How to Select the Right Massage Therapist Degree Program near Clarence New York
Selecting the right massage therapy school near Clarence NY is an important first step to beginning a rewarding first or second career as a massage therapist. After all, who wouldn’t want to work in an occupation where the sole purpose is to help people feel and function better? Massage therapists can work in a wide variety of locations, including hospitals, day spas, health clubs and even aboard cruise ships! But before starting a career in this specialty of holistic healthcare, receiving the proper training and licensing is a must. And keep in mind that not all massage therapy programs are alike. When making your evaluations, it’s important that you look at all aspects of the schools you are considering and not just the cost or convenience of the locations. We will provide some basic tips that you should incorporate into your due diligence process when selecting a massage therapist school.
What is Massage Therapy?
As mentioned in the introduction, massage therapy is a holistic form of healthcare in Clarence NY 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 Clarence NY 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.
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 Clarence NY 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 Therapy Schools
Before you choose a massage therapist 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 Clarence NY. 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 selecting 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 Clarence NY 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 Clarence NY 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.
Enrolling in a Massage Therapy School Near Clarence NY?
Perhaps you live near Clarence New York or will commute to a massage therapist degree program in that area. Either way, you may find the following background information about the location of your new school campus both interesting and informative.
Clarence, New York
Clarence is a town located in the northeastern part of Erie County, New York, United States, northeast of Buffalo. The population was 30,673 according to the 2010 census.[3] This represents an increase of 17.42% from the 2000 census figure.[4] The Clarence census-designated place occupies the southeast part of the town and roughly corresponds to a postal district with ZIP code 14031 and 14221 in the western side which it shares with nearby Williamsville. The town is named in honor of Prince William, Duke of Clarence and St Andrews (1765–1837), the third son of King George III and later king himself, as William IV.
Clarence was the first town to be established in Erie County (1808), and many other towns, villages, and cities have been formed from parts of this original town. In 1810, the town of Buffalo, from which the city of Buffalo later originated, was divided out of Clarence. Then in 1823, Newstead and Alden were formed respectively from the east and south parts of Clarence. Then finally in 1833, Lancaster was also formed from the town. The defunct town of Willink was also a source of new towns, primarily in the south part of the county, being completely partitioned for this purpose.
Western New York was part of the Holland Purchase. When Genesee County was established in 1802, all of the region was part of the town of Batavia, the single, original town of Genesee County. Clarence was, along with Willink, originally part of Genesee County. Clarence was split off from Willink in 1804, before Niagara County was created from part of Genesee County in 1808. Clarence (in the north) and Willink (in the south) then comprised the entire area of what would, in 1821, become Erie County.
Pick the Right Massage Therapist School near Clarence NY
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 How To Be A Massage Therapist. However, by following the suggestions contained within this article, you will have an excellent opportunity for success by choosing the right massage therapist school. And with the right education you will soon become a professional massage therapist servicing the Clarence New York area.
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Bing: New York Massage Therapy Schools Search results
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2024 Best New York Colleges with Massage Therapy and Bodywork ... - Niche
Ranking of the best New York colleges for massage therapy and bodywork majors. Compare the massage therapy and bodywork schools in your state.
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Massage Therapy School in New York | Pacific College
When searching for New York massage therapy schools, you’ll come across institutions like PCHS. We offer programs designed to prepare students for a successful career as massage therapists. These schools provide a structured curriculum that covers essential topics such as anatomy, physiology, massage techniques, ethics, and business practices.
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2024 Best Massage Therapy/Therapeutic Massage Schools in New York
College Factual reviewed 9 schools in New York to determine which ones were the best for degree seekers in the field of massage therapy/therapeutic massage. Combined, these schools handed out 281 degrees in massage therapy/therapeutic massage to qualified students.
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School for Massage Therapy in NY | About New York Massage Schools ...
Select a New York Massage Therapy School Topic: The New York Massage Therapy Curriculum; Massage Program Specialization Options; Out-of-State Massage Therapy Students: Making it in New York; Massage Therapy License Requirements in New York; Beyond Massage School: Salary and Career Development; The New York Massage Therapy Curriculum. New York ...
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Massage Therapy Program - New York College of Health Professions
Massage Therapy Program (AOS) The 72-credit recommended course of study for the Massage Therapy program, with electives, outlined below is designed to be completed in 6 trimesters (or 2 academic years), but can be completed in 5 trimesters or 20 months as well.
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New York College of Health Professions - Niche
New York Health Professions is a private college located in Syosset, New York in the New York City Area. It is a small institution with an enrollment of 70 undergraduate students. The New York Health Professions acceptance rate is 100%. Popular majors include Massage Therapy and Bodywork and Health Service Preparatory Studies.
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2024 Best New York City Area Colleges with Massage Therapy and ... - Niche
2024 Best Colleges with Massage Therapy and Bodywork Degrees in New York City Area. Ranking of the best New York City Area colleges for massage therapy and bodywork majors. Compare the massage therapy and bodywork schools in your area.
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Massage Therapy (AAS) - Queensborough Community College
Queensborough Community College offers an academically accredited degree in Massage Therapy. The Associates in Applied Science (A.A.S.) Massage Therapy degree was developed to meet the growing interest and ever-increasing demand for licensed massage therapists in New York City and the greater New York metropolitan area.
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School of Massage Therapy - New York College of Health Professions
The New York College of Health Professions Massage Therapy program is offered as an advanced 72 credit Associate in Occupational Studies (AOS) degree program. Graduates of this program are eligible to sit for the New York State licensing exam, as well as to sit for the Massage Board Licensing Examination (MBLEx).
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Massage Therapy - New York College of Health Professions
New York College offers Associate and Bachelors degrees in Massage Therapy. Learn both Asian and Swedish bodywork techniques, Reflexology, Western and Oriental health science and choose from a wide range of electives including Aromatherapy, Pregnancy and Infant Massage, Trigger Point Therapy, Thai and Sports Massage.