Schools That Offer Massage Therapy Simi Valley CA

How to Select the Right Massage Therapist Training Program near Simi Valley California

Simi Valley CA massage therapist with clientChoosing the right massage therapy school near Simi Valley CA 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 Simi Valley CAAs mentioned in the introduction, massage therapy is a holistic form of healthcare in Simi Valley CA 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 Simi Valley CA 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

Simi Valley CA 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 Simi Valley CA 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 Programs

Questions to ask Simi Valley CA 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 Simi Valley CA. 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 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 Simi Valley CA 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 Simi Valley CA 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 Simi Valley CA?

Perhaps you live near Simi Valley California 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.

Simi Valley, California

The city of Simi Valley (from the Chumash word, Shimiyi),[9][10][11] in the eponymous valley, is in the southeast corner of Ventura County, California, United States, 40 miles (64 km) from downtown Los Angeles, making it part of the Greater Los Angeles Area. The city sits next to Thousand Oaks, Moorpark, and Los Angeles. The city's 2014 population has been estimated at 126,871,[12] up from 111,351 in 2000. The city of Simi Valley is surrounded by the Santa Susana Mountain range and the Simi Hills, west of the San Fernando Valley, and northeast of the Conejo Valley. It is largely a commuter bedroom community, feeding the cities in the Los Angeles area and the San Fernando Valley to the east, and cities in Ventura County to the west.

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, where the former president was buried in 2004, is in Simi Valley. Simi Valley has been ranked twice as the 18th most conservative city in the United States; once by The Bay Area Center for Voting Research[13] and also by GovPro.com.[14] The Reagan Library has hosted Republican primary debates, last in 2012,[15] and the first primary debates in 2016.[16] A study done by the University of Vermont ranked Simi Valley as the fifth-happiest city in the United States.[17] According to crime statistics by the FBI in 2013, Simi Valley is the seventh-safest city in the U.S. with a population of 100,000 or more.[18][19] The U.S. Census Bureau of 2012 reported a median household income of $87,894, which is higher than the California median of $70,231 and the national average of $62,527.[20][21]

Simi Valley was once inhabited by the Chumash people, who also settled much of the region from the Salinas Valley to the Santa Monica Mountains, with their presence dating back 10,000–12,000 years.[23][24][25] Around 5,000 years ago these tribes began processing acorns, and harvesting local marshland plants. Roughly 2,000 years later, as hunting and fishing techniques improved, the population increased significantly.[24] Shortly after this sharp increase a precious stone money system arose, increasing the viability of the region by offsetting fluctuations in available resources relating to climate changes.[26] The native people who inhabited Simi Valley spoke an interior dialect of the Chumash language, called Ventureño.

Select the Right Massage Therapist Course near Simi Valley CA

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 enrolling in the right massage therapy school.  And with the right education you will soon become a professional massage therapist servicing the Simi Valley California area.

More Therapeutic Locations in California

  • Massage Therapist Requirements Kernville CA
  • Licensed Massage Therapist School Pinole CA
  • Massage Therapy Courses Paskenta CA
  • Massage Therapy Training Near Me Coachella CA
  • Massage Therapy Night Courses Spreckels CA
  • I Want To Learn Massage Therapy Pala CA
  • How Long Is Massage Therapy School Meridian CA
  • Massage Therapy Evening Courses Ducor CA
  • Massage Therapy School Length Laguna Hills CA
  • Medical Massage Training Pollock Pines CA
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 1700

    Stressaway Therapeutic Massage
    9 Reviews
    Massage, Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    Simi Valley, CA 93063

    Massage By Jesse
    8 Reviews
    Massage, Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    3310 E Los Angeles Ave, Simi Valley, CA 93063

    Santa Clarita Massage By Natalya
    41 Reviews
    Massage Therapy, Reflexology, Waxing
    Phone:
    Bouquet Cyn Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91350

    Bella Healing Therapy
    6 Reviews
    Massage Therapy, Reiki, Candle Stores
    Phone:
    5353 Topanga Canyon, Ste 204, Woodland Hills, CA 91364

    Elements Massage - Simi Valley
    80 Reviews
    Massage, Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    2845 Cochran St, Ste A, Simi Valley, CA 93065

    Debys Massage
    4 Reviews
    Reiki, Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    5655 Lindero Canyon Rd, Ste 403, Westlake Village, CA 91361

    Bobo's Massage
    21 Reviews
    Massage, Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    555 W Los Angeles Ave, Moorpark, CA 93021

    Xinxin Massage
    23 Reviews
    Reflexology, Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    1970 Sequoia Ave, Ste 2, Simi Valley, CA 93063

    Valerie Trontvet
    3 Reviews
    Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    1429 E Thousand Oaks Blvd, Ste 204, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362

    Holistic Touch By Charissa
    5 Reviews
    Reiki, Massage Therapy, Health Coach
    Phone:
    Moorpark, CA 93021