Top Ranked Massage Therapy Schools Vilonia AR

How to Choose the Best Massage Therapist Training Program near Vilonia Arkansas

Vilonia AR massage therapist working on shoulderPicking the best massage therapy school near Vilonia AR is an important first step toward starting a rewarding first or second career as a massage therapist.  After all, who wouldn’t want to work in an occupation where the sole purpose is to help people feel and function better?  Massage therapists can work in a wide range of locations, including hospitals, day spas, health clubs and even aboard cruise ships!  But before beginning a career in this specialty of alternative medicine, obtaining the proper 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 important that you look at all facets of the schools you are considering and not just the cost or convenience of the locations.  We will provide a few fundamental tips that you should include in your review process when selecting a massage therapy school.

What is Massage Therapy?

knee massage therapy in Vilonia ARAs mentioned in the introduction, massage therapy is a holistic form of healthcare in Vilonia 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 Vilonia 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.

Click Here to Get Free Information on Massage Therapy Schools Near You!

Massage Therapy Training Requirements

Vilonia 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 Vilonia 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 Programs

Questions to ask Vilonia AR massage therapy schoolsBefore you enroll in a massage therapist 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 Vilonia 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 enrolling in a massage therapy 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 Vilonia 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 Vilonia 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.

Top Ranked Massage Therapy Schools Vilonia AR

Vilonia 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 Top Ranked Massage Therapy Schools and wanting to get more information on the topic Massage Therapist Education.  However, by following the suggestions contained within this article, you will have an excellent opportunity for success by picking the right massage therapy training program.  And with the right education you will soon become a professional massage therapist servicing the Vilonia Arkansas area.

Other Massage Therapy Locations in Arkansas

  • How To Become A Massage Therapist Western Grove AR
  • Massage Therapy Evening Courses Dumas AR
  • Registered Massage Therapist Program Elaine AR
  • Registered Massage Therapist School Summit AR
  • Student Massage Therapy Strawberry AR
  • Certified Massage Therapist Training Sulphur Rock AR
  • Therapeutic Massage Training Programs Near Me Gateway AR
  • Learn Massage Therapy Online Henderson AR
  • Going To School For Massage Therapy Dermott AR
  • Massage Therapy Degree Cost Pickens AR
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

     

    Vilonia, Arkansas

    Vilonia is a city[3] in Faulkner County, Arkansas, United States. Its population was 3,815 at the 2010 census,[4] up from 2,106 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Little Rock–North Little Rock–Conway Metropolitan Statistical Area.

    A small portion of the town was destroyed by a tornado on the evening of April 25, 2011. The devastated area was a mobile home park. The tornado was confirmed by National Weather Service survey crews, who rated the tornado a high end EF2. Four people were killed in the Vilonia area as a result of the twister.[6][7]

    On April 27, 2014 in the late evening hours, a violent EF4 tornado slammed through Mayflower and continued on into Vilonia just before 8 PM. Sixteen people were killed, several homes in one subdivision were swept clean off their foundations, a 15-ton fertilizer tank was thrown 3/4 of a mile, and several businesses were damaged or destroyed. The rating is disputed due to the fact that houses were completely obliterated. The NWS office in Little Rock said that if it occurred before the EF-Scale was implemented in 2007, it more than likely would have been rated an F5. There was consideration for upgrading the tornado to EF5 status, but due to the low quality of construction, the EF4 rating stands.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 48

    Dotty Pitchell Massage
    1 Reviews
    Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    940 Windgate, Ste 3, Conway, AR 72034

    TSL Hair Studio
    1 Reviews
    Hair Salons
    Phone:
    108B Plaza Blvd, Cabot, AR 72023

    Luna Massage & Spa
    3 Reviews
    Massage Therapy, Massage
    Phone:
    2645 Prince St, Conway, AR 72034

    Massage Advantage Corporate
    4 Reviews
    Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    9424 Bridge Creek Rd, Sherwood, AR 72120

    Abundant Health Chiropractic & Therapeutic Massage
    2 Reviews
    Chiropractors, Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    797 Teal Dr, Conway, AR 72034

    Shalee's Day Spa and Skin Care
    8 Reviews
    Day Spas, Massage
    Phone:
    1102 S Pine St, Ste 8, Cabot, AR 72023

    The Spa'ah
    3 Reviews
    Massage Therapy, Hydrotherapy, Estheticians
    Phone:
    810 Amity Rd, Ste 201, Conway, AR 72032

    Massage Envy - Conway
    1 Reviews
    Massage, Skin Care, Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    1040 S Amity Rd, Ste K, Conway, AR 72032

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

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