Tag Archives: Accredited Local Massage Therapy Courses Pleasant Grove AL 35127

Schools That Offer Massage Therapy Pleasant Grove AL

How to Choose the Right Massage Therapy Training Course near Pleasant Grove Alabama

Pleasant Grove AL massage therapist with clientPicking the right massage therapy school near Pleasant Grove AL 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 a Massage Therapist?

massage therapy training session in Pleasant Grove ALAs mentioned in the introduction, massage therapy is a holistic form of healthcare in Pleasant Grove AL 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 Pleasant Grove AL 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 Therapy Education Requirements

Pleasant Grove AL massage therapist 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 Pleasant Grove AL 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 Courses

Questions to ask Pleasant Grove AL massage therapy schoolsBefore 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 Pleasant Grove AL. 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 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 Pleasant Grove AL 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 Pleasant Grove AL 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 Pleasant Grove AL?

Perhaps you live near Pleasant Grove Alabama 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.

Pleasant Grove, Alabama

It was established in 1889, but incorporated as a city in January 1937. The incorporation came about by reason of a rather unusual circumstance. The town sits on land honeycombed by coal mines. For many years the residents had relied on water wells for their water supply. As years passed and more mining was done, Pleasant Grove found itself confronted with a problem. Residents would sometimes go to their well to draw water only to find there was none. The water had gone into the mines.

During the mid to late 30s, the Federal Government had a program for financing the building of local water systems. In exploring the possibility of securing such funds, it was revealed that in order to secure such financing a community must be legally incorporated. At this time the incorporation became a reality.

The first appointed Mayor of Pleasant Grove was W.P. Stone. The city is governed by a mayor and five council members who serve four-year terms. Elections for city officials is held during the summer of each leap year with four-year terms beginning the first Monday in October. The area known as Pleasant Grove, Alabama was first homesteaded in September 1836. Pleasant Grove is in Jefferson County. Although no one seems to know when or exactly how the town came by its name, old documents indicate that at least part of this area was called Pleasant Grove as early as 1884. Pleasant Grove was made up of four communities which included Frog Pond, Lizard Ridge, Cottage Hill, and Pleasant Grove.

Choose the Right Massage Therapy Course near Pleasant Grove AL

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 Schools That Offer Massage Therapy.  However, by following the suggestions contained within this article, you will have an excellent opportunity for success by choosing the right massage therapy degree program.  And with the right education you will soon become a professional massage therapist servicing the Pleasant Grove Alabama area.

More Therapeutic Locations in Alabama

  • Shortest Massage Therapy Program Gordo AL
  • Fastest Massage Therapy Program Geneva AL
  • Certificate In Therapeutic Massage Greensboro AL
  • Affordable Massage Therapy School Crossville AL
  • Massage Therapy School Average Cost Heflin AL
  • Licensed Massage Therapist Training Hazel Green AL
  • Good Massage Therapy Schools Tuscaloosa AL
  • Medical Massage Therapy Training Spanish Fort AL
  • Local Massage Therapy Schools Elberta AL
  • Medical Massage Training Clio AL
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 52

    Massage Dat
    14 Reviews
    Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    500 Southland Dr, Ste 201, Birmingham, AL 35226

    The Retreat Day Spa
    9 Reviews
    Day Spas, Skin Care, Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    5236 Overton Rd, Irondale, AL 35210

    Jones Physical Therapy
    1 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    3054 Morgan Rd, Bessemer, AL 35022

    Escape Day Spa
    74 Reviews
    Massage, Day Spas, Eyelash Service
    Phone:
    100 Broadway St, Birmingham, AL 35209

    Widdoss Therapeutic Massage
    2 Reviews
    Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    2802 Airport Rd Greenville,, AL, Ste 260, Greenville, AL 36037

    Judy Bowles
    5 Reviews
    Massage, Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    1025 23rd St S, Birmingham, AL 35205

    Evolve Massage & Alternative Healing
    5 Reviews
    Massage Therapy, Pain Management, Alternative Medicine
    Phone:
    1034 23rd St S, Ste 202, Birmingham, AL 35205

    Custom Fit Therapeutic Massage
    1 Reviews
    Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    201 Beacon Pkwy, Ste 110, Birmingham, AL 35209

    Birmingham Massage
    1 Reviews
    Massage Therapy, Massage
    Phone:
    101 23rd St N, Birmingham, AL 35203

    RG Massage & Wellness
    3 Reviews
    Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    500 Southland Dr, Ste 124, Birmingham, AL 35226