plz, Ste 205, Little Rock, AR 72211