The Minimum Standard: Selecting An Authorized Massage Therapy Program
A massage therapy program must be at least 500 hours. A school that is located in Virginia, additionally, must have the authorization of the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia . Prospective students can search for programs on the SCHEV website using the CIC code 51.3501.
Students who attend schools physically located in other states can also achieve a qualifying education their schools will draw their authority from different agencies. All Virginias bordering states set standards at at least 500 hours some go higher.
There are a lot of in-state options. Programs are offered by community colleges and by career colleges the latter may be specifically focused on massage or may offer other health sciences or aesthetics programs. Some programs offered by Virginias community colleges offer traditional academic credit. However, some are non-credit. Virginia massage students may earn any of the following credentials, depending on the type and length of the program: Career Studies Certificate , Associate of Applied Science , Associate of Occupational Science , diploma, or certificate.
What Do Massage Therapists Do
- Talk with clients about symptoms, medical history, and desired results
- Evaluate clients to locate painful or tense areas of the body
- Manipulate muscles or other soft tissues of the body
- Guide: Provide clients with guidance on stretching, strengthening, overall relaxation, and how to improve their posture
- Document clients condition and progress
What Is A Massage Therapist
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 Roanoke VA 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.
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Will Classes Taken At Other Community Colleges Or Massage Schools Transfer To The Program
The Oregon Board of Massage Therapists determines which courses they will accept toward the minimum hours required for licensure. If you have taken courses at another school that you believe fulfill some of these requirements, please contact the Board to determine the hours and subjects you must yet complete and then speak with our Program Coordinator to insure that you register for the most appropriate of Lane’s massage courses.
Career Outlook And Average Salary
Analysts have predicted 26.6% growth in massage therapist employment levels in Virginia between 2014 and 2024 . If so, it would bring 1,130 more massage therapists onto the scene!
The median hourly wage for a Virginia massage therapist is $16.36. 80% of the states massage therapists have hourly earnings between $8.64 and $31.00, though 10% fall on either end of this spectrum.
Massage therapists in the Virginia Beach/ Norfolk/ Newport News area enjoy hourly wages that exceed those of most of the state here the median is $15.85. Salaries at the high end, though, tend to be better in the Harrisonburg area: The median is a slightly lower $14.84, but the 75th percentile hourly figure is $27.67 the 90th percentile figure, an impressive $38.09. Massage therapists in the Northwestern nonmetropolitan area have the lowest wages in the state, with a median of just $9.43. On the other hand, they have the Blue Ridge Mountains not far away. And in the states northernmost metropolitan areas? Massage therapists in the greater DC area not surprisingly make more than many of their counterparts across the state.
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Cayce/reilly School Of Massage
This Virginia Beach school, established in 1987, provides the tools for holistic health, spiritual growth, and personal empowerment.
The 720-hour certificate program, which takes as little as eight months to complete, involves the usual standard courses. There are also classes in Mind/Body/Spirit Massage Research Nutrition, Health, and Wellness Introduction to Asian Theory Business Development Hydrotherapy and Reflexology. Students learn clinical, chair, trigger-point, and sports massage methods.
The curriculum includes at least 200 hours administering Swedish massage, reflexology, and other treatments to the public at a student clinic and two clinical practicums totaling 55 hours.
- 215 67th Street, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451
- http://www.edgarcayce.org/massageschool/home.aspx
Students in massage therapy programs here attend classes in Chesapeake or Virginia Beach.
Both campuses offer a 945-hour certificate program with 24 credits, including general education classes. The eight-month curriculum consists of the basic coursework plus Myology, Clinical Massage, and Success in College and the Workplace.
- 2697 Dean Dr Ste 100, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23452-7431
- http://www.centuracollege.edu
Southside Virginia Community College
3430
A medium-sized school in a rural region of southern Virginia, SVCC operates on seven campuses. The MT certificate program is at the Estes Community Center in the small town of Chase City.
It is possible to graduate from the program in as little as six months. An option is to attend evening classes on Tuesdays and Wednesday for a year. In addition to the typical core courses, students take Cosmetology Theory. They learn standard massage techniques, as well as traditional Swedish, pregnancy, elderly, sports, corporate chair, and deep tissue methods.
The curriculum includes an internship at an area business.
- 109 Campus Drive, Alberta, Virginia 23821
- http://www.southside.edu
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What To Ask Massage Therapist Schools
Before you choose a massage therapy 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 Roanoke VA. 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.
Dabney S Lancaster Community College
This public school offers a nine-month MT certificate program that consists of 750 hours and 25 credits.
Students enroll for two semesters, either in the fall and spring or in the spring and summer. They attend classes at either the Rockbridge Center in Buena Vista or the Roanoke Higher Education Center.
The curriculum includes an Introduction to Massage, Musculoskeletal Structure/Function, CPR, College Success Skills, Eastern-Asian Bodywork, Exercise Science, and three Therapeutic Massage classes. Students also perform internships. Prerequisites for admission to the program are 100 hours of anatomy and physiology, and 200 hours of massage theory and application.
- 1000 Dabney Drive, Clifton Forge, Virginia 24422-1000
- http://www.dslcc.edu
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Massage Therapy Schools In Roanoke Va
Find a local licensed massage therapy training program at an accredited massage school or medical trade school near Roanoke, VA. Accredited schools have financial aid assistance for students who qualify. Get your training for the Virginia 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.
Are Scholarships Available
The Continuing Education Department has a small scholarship program. Scholarships are awarded twice per year. The typical scholarship amount awarded is $300. Preference is given to students enrolled in certificate or pre-licensure programs. Please fill out and submit our application, available at the Mary Spilde Center.
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What Is Massage Therapy
As mentioned in the introduction, massage therapy is a holistic form of healthcare in Roanoke VA 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
- Hot Stone Massage
- Pregnancy Massage
Professionals that work in massage therapy in Roanoke VA 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.
Important Qualities Of A Massage Therapist
Massage therapists need to listen carefully to clients in order to understand what they want to achieve through massage sessions.
Massage therapists must evaluate each clients needs and recommend the best treatment on the basis of that persons needs.
Massage therapists must give clients a positive experience, which requires building trust between therapist and client. Making clients feel comfortable is necessary for therapists to expand their client base.
Massage therapists may give several treatments during a workday and have to stay on their feet throughout massage appointments.
Massage therapists must be strong and able to exert pressure through a variety of movements of the arms and hands when manipulating a clients muscles.
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Massage School In Virginia
Learn Massage Therapy Online in Virginia
In recent years, the demand for massage therapists in Virginia has skyrocketed. Are you sitting on the sidelines, watching this exciting career opportunity pass you by?
If concerns about the amount of time required to get your licensein Virginia, 500 hours of education plus a passing score on a national licensing exam is requiredhas been standing in your way, the answer is here. You can learn massage therapy online, on your own schedule, so you can pursue your education without giving up your current responsibilities. A new career in an exciting and growing field could be around the corner in as little as six months.
How is it possible to learn massage therapy online?
Massage is all about touch, so how do you actually learn massage therapy from behind a computer screen? Some schools offer the best of both worlds.
Massage therapists are required to complete an accredited curriculum that covers topics such as science, business, and theory, but you dont have to complete that coursework in a classroom. Instead, you can do that work online, using an online class designed, built, and taught by experienced people in the industry. Online courses are always available, with no start or finish date, so you can work on assignments and progress through the program on your own schedule.
Your online education will be complemented by in-person training at am approved massage school.
How To Become A Masseuse In Virginia
- 500 education hours are required to become licensed.
- You must renew your license every 2 years.
- 24 continuing education hours are required to renew your license.
- The average salary for massage therapists in Virginia is $41,490 . This is higher than the national average of $42,820 .
- There is a predicted 25% job increase between 20162026 for massage therapists. This is higher than the expected national growth of 22%.
From Richmond to Virginia Beach to Williamsburg, the Commonwealth of Virginia is a hot and growing market for massage therapists. Massage services are in demand in spas, salons, hotels, hospitals, physical therapy offices and wellness centers, as well as in the private sector.
You have your choice of massage schools in Virginia that can train you in everything from Swedish and deep-tissue massage to sports and prenatal massage. Virginia massage schools can prepare you for certification by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.
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Jill Kristin Berkana Lmt Bctmb
Professionals RECOGNIZE and RESPECT Board Certification. It symbolizes commitment, dedication, and expertise. Massage therapists who are Board Certified have gone above and beyond licensurethey have achieved more than minimum requirements. You can expect more from professionals who chose to become Board Certified.
How Do I Register And Pay For Tuition
Registration and payment for all Continuing Education classes is done via an online, shopping cart style process with your debit or credit card. If an alternate method of payment is preferred, check or cash will be accepted in person at the Mary Spilde Center at 101 West 10th Avenue in Eugene. Contact Continuing Education regarding how payments are being handled at this time.
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Northern Virginia Community College
50929
This is the largest public education institution in the state, and the No. 2 community college nationwide in terms of enrollment. The MT certificate program is on the Woodbridge campus in eastern Prince William County.
Among the required courses in the 25-credit curriculum are Interpersonal Communication, CPR, Lifetime Fitness and Wellness, Principles of Nutrition, First Aid and Safety, Human Sexuality, Exercise Science, Stress Management, General Pharmacology, Therapy for the Older Adult, and a prerequisite in biology or health science.
Students learn pre- and post-event massage, hydrotherapy, Shiatsu, polarity techniques, pain management, self-care practices, clinical bodywork, and advanced massage modalities.
- 4001 Wakefield Chapel Rd, Annandale, Virginia 22003-3796
- http://www.nvcc.edu
The average practitioner here makes about $39,350 a year or $19 per hour, less than the national median of around $41,400 or $20.
The top 10 percent of the states earners receive about $57,900 or $28, compared with around $78,300 or $37.60 nationwide. For the bottom 10 percent, the pay is about $17,900 or $8.60 in Virginia and around $21,400 or $10.25 nationally.
There were 4,070 licensed massage therapists in this state in 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The agency predicts the number will increase to 5,080 by 2026. That would be a job-growth rate of 25 percent, about the same as the projected national median of 26 percent.
Basic Traditional Thai Massage
Course Category: Thai MassageCourse Tags: Live
-
With 40 hours of training and CEUs after completion, you will have a deeper knowledge of The origins of Thai massage and the energy work that goes into it. You will be able to perform a 1.5-hour massage with no book by the end of the course. But we will suggest you have a book for the rest of the class for notes and reference.
- Other Locations & Dates:
I have an ethical responsibility to provide cutting edge & current information for my students. Board Certification ensures that Im directly connected to the progressive evolution of our profession.
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Patrick Henry Community College
2266
This small public school is in a rural area, eight miles north of the town of Martinsville.
The three-semester Therapeutic Massage certificate program involves a minimum of 39 credits. Among the courses are Concepts of Disease, Introduction to Personal Wellness Concepts, Muscles and Massage, and College Success Skills.
Students also must complete 15 credits of the following general education classes: College Composition I and II, Small Business Management, CPR, Yoga, and Human Biology.
- 645 Patriot Avenue, Martinsville, Virginia 24112
- http://www.patrickhenry.edu
Northern Virginia School Of Therapeutic Massage
Our 14th top school, in Falls Church, touts its integrative approach to health and wellness. The 600-hour certificate program takes six to seven months to finish. There is a part-time option. New classes begin in August, October, December, and March.
Students learn Swedish, sports, deep tissue, clinical, and chair massage techniques. Other courses include Pharmacology, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Muscle Energy Technique, Alternative Modalities, Hydrotherapy and Spa, and Reflexology.
The curriculum features 17 hours of clinics and fieldwork. Students treat the public in multiple settings. The school provides job-placement assistance and continuing education classes.
- 6402 Arlington Blvd, Suite 840, Falls Church, Virginia 22042-4302
- http://www.nvschoolofmassage.com/
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Choose The Right Massage Therapy School Near Lovettsville Va
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 Lovettsville Virginia area.
More Areas of Interest in Virginia
Earn Your Diploma And Start Your New Career In Just 9 Months
Schedule a Free Mentor Session
Program Highlights:
- Program is approved by the California Massage Therapy Council *
- Over 14% increase in jobs between 2014 and 2024, with over 50,000 new job openings during this time **
- Use a wide variety of industry standard equipment
* School number SCH0063 ** Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014
Schedule a Free Mentor Session
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Sylvain Melloul International Hair Academy
This small, private school is in Lynchburgs River Ridge Mall. It launched its massage therapy certificate program in 2018.
The six-month curriculum totals 900 hours of full-time study. Day and evening schedules are available. Along with the typical courses, there are classes in Swedish Massage, Hydrotherapy, Reflexology, Aromatherapy, Sports/Special Populations Massage, Acupuncture, Hot Stone Therapy, Somatic Psychology, Spa Therapy, and History and Career Opportunities.
Students learn how to communicate with clients and healthcare professionals. They spend 120 hours in clinical settings, including the schools full-service salon. Sylvain has a 100 percent acceptance rate, though program slots are limited.
- 3405 Candlers Mountain Rd. #G360, Lynchburg, Virginia 24502-2652
- http://smiha.edu
This small job-training school, in the city of the same name, provides a one-year, 64-credit MT certificate program.
Among the core courses are Medical Office and Health Science, Clinical Assisting and Pharmacology, Maternal Child, Psychology, and Career Development. The curriculum includes general education classes in English composition, literature, math, and computers. There is instruction in Shiatsu, Thai massage, Chinese medicine, trigger-point therapy, myofascial release, rolfing, and sports massage.
- 751 WEST HUNDRED ROAD, CHESTER, Virginia 23836
- http://chestercareercollege.edu/
- 6300 Center Dr Bldg 22, Norfolk, Virginia 23502-4101
- http://www.fortisedu.info/cig-vabeach.php