Become A Massage Therapist West Lafayette IN

How to Choose the Best Massage Therapy School near West Lafayette Indiana

West Lafayette IN massage therapist working on shoulderChoosing the best massage therapist school near West Lafayette IN is a critical first step toward beginning a rewarding new career as a massage therapist.  As you have no doubt concluded, who wouldn’t enjoy working in an occupation where the primary goal is to help patients feel and function better?  Massage therapists can work in a wide range of settings, including hospitals, day spas, health clubs and even aboard cruise ships!  But before starting a career in this specialty of holistic healthcare, receiving the proper training and licensing is a must.  And remember that not all massage therapy programs are the same.  When evaluating your options, 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.  Following are a few fundamental tips that you need to include in your review process when selecting a massage therapy school.

What is Massage Therapy?

knee massage therapy in West Lafayette INAs mentioned in the introduction, massage therapy is a holistic form of healthcare in West Lafayette IN 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 West Lafayette IN 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 Therapist Education Requirements

West Lafayette IN 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 West Lafayette IN 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 Schools

Questions to ask West Lafayette IN massage therapy schoolsBefore you select 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 West Lafayette IN. 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 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 West Lafayette IN 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 West Lafayette IN 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.

Become A Massage Therapist West Lafayette IN

West Lafayette IN 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 Become A Massage Therapist and wanting to get more information on the topic Student Massage Therapy.  However, by following the suggestions contained within this article, you will have an excellent opportunity for success by picking the right massage therapist training program.  And with the right education you will soon become a professional massage therapist servicing the West Lafayette Indiana area.

Other Massage Therapy Locations in Indiana

  • How To Become A Massage Therapist Jasonville IN
  • Cost To Become A Massage Therapist Clarksville IN
  • Classes To Become A Massage Therapist Trafalgar IN
  • Learn Massage Therapy Santa Claus IN
  • Massage Therapist School Fairland IN
  • Best Massage Therapy Schools Near Me Sellersburg IN
  • Therapeutic Massage Classes Near Me Evansville IN
  • Licensed Massage Therapist Training Unionville IN
  • Clinical Massage Therapy Schools Greensburg IN
  • Medical Massage Classes Oolitic IN
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

     

    West Lafayette, Indiana

    West Lafayette (/ˌlɑːfiːˈɛt, ˌlæf-/) is a city in Wabash Township, Tippecanoe County, Indiana, United States,[6] about 65 miles (105 km) northwest of the state capital of Indianapolis and 103 miles (166 km) southeast of Chicago. West Lafayette is directly across the Wabash River from its sister city, Lafayette. As of the 2016 census estimate, its population was 45,872.[7] It is the most densely populated city in Indiana and is home to Purdue University.

    Augustus Wylie laid out a town in 1836 in the Wabash River floodplain south of the present Levee. Due to regular flooding of the site, Wylie's town was never built. The present city was formed in 1888 by the merger of the adjacent suburban towns of Chauncey, Oakwood, and Kingston, located on a bluff across the Wabash River from Lafayette, Indiana.[8] The three towns had been small suburban villages which were directly adjacent to one another. Kingston was laid out in 1855 by Jesse B. Lutz. Chauncey was platted in 1860 by the Chauncey family of Philadelphia, wealthy land speculators. Chauncey and Kingston formed a municipal government in 1866 which selected the name "Chauncey".[8]

    The new town of Chauncey remained a small suburban village until Purdue University opened in 1869. In 1871 Chauncey voted to be annexed by Lafayette because it was unable to provide the infrastructure (such as improved streets, waterworks, police and fire protection). Lafayette voted against annexing Chauncey because of the high cost of the many improvements that the village lacked.[9] In May 1888, the town of Chauncey voted to change its name to West Lafayette after a petition signed by 152 electors.[10] By that time, the growth of the university was fueling the growth of the little town. The address of Purdue University was given as "Lafayette, Indiana" until well into the twentieth century. West Lafayette never gained a railroad depot and lagged several years behind Lafayette in the establishment of municipal infrastructure and services. Today, West Lafayette has established itself as a separate city, with independent services and unique neighborhoods distinct from those of its sister city, Lafayette.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 13

    Eclectic Massage Studio
    3 Reviews
    Massage
    Phone:
    115 N Chauncey Ave, West Lafayette, IN 47906

    Massage Envy - West Lafayette
    5 Reviews
    Massage, Massage Therapy, Skin Care
    Phone:
    500 Sagamore Pkwy W, West Lafayette, IN 47906

    Cline Chiropractic Clinic
    3 Reviews
    Acupuncture, Chiropractors, Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    1033 Sagamore Pkwy W, West Lafayette, IN 47906

    Element Salon Spa
    13 Reviews
    Hair Salons, Nail Salons, Massage
    Phone:
    925 Sagamore Pkwy W, West Lafayette, IN 47906

    Myotherapy Massage Center
    2 Reviews
    Massage, Reflexology
    Phone:
    1904 Main St, Lafayette, IN 47904

    Chiropractic Solutions
    3 Reviews
    Chiropractors, Massage Therapy, Nutritionists
    Phone:
    3005 Greenbush St, Lafayette, IN 47904

    Layflat Massage
    1 Reviews
    Massage
    Phone:
    617 N 26th St, Lafayette, IN 47904

    Innerwaves Massage Therapy
    4 Reviews
    Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    2315 South St, Lafayette, IN 47904

    Evan Todd Salon & Day Spa
    27 Reviews
    Hair Salons, Day Spas
    Phone:
    320 E State St, Wabash Landing, West Lafayette, IN 47906

    Athletico Physical Therapy - West Lafayette
    3 Reviews
    Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Center
    Phone:
    1044 Sagamore Pkwy W, Unit A, West Lafayette, IN 47906