What Is Massage Therapy
As mentioned in the introduction, massage therapy is a holistic form of healthcare 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 near Birmingham AL 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
- Hot Stone Massage
- Pregnancy Massage
Professionals that work in massage therapy 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.
How To Become A Masseuse In Alabama
- 650 education hours are required to become licensed.
- You must renew your license every 2 years.
- 16 continuing education hours are required to renew your license.
- The average salary for massage therapists in Alabama is $35,500 . This is higher than the national average of $42,820 .
- There is a predicted 17% job increase between 20162026 for massage therapists. This is lower than the expected national growth of 22%.
There are many reasons to consider getting your massage training in Alabama. Alabama massage schools prepare students for a variety of career paths. Graduates of massage schools in Alabama may have the option to work in spas or for sports teams, for example. A graduate may also be employed as part of a rehabilitation facility or even form a small business of their own.
The variety of employment opportunities in the Heart of Dixie is one of the reasons why CareerOneStop projects that the demand for massage therapists is expected to increase by 19 percent over the next decade. From Birmingham to Montgomery, Alabama massage schools could be your path to success.
Our Therapists Teachers And Managers
Brittany Mangina
Brittany is a state licensed therapist with a certification in neuromuscular therapy. She has also completed her Reiki 2 Certification. Brittany has a passion for helping others and believes massage is essential for self care of the mind, body, and soul.
Brittany loves spending free time with her friends and family. Being outdoors is a must. Whether its a quiet day of hiking & exploring, a day at the beach or an evening boat ride on the lake. Brittany enjoys grounding & surrounding herself in all that Mother Nature so abundantly provides.
Jenna Bevens
Jenna has been a licensed massage therapist since 2016 in multiple states, certified in IET as well as a Reiki Master Teacher. She has specializations in holistic wellness and chronic pain management. Her practice incorporates multiple techniques into sessions based off of body reading and client preferences.
Jenna is a forever student always looking to learn new things. When not working with clients she is reading the stars, collecting new crystals, or dipping her toes into a new topic.
Shaun Morgan
Shaun is a state licensed massage therapist since 2016 with certification in neuromuscular therapy and is in the process of attaining a certification for Myoskelatal alignment therapy. He specializes in pain management and works to release deep spinal muscles and restore balance to the upper and lower body.
Lidie Gorupic
Annalee Woods
Gwen Timmons
Fatcha
Britney Knox
Larry Ross
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Innovative Spas Are An Option For Talented Massage Therapists In Birmingham
Innovation can draw a large clientele. The Spiro Salt Room and Massage has been in the news more than once recently. The spa attracts people from across Alabama . People come here for the salt rooms, which are believed to provide remedy for conditions such as asthma. Massage is among the other services they enjoy.
Tao Massage offers deep and calm massage packages . This is in addition to other services such as infrared sauna and flotation therapy.
Innovation is about creating an enjoyable experience as well as a therapeutic one. Birmingham Magazine recently featured some of Birminghams top spas . The Retreat Day Spa draws on the beauty and healing potential of the land around. The signature therapy is a poultice massage that uses whats in season. The Retreat Day Spa is among the many practices where massage is paired with beauty treatments. Herbs are also used in facials. A Retreat Day Spa proprietor notes that she enjoys it when folks take time to sit on the deck and watch the sheep.
The Poseidon Spa at Grand Bohemian also makes use of natural elements, some of which change with the seasons.
Pick The Right Massage Therapy School Near Birmingham 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. 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 professional massage therapist servicing the Birmingham Alabama area.
More Areas of Interest in Alabama
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Massage License Renewal Process
And also, according to the set codes and also, laws by the Alabama Board of Massage Therapy.
And also, each license should renew before the anniversary of the established business.
So the following are the requirements set for renewing your massage therapy license:
- And also, a complete renewal application.
- So renewal fee of $100.
- Furthermore, a form stating that the therapist has continued his or her education, with a minimum of 16-course hours.
- And also, a copy of personal liability insurance clearly stating the amount.
So any license that has not renew prior to the business anniversary will consider expired.
And also, the Alabama Board of Massage Therapy has set a 2-year renewal time frame for every massage therapy license.
All late applications are charged $25 and also, $100 for the license renewal fee in addition to that.
Southern Union State Community College
4828
The massage therapy program here, on the schools campus in Opelika, entails three semesters of evening classes . The curriculum features classroom lectures, hands-on lab work, clinical sessions, and outreach opportunities.
In their first course, Introduction to Therapeutic Massage, students receive instruction in Swedish massage, hot and cold therapies, stretching, and other techniques. They go on to study Anatomy and Physiology, Musculoskeletal and Kinesiology, Business and Marketing Plans, Therapeutic Massage for Special Populations, and Pathology.
- 750 Roberts St, Wadley, Alabama 36276
- http://www.suscc.edu
The projected job growth rate in this field from 2016-2026 in Alabama is 16.77 percent significantly less than the national average of 26 percent, but still much better than most other professions.
The number of positions for massage therapists in the state is expected to increase from 660 to 770 during the decade. The city of Huntsville offers the most opportunities, but employers in Mobile and Montgomery offer higher wages.
The median pay statewide is more than $34,000 annually, or nearly $17 per hour. The top 10 percent of earners make in excess of $49,000 a year, or almost $24 an hour while the bottom 10 percent take home about $18,000 annually, or close to $9 per hour. Nationwide, yearly salaries range from a bit more than $20,000 to over $77,000.
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Highly Rated Birmingham Massage Practices
The following is a look at some of the highly rated massage practices in the Birmingham area:
Evolve Massage and Alternative Healing has a varied massage menu . Evolve offers sessions that focus on pain in either of two areas: the neck and shoulders or lower back and hips. Among the other options: prenatal massage, deep tissue massage, Reiki treatment, and massage that uses aromatherapy or crystal balancing.
Life Touch Massage also has varied offerings . Included are some less common modalities like Thai yoga massage as well as the more common Swedish, deep tissue, and hot stone styles. Life Touch is another option for those seeking prenatal massage.
Birmingham Wellness boasts Swedish, deep tissue, cupping, neuromuscular massage therapy, sports massage and stretching.
Some Birmingham massages practices do outcalls. Massage Magazine featured a local Birmingham business in an article about breaking into the chair massage industry .
Massage Therapy Schools In Birmingham Al
Find a local licensed massage therapy training program at an accredited massage school or medical trade school near Birmingham, AL. Accredited schools have financial aid assistance for students who qualify. Get your training for the Alabama 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.
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The Alabama Massage Therapy School Curriculum
The program will include at least 100 hours of anatomy and physiology distributed in a manner identified in state code. The school will devote 35 hours to myology, 15 hours to osteology, and 10 each to the circulatory and nervous systems.
No fewer than 250 hours will be devoted to basic massage theory and closely related subject matter this coursework will include contradistictions as well as other touch modalities that are related to massage. At least 50 hours will be devoted to supervised practice.
The school will allot 50 hours to other state-identified topics. Among these are the following: hydrotherapy, business, ethics, and first aid.
Under current law, 250 hours are left to the discretion of the individual school. This means that Alabama-approved massage schools can be varied indeed. Some schools include more than the required 650 hours, allowing for even more in-depth coverage of massage-related topics.
Gadsden State Community College
4979
Located in the city of the same name, GSCC has a short-term certificate program in massage therapy. It entails 720 contact hours of study.
Among the courses are Anatomy and Physiology, Kinesiology, Business and Marketing Plans, Massage for Special Populations, and Pathology. Some of the classes are available online, either entirely or in a hybrid form that involves a few campus visits each semester. Students also must show up for massage labs, supervised clinics, and lectures.
- 1001 George Wallace Dr, Gadsden, Alabama 35903
- http://www.gadsdenstate.edu
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Massage Therapy Schools In Alabama
Note: The following information is current as of 2018 and I try to keep it as up to date as possible.
Trying to find an accredited massage school to attend in Alabama? In this article Ill be giving a brief overview of some the best massage schools in Alabama.
There are 20 massage schools in the state of Alabama and though I wont go through every school I will show you where to find them all.
But first, I want to go over the employment statistics for massage therapist in Alabama and then Ill go right into the schools you can attend.
There are 530 registered massage therapists in Alabama, but not all of those are practicing. With a population of 4.875 million you can see there is a lot of opportunity to have a successful massage practice.
Though the opportunity is ripe and Alabama is favorable to massage businesses the income is slightly lower than the national average by about $5000, but right on par with the median household income for the state.
With the right mindset and tools it would be well within anyone’s reach to surpass the status quo and becoming a professional massage therapist is a great field to pursue.
That said lets take a look at some of the massage schools in Alabama, after I will cover in detail all of the licensing requirements.
Massage Schools in Alabama
Find all approved schools on the Alabama Board of Massage Therapy website here.
What You Should Know
Alabama Massage Schooling Requirements
Alabama Board of Massage Therapy
Hello / Tim Griffin Massage
I am a licensed massage therapist in the state of Alabama, license number 3988. As a graduate of the Birmingham School of Massage in Birmingham, Alabama, I am certified in Massage Therapy and Neuromuscular Therapy. I believe that the client comes first. Serving the individual needs of each client and treating each client fairly is extremely important to me. A strong education and a desire to continue to build on that education will allow me to provide the best treatment possible.
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Northeast Alabama Community College
2736
Massage therapy students at his small school in Rainsville take the following courses: Introduction to Therapeutic Massage, Therapeutic Massage Lab, Anatomy and Physiology, Musculoskeletal and Kinesiology, Therapeutic Massage Supervised Clinic, Business and Marketing Plans, Therapeutic Massage for Special Populations, and Pathology.
Those wishing to earn an associate in applied science degree in salon and spa management, a 69- to 72-credit-hour program, also study English humanities and fine arts history, social, and behavioral sciences and natural sciences and mathematics. In addition, there are three technical core courses and 38 credit hours of program option classes.
- 138 Highway 35, Rainsville, Alabama 35986
- https://www.nacc.edu
Summary Of The Main Highlights
So like another state in the USA, Alabama also has its own massage therapy board.
So known as the Alabama Board of Massage Therapy.
Therefore, in order to become a massage therapist.
And also, you must apply for registration with an associated fee of $25.
Furthermore, the state requires all professionals who own and also, advertise a massage business to register with the Alabama Board of Massage Therapy.
Because if you choose to pursue your massage therapy license.
So then you must file a completed registration application along with the submission of personal liability insurance totalling $100,000.
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About Therapeutic Massage In Birmingham
One can look to the University of Alabama-Birmingham to get a sense of the different functions that massage serves and how much it has entered the mainstream. UAB students are invited to take a little you time and schedule a massage through campus recreation . Options include Swedish relaxation massage and sports massage, among others. Therapist bios are posted on the campus recreation website prospective clients can read about their various certifications and specialties.
Massage therapy is also available through the physical therapy clinic at the University of Alabama-Birmingham. A UAB massage therapist provided the public with basic information about four evidence-based modalities, noting that the type of massage mattered . Swedish could have stress-busting effects while deep tissue had more potential for aches and pains. Neuromuscular and trigger point also had demonstrated effects.
Many Birmingham massage practices offer prenatal massage. Some massage therapists have the advanced training to work with special populations such as those with cancer.
A Tuscaloosa patient, meanwhile, noted that deep tissue massage benefited her rheumatoid arthritis, but stressed that different patients had different needs and might respond to other styles. .
There is still work to be done in bringing massage to some specialized populations. Massage therapists may use continuing education and post-licensure certificate programs to develop expertise in specialized areas.
Massage Therapy Education Requirements
Most schools offering massage therapy near Birmingham AL 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 Associates 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 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 Bachelors 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.
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Popular Birmingham Massage Schools
The Massaged Life & Wellness Academy program is 800 hours 150 beyond whats required by the Alabama Board. Students gain some foundation in clinical and medical techniques, spa techniques, and Eastern modalities. The Massaged Life & Wellness Academy is an organizational member of several massage therapy organizations including Associated Massage and Bodywork Professionals and the American Massage Therapy Association.
The Birmingham School of Massage offers a 650-hour program that prepares a student for neuromuscular certification as well as massage credentialing .
Wallace State-Hanceville has certificate and degree options . A student can earn a short-term certificate in therapeutic massage or pursue a longer certificate program or associates degree program that includes the required coursework the associates option is salon and spa management.
Massage Therapy Program Options In Alabama
Some Alabama massage therapy programs are closer to a typical college experience than others. Programs offered by community colleges are not always offered on a for-credit basis. Sometimes they are, however, and the student may even have the choice of whether to pursue a certificate or diploma or an associates degree.
While state law specifies minimum experience for massage therapy schools, some of course far exceed this. One Alabama school, for example, boasts 25 years of experience on the part of its instructors.
Some Alabama schools offer specialized or advanced coursework designed for healthcare practitioners. The school may, for example, offer an advanced certificate in neuromuscular therapy.
State law mandates a little coursework in business practice and in therapies that utilize water. Some students, though, want to take it further. There is, after all, plenty of room for innovation, whether one is interested in providing relief from serious physical ailments, creating a staycation experience that rivals vacation, or doing some combination of the two. Birmingham Magazine recently featured five local spas and their signature treatments . One offered a poultice massage that used local herbs another had developed a Southern peach treatment that incorporated peach products into massage and other services, another, a full body treatment that included both a warm stone/ lavender-infused massage and a foot and pressure point scalp massage.
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