Online Massage Therapy Courses Ann Arbor MI

How to Pick the Best Massage Therapist Course near Ann Arbor Michigan

Ann Arbor MI massage therapist working on shoulderPicking the best massage therapist school near Ann Arbor MI is a critical first step toward beginning a rewarding first or second career in massage therapy.  As you have no doubt concluded, 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 locations, such as hospitals, day spas, health clubs and even aboard cruise ships!  However prior to 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 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 some basic tips that you should include in your due diligence process when selecting a massage therapist school.

What is a Massage Therapist?

knee massage therapy in Ann Arbor MIAs mentioned in the introduction, massage therapy is a holistic form of healthcare in Ann Arbor MI 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 Ann Arbor MI 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

Ann Arbor MI 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 Ann Arbor MI 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 Therapist Schools

Questions to ask Ann Arbor MI 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 Ann Arbor MI. 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 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 Ann Arbor MI 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 Ann Arbor MI 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.

Online Massage Therapy Courses Ann Arbor MI

Ann Arbor MI 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 Online Massage Therapy Courses and wanting to get more information on the topic Local Massage Therapy Schools.  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 Ann Arbor Michigan area.

Other Massage Therapy Locations in Michigan

  • Massage Therapy School Online Mc Bain MI
  • Massage Therapy Programs Sparta MI
  • Licensed Massage Therapist Training White Pigeon MI
  • Massage Therapst Courses Near Me Caledonia MI
  • Clinical Massage Therapy Schools New Boston MI
  • I Want To Learn Massage Therapy Buckley MI
  • Massage Therapy Classes Online Almont MI
  • Massage Therapist Classes Near Me Hersey MI
  • Massage Therapist School Caspian MI
  • Nationally Accredited Massage Therapy Schools Dowling MI
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

     

    Ann Arbor, Michigan

    Ann Arbor is home to the University of Michigan. The university significantly shapes Ann Arbor's economy as it employs about 30,000 workers, including about 12,000 in the medical center. The city's economy is also centered on high technology, with several companies drawn to the area by the university's research and development infrastructure.[7]

    Ann Arbor was founded in 1824, named for wives of the village's founders, both named Ann, and the stands of bur oak trees.[8] The University of Michigan moved from Detroit to Ann Arbor in 1837, and the city grew at a rapid rate in the early to mid-20th century. During the 1960s and 1970s, the city gained a reputation as a center for left-wing politics. Ann Arbor became a focal point for political activism, such as opposition to the Vietnam War and support for the legalization of cannabis.

    Ann Arbor was founded in 1824 by land speculators John Allen and Elisha Walker Rumsey. On May 25, 1824, the town plat was registered with Wayne County as "Annarbour", the earliest known use of the town's name.[10] Allen and Rumsey decided to name it for their wives, both named Ann, and for the stands of bur oak in the 640 acres (260 ha) of land they purchased for $800 from the federal government at $1.25 per acre.[8] The local Ojibwa named the settlement kaw-goosh-kaw-nick, after the sound of Allen's sawmill.[11]

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 185

    Massage Mechanics
    24 Reviews
    Massage, Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    7 S Washington St, Ypsilanti, MI 48197

    Main Street Massage Therapy
    76 Reviews
    Massage, Day Spas
    Phone:
    328 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

    Body Conscious
    13 Reviews
    Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    2201 Medford Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

    Precision Chiropractic & Massage Center
    2 Reviews
    Chiropractors, Fertility, Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    2345 S Huron Pkwy, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

    Gingi's Salon and Massage
    5 Reviews
    Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    255 Main St, Belleville, MI 48111

    Bellanina
    54 Reviews
    Day Spas
    Phone:
    201 N 4th Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

    Anna Carne Licensed Massage Therapist
    2 Reviews
    Massage
    Phone:
    1945 Pauline Blvd, Ste 11, Ann Arbor, MI 48103

    Balance Massage Therapy
    55 Reviews
    Massage, Day Spas
    Phone:
    5155 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105

    Live Well Massage & Fitness
    6 Reviews
    Massage Therapy, Martial Arts
    Phone:
    315 West Washington, Ste 110, Ann Arbor, MI 48103

    Duncan Chiropractic Group
    14 Reviews
    Chiropractors, Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    8336 Hilton Rd, Brighton, MI 48114