Time To Complete Program: Trade School Vs College
When comparing trade school vs. college, most prospective students will notice the difference in completion times first. While traditional college degrees typically take four years, trade school programs often take less than two years to complete. Here are a few upsides to enrolling in a short program.
Academy Of Massage Therapy And Bodyworks
The Academy of Massage Therapy and Bodyworks provides students with the knowledge and skills to become professional massage therapists. Students will learn anatomy and physiology, massage theory and history, Swedish massage, therapeutic massage, sports massage, reflexology, medical massage, pregnancy massage, and professionalism in practice. They will also learn business principles and practices, medications, client/practitioner relationships, and CPR and first aid. Students who successfully complete the requirements will receive a diploma and will be prepared to take the national certification exam to become a Licensed Massage Therapist in Philadelphia. Full-time students will attend classes Monday through Thursday. Morning classes begin at 8:30 am and end at 1:30 pm. Evening classes are from 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm. A weekend seminar will be conducted for one weekend during the course. Applicants who have completed 300 hours of Anatomy and Physiology may test out of this portion of the program. Transcripts will be required for a waiver.
Program overview:Duration: 6 months 6 months Contact hours: 600
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must have a current photo ID
- Submit the medical release form completed by a physician
- Submit a letter of recommendation from an employer, previous teacher or someone not related to you
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must have current CPR certification
- Submit a completed application and enrollment fee of $100
Massage Therapy Degree And Certificate Programs
The route to becoming a massage therapist typically follows one of three paths:
- A post-secondary certificate
- Diploma program
- Two-year associate degree
Data from the Occupational Information Network shows that nearly 60 percent of practicing therapists in 2017 held post-secondary certificates, while around 30 percent had stopped short of completing a degree or certificate program and likely held a career diploma. Associate degrees are rare in the world of massage therapist education, but they can be a good idea if you’re thinking about transferring some credits into a bachelor’s degree program at a later date.
Prospective students can pursue education from a variety of providers. Community colleges, technical institutes, vocational schools and dedicated massage therapy academies can all provide the type of training required by most state licensing agencies.
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Swedish Institute College Of Health Science
The Massage Therapy program at the Swedish Institute delivers training in both Eastern and Western practices. Massage therapist instructors will use hands-on practice sessions to provide a strong foundation in anatomy and physiology, pathology, neurology, and kinesiology. Professional development, ethics, business practices, and client service will also have a substantial part of the training. Mastery of techniques will be supported through working with clients in the schools P.H. Ling Stress Reduction Clinic and Therapeutic Clinic and at community service externships. These real-world practical sessions are necessary for a seamless transition to the workplace. Graduates will receive an Associate in Occupational Studies degree and be eligible to take the New York State licensure exam. Candidates who pass the exam will earn the Licensed Massage Therapist credential. Morning, evening, and Saturday schedules are available.
Associate of Occupational Studies Duration: 20 to 32 monthsCredits: 64
Courses:
Prerequisites:
- Provide proof of physical exam, medical history, TB test, Hepatitis B and Tdap
- Undergo a urine drug screen
Program cost:The estimated cost of the program is $16,458 including books, fees, and miscellaneous expenses. Books and supplies will cost an additional $1,350.
Address: 226 West 26th St. New York, NY 10001Phone: 924-5900Fax: 924-7600
Accreditation Of Bakersfield Spa Institute
When you finally decide youre ready to apply to a school you have to guarantee the school is properly licensed. If you go to a school which is not certified in California youre just losing your money. You have to make certain youll receive all the credits at that school youll need to start your job.
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Career Opportunities And Outlook
The good news for massage students is that many schools offer students active assistance with job placement after graduation. Students might have access to career fairs, interview days with local employers, and job listings through their massage school. Be sure to ask up front how the school can help you find a job once you graduate.
Joining a massage therapy association is also a great way to keep job opportunities at your fingertips, says Lewis. All student members with Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals receive free graduate support including access to our national job board.
Check out our massage therapist salary page to get an understanding of the income potential for this occupation.
Preparing For Your Massage License
The full requirements for obtaining massage therapy licensing vary by state and may include:
- Passing the federal Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam
- State licensing exams
- A minimum number of training hours
- Payment of a fee
- Some states, like Florida, require board certification from the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork .
Most states massage therapy licenses are only valid for a period of time, such as two years, after which you must renew the license in order to keep practicing in that state. In many states, you must also complete continuing education hours as a condition of license renewal.
Passing your examswhether the MBLEx or another exam in the massage therapy field, including some for board certificationcan be a source of anxiety for many prospective massage therapists. Fortunately, there are many resources available to help with test prep. For example, popular apps that help massage therapy students study for their required exams include:
American Massage Therapy Association Massage Exam AppPrepares students for the MBLEx exam with practice questions.
The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork administers a voluntary board certification exam called the BCETMB, which shows advanced standing among massage professionals and is required for graduate students in some states.
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Career Flexibility: Trade School Vs College
Due to the specialized training of trade school programs, graduates do not receive as much career flexibility as college graduates. Electricians, for example, cannot move between fields as easily because their skills and training only apply to a specific field. Meanwhile, business majors can apply their skills broadly and access an array of careers.
For degree-seekers, the flexibility of a college degree can be beneficial. According to BLS employment data, the average American switches jobs every four years and holds about 12 jobs in their lifetime. Degree flexibility also allows for more career mobility, meaning degree-holders can advance within their fields or switch industries more easily.
Enroll In The Best Bakersfield Massage Therapist School
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. And by following the suggestions contained within this article, you will have an excellent opportunity for success by choosing the right school and training program. With the right education you will soon become a massage therapist in Bakersfield California.
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What Degree Do You Need To Be A Massage Therapist
An education in massage therapy is very different than the education youd need to earn an associates or bachelors degreeand it allows you to start your career more quickly.
Massage therapy programs are offered in a range of settings, including career training schools, public institutions such as community colleges, nonprofit programs, single-owner private schools, and chain schools with multiple campuses.
Massage Therapy Continuing Education & Specialty Certificates
As you think about where to attend massage school, you might wonder if you need a specific type of education if you want to work as a massage therapist in a spa versus a medical clinic. Not necessarily, Lewis explains. The core principles of massage apply in every setting.
You can build on your massage skills with additional training or continuing education focused on a specific topic area if you like. According to Lewis, if youre working in a spa, you might need to learn how to do additional services beyond massage, such as wraps, scrubs, and aromatherapy. Whereas in a chiropractic office, you might want more advanced treatment training in deep tissue massage to help people recovering from injuries.
To set yourself up to be a more attractive job candidate in the medical massage field, for example, McNeil recommends making sure your educational programespecially any continuing education or certification you take onfocuses heavily on anatomy and physiology. The program should have a significant number of hours dedicated to the palpation, knowledge, and understanding of what comprises connective tissue, how it functions and where it is located, she says.
Continuing education classes are a common way that massage therapists specialize their careers and develop advanced skills to better serve specific populations of people or work in more niche settings.
- Oncology massage
- Massage therapy for integrative healthcare
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Enrolling In A Massage Therapy School
Admission to massage therapy school is straightforward. Before you can enroll, you will need to apply and meet the following common requirements:
- Have a high school diploma
- Submit official transcripts for any college coursework completed
- Pass a criminal background check
- Have a cumulative grade point average over 2.0
- Meet all other qualifications, based on the school
Massage Therapist Education Level
Massage therapy training programs normally result in a certificate, rather than a degree. Typical subjects include anatomy, kinesiology, or the study of how the body moves, physiology, which covers how the different parts of the body function and ethics. Students also gain hands-on experience. According to O*Net Online, 73 percent of all U.S. massage therapists require a post-secondary certificate. Only 12 percent require an associate’s degree.
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Massage Therapy Training Programs
Massage isn’t just for pampering it’s increasingly being recognized as an important component of a healthy life. Business intelligence firm IBISWorld estimates that massage therapy was a $16 billion industry in the U.S. in 2017, and studies have shown massage to be effective in treating conditions ranging from cancer-related fatigue to substance abuse withdrawal, fibromyalgia, headaches, high blood pressure and more.
In a massage therapy training program students can pursue variety of career paths across a wide range of settings, from private practices and luxury hotel spas to health care facilities and backstage at sporting events. Read on to find out what you’ll learn in massage therapy school, get some detailed massage therapist salary information and hear the truth about online massage therapy programs.
How Do I Get A Trade Certificate
The most obvious way to get a trade certificate is from a trade school. Some trade schools offer a variety of certificates, while others focus on only one job or career field. For instance, cosmetology and culinary schools focus only on these specific areas.
Second, many community colleges offer trade certificates. While community colleges are known for offering associate degrees, some offer certificates in practical trades. A few even offer associate degrees in skilled trades.
Finally, some students may be able to begin trade school during high school. Many high schools have partnered with vocational schools. Students at these partner schools can earn trade school credits during their high school years. Some programs offer full certificates, while others allow students to transfer their credits.
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Massage Therapy Schools In Napa Ca
Find a local licensed massage therapy training program at an accredited massage school or medical trade school near Napa, CA. Accredited schools have financial aid assistance for students who qualify. Get your training for the California massage therapist license and start a path to a variety of massage therapist careers. Massage therapy is one of the fastest growing medical trades in the U.S. Use the search application to find a massage therapy program near you.
About Bakersfield Spa Institute
Bakersfield Spa Institute is located in Bakersfield, CA. This school offers training in 1 qualification, with the most reviewed qualification being Massage Therapy License. Time to complete this education training ranges from 4.5 months to 1 year depending on the qualification, with a median time to complete of 5.9 months. The cost to attend Bakersfield Spa Institute ranges from $2,500 to $15,000 depending on the qualification, with a median cost of $5,000. When asked how they paid for their training, most reviewers responded, I paid for it myself.
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Why Its So Hard: Even After Crackdown Massage Schools Can Live On
State officials have limited power to act when they do uncover schools they suspect of enabling the illicit massage industry.
That was the case at the American Academy of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in Roseville, Minnesota. After receiving a tip from a town in 2019, the Minnesota Office of Higher Education investigated the school and found a theme of prostitution and/or human trafficking.
The agency didnt have the authority to investigate either allegation. Instead, the state said the school failed, among other things, to keep up its student records, and ordered it to shut down or find a new owner. The school chose the latter option, although the person who owned the school at the time denies the states allegations.
The school was renamed the American Academy of Health and Wellness, but it bears similarities to its past iteration. For example, the past president and owner is still on the payroll to help with the transition.
The Seldin/Haring-Smith Foundation, a family foundation with a focus on college accountability, included the school in a report documenting the connections between sex trafficking and state-approved colleges.
Massage Therapy School Accreditations And Approvals
You will need to consider the licensing regulations of at least one state, possibly more. Its important that the program be operating legitimately in the state where its located. Some states have a list of approved programs that includes both in-state and out-of-state schools. Others simply stipulate that the program must be approved in its own jurisdiction.
You may have an easier time getting licensed if your program is nationally accredited. The Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation is a national accrediting agency specifically for the massage therapy profession. However, there are other nationally recognized accrediting agencies that accredit health programs and/or trade schools. Whats key is that the accrediting agency be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
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What Ismassage Therapy
Massage therapists administer treatments that relieve stress or assist in recovery after an injury. These technicians rely on their hands, fingers, elbows, forearms, and feet, as tools for rubbing and kneading muscles and soft tissue. Specialized chairs and tables help support their patients during this service.
Most professionals have attended a massage therapy trade school. Through classes and hands-on experience, they learn many techniques, each designed to achieve a particular outcome. By focusing on certain areas, they can increase circulation which aids in healing and improves general health.
Some practitioners are part of larger medical practices that treat injuries. Others provide services intended to promote relaxation in a calm and peaceful environment. The length of each massage varies, with some being as short as ten minutes, while others last more than an hour.
What Sets Us Apart
At NYIM you wont get lost in a sea of anonymous faces. Were a small, tight-knit school who cares about each and every one of our students. People from all walks of life attend NYIM, and we believe that increases everyones learning to the fullest extent. Feel at home with the NYIM family.
- Flexible Schedule We know youre busy and cant drop all of your responsibilities just to attend school. Thats why we work around your schedule providing short morning, noon and night classes.
- Short Time Commitment Complete the program in under one year if youre a full-time student , or in 2 years if youre a part-time student .
- Small Class Sizes Get to know your instructors personally as they guide you through the program. Individualized attention will increase your odds of success.
- Good Industry Relations We stay connected to local massage businesses and are always giving referrals on behalf of our licensed graduates.
- Free Review Classes These classes are provided for students and graduates who are preparing to take the board examination.
- In-Depth Training New York has extensive massage therapy requirements compared to other states. This means youll always be more-than qualified no matter where you go in the U.S.
- Transferable Credits If you decide to continue your schooling you may be able to apply your credits to an associates degree at another college.
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The Best Massage Therapy Online Trade School In 2021
A massage therapist is often self-employed or works for a health clinic or nursing home, as well as in fitness centers or spas. They are often found in chiropractic clinics, at favorite vacation resort destinations or on cruise ships. This job can be hard on ones feet, wrists and hands, as standing all day and strenuous repetitive movements of the wrists and hands are a job requirement. A massage therapist must be in good physical shape, with strength and dexterity. Also, they must be good communicators, and perhaps more importantly, good listeners and empathetic to others needs. Another requirement for being a successful massage therapist are some business skills since many massage therapists are self-employed.
There is an increasing number of massage clinics and spas in the last decade showing that there is a growing demand for massage therapy. The Bureau of Labor Statistics backs this up with a projected 21% growth in employment between 2018 to 2028. This growth rate is around 4 times faster than average, creating a wide open job industry. According to U.S. News and World Report, Massage Therapy is ranked #11 in Best Healthcare Support Jobs and #64 in 100 Best Jobs.
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At the moment, our research has found that the U.S. Career Institute Degree Program in Massage Therapy appears to be the only school offering a massage therapy program ONLINE and it is 100 PERCENT online!