Massage Therapy Degrees Near Me Watauga TN

How to Select the Best Massage Therapy Training Program near Watauga Tennessee

Watauga TN massage therapist working on shoulderChoosing the right massage therapist school near Watauga TN is a critical first step toward starting a fulfilling 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 people function and feel better?  Massage therapists can work in a wide range of locations, such as medical clinics, health spas, hospitals and alternative care facilities.  However prior to starting a career in this specialty of holistic healthcare, obtaining the right training and licensing is imperative.  And remember that massage therapist schools are not all the same.  When making your evaluations, it’s vital that you look at all aspects of the schools you are reviewing and not just the cost or convenience of the locations.  We will provide some basic tips that you should incorporate into your review process when selecting a massage therapist school.

What is Massage Therapy?

knee massage therapy in Watauga TNAs mentioned in the introduction, massage therapy is a holistic form of healthcare in Watauga 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 Watauga 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 Therapy Education Requirements

Watauga TN 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 Watauga 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.

What to Ask Massage Therapist Schools

Questions to ask Watauga TN massage therapy schoolsBefore you choose a massage therapy program, 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 Watauga 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 therapy 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 Watauga 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 Watauga 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.

Massage Therapy Degrees Near Me Watauga TN

Watauga TN 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 Massage Therapy Degrees Near Me and wanting to get more information on the topic Certified Massage Therapist School.  However, by following the suggestions contained within this article, you will have an excellent opportunity for success by picking the right massage therapy degree program.  And with the right education you will soon become a professional massage therapist servicing the Watauga Tennessee area.

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    Watauga, Tennessee

    Watauga /wəˈtɔːɡə/ is a city in Carter and Washington counties in the U.S. state of Tennessee. The population was 403 at the 2000 census and 458 at the 2010 census.[6] It is part of the Johnson City Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is a component of the Johnson City–Kingsport–Bristol, TN-VA Combined Statistical Area – commonly known as the "Tri-Cities" region.

    Some of the earliest European pioneers in Tennessee settled in the vicinity of Watauga in the mid-18th century. William Bean, traditionally recognized as Tennessee's first white settler, built his cabin at the mouth of Boone Creek, 7 miles (11 km) downstream from modern Watauga, in 1769.[7] The Watauga Association, an early frontier government, operated out of nearby Elizabethton in the 1770s.

    When the East Tennessee and Virginia Railroad (ET&V) was built in the 1850s, a railroad stop known as Carter's Depot, or Carter's Station, was established at what is now Watauga, where a trestle had been erected to carry the tracks across the Watauga River. Carter's Depot consisted of a water tank, several storage buildings, a telegraph office,[8] and a post office.[9]

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 14

    Body Health And Mind Center
    31 Reviews
    Massage, Skin Care, Hair Salons
    Phone:
    807 N Roan St, Johnson City, TN 37601

    Restorative Health Therapeutic Massage
    1 Reviews
    Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    217 E Springbrook Dr, Johnson City, TN 37601

    Amanda Bryant Licensed Massage Therapist
    3 Reviews
    Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    Johnson City, TN 37601

    Power of Touch Massage & Bodywork
    2 Reviews
    Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    4729 N Roan St, Ste 1, Johnson City, TN 37615

    Massage Matters
    1 Reviews
    Massage, Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    4100 N Roan St, Johnson City, TN 37604

    Michelle Toms,LMT
    2 Reviews
    Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    188 E Main St, Abingdon, VA 24210

    Back To Basics Massage Therapies
    4 Reviews
    Waxing, Skin Care, Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    2613 E Center St, Kingsport, TN 37664

    Chateau of Serenity Massage Studio
    1 Reviews
    Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    1209 W Shipley Ferry Rd, Ste 101, Kingsport, TN 37663

    Rustic Beauty Salon and Spa
    1 Reviews
    Skin Care, Hair Salons, Nail Salons
    Phone:
    926 W Oakland Ave, Ste 218, Johnson City, TN 37604

    Soleus Massage
    3 Reviews
    Day Spas, Massage
    Phone:
    2106 W Mountcastle Dr, Ste 3, Johnson City, TN 37604