How to Pick the Best Massage Therapist Degree Program near Mansfield Tennessee

Choosing the best massage therapist school near Mansfield TN is a critical first step toward starting a rewarding new 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 function and feel better?  Massage therapists can work in a wide range of settings, such as medical clinics, health spas, hospitals and alternative care facilities.  But before beginning a career in this specialty of holistic healthcare, obtaining the right training and licensing is imperative.  And remember that not all massage therapy programs are the same.  When making your evaluations, it’s essential 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 fundamental tips that you should include in your review process when selecting a massage therapy school.

What is Massage Therapy?

As mentioned in the introduction, massage therapy is a holistic form of healthcare in Mansfield TN 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 Mansfield TN 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

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 Mansfield TN 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 Therapy Schools

Before 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 Mansfield TN. 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 Mansfield TN 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 Mansfield TN 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 Mansfield TN

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 Learn Massage Therapy and wanting to get more information on the topic Therapeutic Massage Training.  However, by following the suggestions contained within this article, you will have an excellent opportunity for success by selecting the right massage therapist school.  And with the right education you will soon become a professional massage therapist servicing the Mansfield Tennessee area.

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Brian Mansfield

In 1984, Mansfield received a bachelor's degree cum laude from Berklee College of Music.[2] From 1984 to 1987 he attended Belmont University in Nashville, taking classes in journalism and the music industry.

From 1988 to 1991, Mansfield was entertainment editor at Nashville Scene.[2] He then began working as a freelance reporter covering music for The Tennessean in 1993. From 1993 to 1997, Mansfield was the Nashville editor of New Country magazine.[3][4] He was Nashville editor of CountryNow.com from 1997 to 1999, then a senior editor at CD Now from 1999-2003.

In addition to his 18 years as a music writer and critic for USA Today, from 2004 to 2014, Mansfield was the writer/producer of a syndicated weekly radio program about the Grand Ole Opry called America's Opry Weekend for American radio network Dial Global Radio Networks, which was syndicated by Westwood One. Starting in 2009, Mansfield has produced a weekly live concert series for the Grand Ole Opry called Opry Country Classics.[5]

 

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