Massage Therapy School Accreditation
Accreditation is another factor to keep in mind when evaluating a massage school. Accreditation is a voluntary review process that helps ensure that a school or program meets certain quality standards set by an outside agency.
One key benefit accreditation provides is eligibility forfederal financial aid, but some unaccredited schools keep their tuition lowenough so that the ability to take out student loans is less critical.
Although accreditation can be valuable, it doesnt alwaysguarantee that a massage therapy school offers the highest quality education,according to Lewis. In fact, many excellent massage schools have chosen not topursue accreditation.
Most types of accreditation arent specific to massage therapy education and cover a broad range of unrelated programs. However, one type of accreditation that has much more relevance for massage therapy is called the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation . This type of accreditation is the only specialized accreditor for massage.
As you research programs, accreditation is one metric to consider,but its also important to find out how long the massage program has been inexistence and what its graduate success rates are.
What Are The Benefits Of Being A Massage Therapist
-You become a certified professional.
-Several areas of expertise
-Get a job as soon as possible.
-Excellent earning potential
-You can stay fit and active.
-Your work speaks for itself, as does the warm feeling of assisting others.
You have been Recognized As A Health Provider In Your Community, Growing A Customer Base Through Knowledge Immediate Employment Prospects
-Make Lifelong Friendships Be Professional for The Best Results And To Maintain A Good Name
-Job Contentment How to Become a Massage Therapist
This is how you can become a massage therapist weve provided all the required information and tried to answer the questions arising in your mind before stepping into this field. And hope that you will make the best from this and choose your career as a Message Therapist.
Become A Massage Therapist
Now that you know the benefits of becoming a massage therapist, get the training you need to pursue a rewarding career in this field by enrolling in the Massage Therapy program at Fremont University. You will learn anatomy and physiology, and understand the mechanisms that cause muscular problems that lead to tension and serious health problems, preparing your for a career from the moment you graduate.
How long do you have to go to school to be a massage therapist?
A Massage Therapy diploma from Fremont University prepares you for a career in massage therapy in as few as 9 months. Each massage therapy course gives you a greater understanding of the workings of the human body and increases your skill as a massage therapist.
How do you get a massage therapy license or certifications?
After completing a bodywork and massage training school, a certificate or diploma can be issued. It is advised that graduates then take a license or certification test with the state.
Get started as a massage therapy professional in as little as 9 months!
If youre reading to begin looking for massage therapy jobs, be sure to get your degree at Fremont University first. Enroll in our Massage Therapy program today to begin a rewarding career as a massage therapist!
*In no way does Fremont University promise or guarantee employment or level of income/wages.
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Why Your Massage Therapist Should Have A Degree
Many people are unaware that massage therapists come from many different backgrounds, not all of which are created equal. As massage therapy becomes a more and more important part of health and wellness, there has been a significant increase in the number of therapists. The American Massage Therapy Association estimates there are between 300,000 and 350,000 therapists in the United States currently. So, how do you know which is the best therapist for you?
Successfully Complete A Massage Therapy Program
So, how long does it take to become a licensed massage therapist? Well, regarded massage therapists will receive a one- or two-year diploma in a regulated massage therapy program.
During your massage therapy training, you will learn research and evidence-based information that meets national standards. Topics you might encounter include anatomy, pathophysiology, physiology, pharmacology, general principles and techniques, first aid, orthopaedic assessment and clinical massage treatments.
Another aspect of a massage therapy career many dont take into account is the business side of things. Many massage therapists are self-employed and take jobs from numerous different companies and clients. So, your massage therapy program will also likely go over the basics of owning your own business and what comes along with that, including learning management concepts, how to deal with any legal issues you may encounter and how to document your ingoing and outgoing finances to help you when tax time rolls around.
Depending on which province you are in, you may have to take an entry-to-practice examination, which tests competency, knowledge, skill, safety and professionalism in the practice of massage therapy. Exams have both written and practical components.
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You Want To Begin Working Full
A more immediate work-life balance is possible by skipping the 4-year degree. Programs in massage therapy can be completed in a few months to a year. Going on to a bachelors degree program after earning your LMT can be financially stressful if your work hours are limited by classes. With an average hourly pay of $20 per hour, even new therapists fresh out of massage school will be able to quickly secure a good living wage without a higher degree.
Faq On Earning Your License In Massage Therapy
Some states require massage therapists to get individual liability insurance, even if their employer has coverage.
In order to keep a massage license current, professionals must complete a certain number of continuing education credits at schools approved by their state. Topics may include business, general massage, ethics, research, or marketing. Some continuing education classes are available online through the American Massage Therapy Association. In addition, the organization provides information on schools where students can take these courses in their local area.
Some massage therapists learn a specific type of massage in order to help them build their practice. There are several massage modalities to choose from, including the following:
- Deep tissue massage
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There are several factors that influence what school massage students choose. Whether they are concerned about the length of the program, taking courses online versus on campus, or the amount of tuition, students need to compare programs before making a decision. The search tool below can help.
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Exactly How Much Does It Cost To Go To Massage School
When it comes to the length and cost of massage school, there is a wide range as well. Depending on the school, you may pay $5,000 or as much as $15,000 for the course. Additionally, depending on the program, youll have to budget for the following expenses in addition to tuition:
- Textbooks
- Fees for college students
- A massage chair or table
- Indemnity coverage for students Financial aid and grants from the federal government are available to students who attend accredited colleges and universities. According to a study published in the International Journal of Massage and Bodywork, 84% of massage therapy students received federal financial aid and paid an average tuition of $13,605 each year.
Skills Massage Therapists Learn In School
There is a lot of training and education that goes into becoming a massage therapist. By the time you have completed your degree or certificate program, you will be skilled in a variety of massage techniques. The exact ones you learn will depend on what your program offers but will likely include some of the following:
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Sports massage
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Thai massage
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Acupressure and reflexology
In addition to learning different massage techniques, you will also be trained in other skills that are important to providing a therapeutic massage session for clients. This includes proper hygiene and safety protocols, ethics and business procedures. These skills prepare you for the business side of massage therapy so that you can build positive, ethical client relationships and ensure a safe and sanitary environment for massage.
Many programs also include some coursework in anatomy and physiology, pathology and contraindications and limitations. This prepares you to make educated assessments about the health and needs of your client so that you can determine the best technique and the appropriate level of pressure to apply. It will also help you understand the connections between muscle groups so that you can better locate the source of tension and pain.
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How Do I Know If Im Ready To Become A Massage Therapist
Most states allow students to earn a massage license after attending an unaccredited school. Be sure to check your states regulations before applying because the kind of school you need depends on where you live. A list of approved schools is maintained by some states, while others require accreditation, and still others have no requirements at all.
Accreditation: What is it? An independent body certifies that a schools teaching, testing, grading, and other measures of student success meet high standards by giving its seal of approval through the accreditation process. Accreditation will not be granted to a school that grants diplomas to anyone who applies.
Massage schools are accredited by a few national organizations recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, such as:
- Accreditation Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork
- Accrediting Commission for Schools and Colleges of Occupational and Technical Education
- Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences Accreditation
- The Commission on Accreditation for Lifelong Learning
- Health Education Schools Accreditation Bureau
Accredited schools tend to charge more because of their proven high quality and to offset the cost of the lengthy accreditation process, which schools must continually maintain.
Massage Therapist Education Requirements
Being a massage therapist requires a postsecondary degree award, normally in the form of a certificate or associates degree.
The amount of time required for educational programs are typical for the kind of degree 1 year for a certificate and 2 years for an associates degree.
Some massage therapy programs confer bachelors degrees, though this is not the norm and a bachelors degree is not required to get a job in the field.
As of 2014, 45 states regulate the activity of massage therapists. Most of these states require massage therapists to complete a training program, pass a license examination, and renew their license every 4 years.
The two main licensing exams used are the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork and the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination . Some states have their own licensing examination.
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You Dont Want To Work As A Massage Therapist Full Time
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, therapists who give massages between 15 and 30 hours per week consider themselves to be full-time. They also cite that about three-quarters of all therapists work either part-time or have schedules with a variable number of hours.
This works physical toll on the body significantly contributes to many therapists choosing to complement massage with other less labor-intensive work. Another degree will give you the chance to work in another field in addition to massage so that you dont burn out.
How Much Does Massage Therapy School Cost
Tuition for massage school costs vary widely program to program, from $5,000 to up to $20,000, according to Lewis. More expensive programs may offer more depth and breadth, giving you a chance to learn a wider array of techniques over a longer period of time, while less expensive programs may focus on a narrower range of coursework.
Where the program is located can also be a factor in thecost. In addition, higher cost programs often offer financial aid.
Beyond the cost of tuition, you may need to pay for amassage table and purchasetextbooks and additional supplies.
For more information about the cost of massage therapy school, visit our page on tuition and financial aid.
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What Are The Different Types Of Massage Techniques
More than 350 different massage modalities can be found on the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals website! Deep Tissue Massage and Chakra Balancing Massage are well-known, while others, such as Swedish Massage, are more obscure.
A few of the most popular methods are as follows:
There are many different techniques that can be learned by massage therapists after they complete their training.
The majority of massage therapists use a variety of these techniques in their work, but they tend to focus on one or two in particular. Working in an all-inclusive health spa, massage therapists are often required to provide services in more than one modality at any given time. On the other hand, an independent massage therapist can choose to specialize in a single technique and practice it exclusively. To become an expert in a particular type of massage, such as Thai or Rolfing, is common.
What Types Of Massage Can I Specialise In
A majority of massage therapists start as general massage therapists. They potentially took one or two extra classes in a given technique type, but many techniques are learned over the years from coworkers, going to continuing education events, or seeking out additional certifications.
With that said, you can specialize within areas of massage right from the start. Well lay out a few of the most common schools of massage below with brief descriptions.
Swedish massage is perhaps the most widespread form of bodywork today. The general aims of Swedish massage include enhanced blood flow throughout the body as well as enhanced overall relaxation.
Some of the most common techniques employed in Swedish massage include long fluid massage strokes in the direction of blood returning the heart. Additional techniques may include rapid circular movement over muscles.
Aromatherapy massage employs techniques from a range of holistic and alternative healing methods. Aromatherapy massage incorporates Swedish massage methods as well as knowledge and passed down wisdom regarding plant extracts that can promote breathing, circulation, and relaxation. Individuals are treated to Swedish massage with essential oils and extracts rubbed on their skin or inhaled.
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Your Future In Massage Therapy
There are many ways to pursue your massage therapy career after you get your license. You can impact peoples lives and well-being in so many ways! But how? Here are ten different ways you could make a career with your massage therapy license:
Less Toxic Work Environment
Today, many people deal with problems due to chemical sensitivities to cleaners and perfumes. In a massage therapy setting, you may have less exposure to toxic chemicals. You can choose your cleaning products, and you wont have to deal with many employees and the multiple smells they bring into the office.
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Certified Massage Therapist Education Requirements And Degrees
Usually, Certified Massage Therapists don’t need a college education. The most common degree for Certified Massage Therapists is Bachelor’s Degree with 34% graduates, with only 29% Certified Massage Therapist graduates earning Associate Degree. Certified Massage Therapists who decided to graduate from college often finish Bryan College or University of Phoenix. Some good skills to have in this position include Communication skills, Empathy and Integrity.
To succeed in Certified Massage Therapist careers it is a good idea to earn popular professional certifications among Certified Massage Therapists like, Massage Therapy Certification , National Certification for Therapeutic Massage , or Medical Assistant. To improve Certified Massage Therapist qualification and skills, we prepared some online courses to help in Certified Massage Therapist education paths.
What Are The Different Tasks Does A Massage Therapist Performs
Assesses a patient to determine the appropriate treatment. Manipulates muscles and soft tissues manually to relieve pain and stress. As needed, use appropriate oils and lotion, hot compresses, or vibratory devices to aid the massage technique. Consults with other healthcare workers as needed to develop a care plan Maintains a calm and soothing environment in which the patient can relax by recording the treatments given and providing assessments of the patients progress.
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Fast Path To A Degree
Even though massage therapy can be a lucrative career field, it is also one that has a fairly fast path towards licensing. At Pacific College of Health and Science, we offer a Massage Therapist/Asian Bodywork Certificate program that is just 690-credit hours and requires 36 units of study. This allows you to pursue your license with just three terms of study. This means in less than two years, you can launch your career.