Massage Therapy Classes Wakefield VA

How to Pick the Best Massage Therapy Training Program near Wakefield Virginia

Wakefield VA massage therapist working on shoulderSelecting the right massage therapy school near Wakefield VA is a critical first step toward starting a rewarding new career in massage therapy.  As you have no doubt concluded, who wouldn’t enjoy working in a profession where the sole purpose is to help patients feel and function better?  Massage therapists can work in a wide range of settings, such as medical clinics, health spas, hospitals and alternative care facilities.  However prior to beginning a career in this specialty of holistic healthcare, receiving the right training and licensing is a must.  And remember that not all massage therapy programs are alike.  When making your evaluations, 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 fundamental tips that you should incorporate into your review process when choosing a massage therapy school.

What is Massage Therapy?

knee massage therapy in Wakefield VAAs mentioned in the introduction, massage therapy is a holistic form of healthcare in Wakefield VA 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 Wakefield VA 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 Therapy Education Requirements

Wakefield VA 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 Wakefield VA 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 Therapist Courses

Questions to ask Wakefield VA massage therapy schoolsBefore you select 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 Wakefield VA. 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 Wakefield VA 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 Wakefield VA 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 Classes Wakefield VA

Wakefield VA 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 Classes and wanting to get more information on the topic Medical Massage Classes.  However, by following the suggestions contained within this article, you will have an excellent opportunity for success by selecting the right massage therapy school.  And with the right education you will soon become a professional massage therapist servicing the Wakefield Virginia area.

Other Massage Therapy Locations in Virginia

  • Registered Massage Therapist School Buena Vista VA
  • Learn Massage Therapy North Tazewell VA
  • Massage Therapy Lessons Maryus VA
  • Massage Therapy Certification Programs Shawsville VA
  • Massage Therapy Training Courses Studley VA
  • Medical Massage Training Orlean VA
  • Top Ranked Massage Therapy Schools Ewing VA
  • Schools That Offer Massage Therapy Doran VA
  • Massage Therapy Schools Wachapreague VA
  • Registered Massage Therapist Program Casanova VA
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

     

    Wakefield, Virginia

    Wakefield is widely known for the Virginia Diner, the Airfield Conference and 4-H Educational Center and the National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office for Eastern Virginia, which issues weather alerts for the region, though the latter two are actually located outside the town limits.

    According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 1.3 square miles (3.3 km2), of which, 1.2 square miles (3.2 km2) of it is land and 0.04 square miles (0.1 km2) of it (3.10%) is water.

    Wakefield, one of several stops along the Norfolk and Petersburg Railroad in pre-civil war Virginia, is thought to have been named by William Mahone(1826-1895), then president of the N&P, and his wife Otelia Butler Mahone as they traveled the newly completed railroad in 1858. According to local lore, the name came from the Sir Walter Scott novel Ivanhoe, which Mrs. Mahone was reading at the time. The towns of Windsor and Waverly are said to have received their names the same way.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 26

    Pinto Chiropractic and Rehabilitation
    9 Reviews
    Chiropractors, Massage Therapy, Rehabilitation Center
    Phone:
    5408 Discovery Park Blvd, Ste 200, Williamsburg, VA 23188

    Williamsburg Therapeutic Massage
    3 Reviews
    Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    1761 Jamestown Rd, 103 a, Williamsburg, VA 23185

    Mind + Body Focus
    10 Reviews
    Hair Removal, Skin Care, Massage
    Phone:
    1158 Professional Dr, Ste G, Williamsburg, VA 23185

    MassageLuXe
    9 Reviews
    Day Spas, Massage
    Phone:
    5239 Monticello Ave, Williamsburg, VA 23188

    The Giving Tree Spa
    31 Reviews
    Massage, Day Spas, Skin Care
    Phone:
    4600 Mooretown Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23185

    The Right Touch
    5 Reviews
    Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    106 King William Dr, Williamsburg, VA 23188

    EveN Baby Massage & Spa
    1 Reviews
    Massage
    Phone:
    356 McLaws Cir, Ste 2, Williamsburg, VA 23185

    Whole Body Therapeutics
    2 Reviews
    Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    1158 Professional Dr, Ste F, Williamsburg, VA 23185

    Sani e Felici
    14 Reviews
    Massage Therapy, Weight Loss Centers, Reiki
    Phone:
    12695 McManus Blvd, Ste 1C, Newport News, VA 23602

    Ladies SPA
    3 Reviews
    Massage
    Phone:
    200 Packets Ct, Williamsburg, VA 23185