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Learn Massage Therapy Online Valley Head WV

How to Pick the Right Massage Therapy Degree Program near Valley Head West Virginia

Valley Head WV massage therapist working on shoulderSelecting the best massage therapist school near Valley Head WV is a critical first step toward launching a rewarding first or second career in massage therapy.  After all, who wouldn’t enjoy working in an occupation where the sole purpose is to help people feel and function better?  Massage therapists can work in a wide variety 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 keep in mind that not all massage therapy programs are the same.  When evaluating your options, it’s vital that you look at all aspects of the schools you are considering and not just the cost or convenience of the locations.  Following are a few basic tips that you need to include in your review process when choosing a massage therapist school.

What is a Massage Therapist?

knee massage therapy in Valley Head WVAs mentioned in the introduction, massage therapy is a holistic form of healthcare in Valley Head WV 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 Valley Head WV 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 Training Requirements

Valley Head WV 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 Valley Head WV 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 Valley Head WV massage therapy schoolsBefore you pick 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 Valley Head WV. 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 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 Valley Head WV 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 Valley Head WV 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.

Learn Massage Therapy Online Valley Head WV

Valley Head WV 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 Learn Massage Therapy Online and wanting to get more information on the topic Massage Therapy College Courses.  However, by following the suggestions contained within this article, you will have an excellent opportunity for success by selecting the right massage therapy training program.  And with the right education you will soon become a professional massage therapist servicing the Valley Head West Virginia area.

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    West Virginia Route 45

    West Virginia Route 45 (WV 45) is a state highway in the U.S. state of West Virginia. The state highway runs 25.8 miles (41.5 km) from the Virginia state line near Glengary east to WV 230 and WV 480 in Shepherdstown. WV 45 connects the communities of Glengary and Arden in southwestern Berkeley County with the county seat of Martinsburg. The state highway also connects Shepherdstown in northern Jefferson County with Martinsburg, where the highway meets Interstate 81 (I-81), U.S. Route 11 (US 11), and WV 9.

    WV 45 begins at the Virginia state line in the southwestern corner of Berkeley County. The roadway continues across the state line as SR 681 (Glengary Road) in Frederick County, Virginia. WV 45 heads north and then east through a mix of forest and farmland in a valley east of Sleepy Creek Mountain. East of the village of Glengary, the state highway crosses Back Creek then veers northeast to ascend North Mountain. WV 45 intersects WV 51 (Gerrardstown Road) at Mills Gap at the top of the mountain. WV 45 descends into the Shenandoah Valley, passing the community of Union Corner and the historic homes Campbellton and Ar-Qua Springs. In the village of Arden, WV 45 turns east onto Greenhouse Road, south onto Arden Nollville Road, then northeast from the second road to head toward Martinsburg.[1]

    WV 45 intersects I-81 at a diamond interchange and continues east as Apple Harvest Drive, a four-lane undivided highway that passes through a commercial area south of the city limits of Martinsburg where the highway meets a Winchester and Western Railroad line at grade and intersects US 11 (Winchester Avenue). East of the commercial area, WV 45 has a folded diamond interchange with Queen Street, which crosses over the highway. The roadway continues east as WV 9 (Charles Town Road); WV 45 and WV 9 run concurrently north on two-lane Queen Street. The two highways head north through the Boydville Historic District toward downtown Martinsburg, where Queen Street intersects King Street, which carries US 11 west. US 11 joins the two state-numbered highways on Queen Street past the Apollo Theatre and near the Martinsburg station, which serves Amtrak's Capitol Limited and is the western terminus of MARC's Brunswick Line. Queen Street traverses Tuscarora Creek, passes under CSX's Cumberland Subdivision, and passes through the Baltimore and Ohio and Related Industries Historic District.[1]

     

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