How to Select the Right Massage Therapist School near Lewisville Pennsylvania
Choosing the best massage therapy school near Lewisville PA is an important first step toward launching a rewarding first or second career in massage therapy. After all, who wouldn’t enjoy working in a profession where the primary goal is to help patients function and feel better? Massage therapists are employed in a wide variety 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, obtaining the proper training and licensing is a must. And keep in mind that massage therapist schools are not all alike. When evaluating your options, it’s vital that you research all facets of the schools you are reviewing and not make your decision based solely on location or cost of tuition. Following are a few fundamental tips that you should include in your review process when selecting a massage therapy school.
What is a Massage Therapist?
As mentioned in the introduction, massage therapy is a holistic form of healthcare in Lewisville PA 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 Lewisville PA 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 Therapy Education Requirements
Most 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 Lewisville PA 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
Before you pick a massage therapy 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 Lewisville PA. 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 choosing 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 Lewisville PA 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 Lewisville PA 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.
Training To Become A Massage Therapist Lewisville PA
Good 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 Training To Become A Massage Therapist and wanting to get more information on the topic Learn Massage Therapy. 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 Lewisville Pennsylvania area.
Other Massage Therapy Locations in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Route 472
Pennsylvania Route 472 (PA 472) is a north–south state highway in Chester and Lancaster counties in Pennsylvania. Its southern terminus is at PA 841 in Lewisville 300 yards (270 m) north of the Maryland border. Its northern terminus is at PA 372 in Quarryville. PA 472 is a two-lane undivided road that passes through mostly rural areas along a northwest-southeast alignment. The route passes through the borough of Oxford, where it intersects the southern terminus of PA 10 and has an interchange with U.S. Route 1 (US 1). PA 472 was originally designated in 1928 between US 1/PA 12/PA 42 in Oxford and PA 372 in Quarryville. The route was extended south to Hickory Hill by 1930, at which time the entire length of the route was paved. The southern terminus of PA 472 was extended to PA 841 in Lewisville in 1937.
PA 472 begins at an intersection with PA 841 in the community of Lewisville in Elk Township, Chester County a short distance north of the Maryland border. From this intersection, the route heads west-northwest on two-lane undivided Lewisville Road. The road runs through farms and residential areas, curving to the north. PA 472 runs through a mix of farmland and woodland with some homes, turning west and passing through the community of Peacedale. The route curves northwest and comes to the community of Hickory Hill, where it turns north onto Hickory Hill Road. PA 472 continues northwest into East Nottingham Township and passes through rural land with mixed residential subdivisions. The road curves west and enters through the borough of Oxford, where it becomes Market Street and is lined with homes. The route heads into the commercial downtown and crosses an East Penn Railroad line before intersecting Lincoln Street and the southern terminus of PA 10 at Third Street. At this point, PA 472 turns north for a one block concurrency with PA 10 on Third Street before splitting by turning northwest onto Lancaster Avenue. The road turns west and heads through residential areas with some farm fields, reaching an interchange with the US 1 freeway. A park and ride lot is situated within this interchange. Past this interchange, the route leaves Oxford for Lower Oxford Township and heads northwest through farmland with some wooded areas and homes, passing through the community of Mount Vernon.[2][3]
PA 472 crosses the Octoraro Lake along Octoraro Creek into Colerain Township in Lancaster County and becomes Kirkwood Pike.[2][4] At this point, the route enters the Pennsylvania Dutch Country of eastern Lancaster County, which is home to many Amish farms.[5][6] The road passes through agricultural areas with some woods and homes, passing through Union before reaching the community of Kirkwood. Here, the route turns west-northwest through more rural land with some development. PA 472 passes through the community of Collins before crossing into Eden Township. The road continues into the borough of Quarryville and becomes South Lime Street, passing homes and some businesses. PA 472 reaches its northern terminus at an intersection with PA 372.[2][4]
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