Massage Therapy Schools
Best Massage Therapy Schools In Mississippi | Cost, Requirement & How To Apply
When you start looking at massage therapy school and programs near you, make sure you choose one that meets the standards of the Mississippi Board of Cosmetology.
You must choose a program that involves at least 600 hours of study. This time is divided fairly evenly between theory and practical experience.
Are There Massage Therapy Schools In Mississippi?
There are five massage therapy schools in Mississippi, including private institutions and a public college. They are found all over the state, from Gulfport in the south to Southaven in the north.
All schools issue MT certificates, which take 9 to 15 months to obtain. Associate of Applied Science degrees, which involve additional study, are available at two campuses. Educational programs consist of classroom lectures, laboratory classes and real clinical research.
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How Much Do Massage Therapy Schools Cost In Mississippi?
The time to complete this educational training ranges from 3.1 months to 6 months depending on the qualification, with an average completion time of 6 months. The cost of attending massage therapy schools in Mississippi is $10,000.
As institutions accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Professional Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), these massage therapy schools in Mississippi offer a full range of financial aid options and payment plans to help you cover your tuition. Our financial aid administrator is happy to help you with this.
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What Are The Requirements For Massage Therapy Schools In Mississippi?
Graduating from high school or getting your GED is the first step to becoming a massage therapist in Mississippi. After that, the future doctor must enroll in an accredited graduate school that offers an MP program that meets state standards.
The Board of Massage Therapy approves curricula with 600 or more hours of class and laboratory work. This must include at least 20 hours in each of the following: Anatomy, Myology/Kinesiology, Physiology, Pathology, and Neurology.
Students should study Western, European and Eastern theories and methods; infrared therapy, hydrotherapy; documentation and drawing up schemes; client referral, first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
There should also be instructions for scoring and draping; soft tissue techniques such as kneading, percussion and stretching; indications and contraindications; and laws and ethics.
In addition, students must complete at least 100 hours in a clinical setting, including 50 hours of public massage therapy. The other 50 hours are instruction and evaluation.
ALSO CHECK: Best Massage Therapy Schools In Kentucky | Cost, Requirement & How To Apply
What Are The Best Massage Therapy Schools In Mississippi?
In my opinion, the state of Mississippi needs more massage therapists. Competition is low, getting a license is easy, and it’s a great state to live in.
Below is a list of some of the best massage therapy schools in Mississippi. You will find schools in all major cities such as Jackson, Tupelo, Gulfport, Southaven, Hattiesburg, Biloxi and more.
Antonelli College-Jackson
Founded in 1947, this for-profit school offers seven medical and business programs. It awards massage therapy certificates and associate of applied science degrees.
The certificate curriculum provides for state requirements of 500 hours of classes and 100 hours of clinics. Students complete the program within 13-15 months.
They study the techniques of Swedish, deep and sports massage; as well as spa therapy, tai chi, body wraps, peels and medical terminology.
The AAS program lasts 16-19 months. It includes courses in the certificate program, as well as English composition, oral communication and other classes. Students take two practical classes in the college polyclinic.
Institute of Health & Technology
Formerly known as Healing Touch Career Center, IHT is a private school in Hattiesburg with an MT certificate program.
The 780-hour training program involves 11 months of full-time study. In the classes, they study “a wide range of massage techniques” and other methods of working with the body.
There are also extra hours of anatomy and physiology and more “hands ons” than required.
Students pair up with classmates to practice what they have learned. Internship involves performing massage and spa procedures for the public in a clinic on the campus.
Students also gain real-world experience at community events such as health conferences, track and field events, and fundraisers.
Blue Cliff College-Gulfport
This private school offers six medical programs. The 775-hour massage therapy curriculum involves nine months of day classes or 15 months of evening classes.
Students study Swedish, deep tissue massage, sports, prenatal massage and chair massage; as well as neuromuscular therapy, shiatsu, reflexology, tai chi and subtle body energies.
In addition, they study therapeutic communication, self-care, medical terminology and marketing. Three clinical workshops totaling 105 hours.
There is an on-campus clinic that serves real clients, and students also provide massages at community events. Blue Cliff offers professional development courses for practitioners.
Concorde Career College-Southaven
A private institution with 16 campuses in eight states, CCC offers massage therapy certificates at its location near the Tennessee border. The program takes less than 11 months of full-time study. There are daytime and evening class schedules.
The 812-hour curriculum significantly exceeds state requirements. It includes 507 hours of theoretical classes, 255 hours of laboratory classes and 100 hours of clinical experience.
Swedish language, sports massage, deep tissue and special massage methods are studied at the classes; as well as acupressure and reflexology. The student clinic provides an opportunity to perform massage for the public.
Mississippi Coast Community College
Our top choice is a public school founded in 1912. Massage therapy students earn certificates and diplomas at the West Harrison Community Center in Long Beach.
The 700-hour, 45-credit certificate program covers state requirements in one year. There are three courses in massage techniques, including specialized techniques.
Students may continue their studies to earn an Associate of Applied Science in Vocational Education degree.
They take classes in English composition and public speaking, as well as electives in the natural sciences, behavioral sciences, humanities, or fine arts. Applicants to the program must have an ACT score of 16 or higher. Class size is limited to 15 students.
How Much Do Massage Therapists In Mississippi Earn?
Most massage therapists in the state make about $32,000 a year, or $15.40 an hour, which isn’t as good as the national average of more than $41,400, or about $20.
The state’s top 10 percent of medical practitioners earn nearly $39,900, or about $19.20, far less than the national average of about $78,300, or $37.65. The bottom 10 percent in Mississippi earn nearly $17,000, or about $8.15, lower than the U.S. average of about $21,350, or $10.25.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 410 massage therapists employed in this state in 2016. The BLS projects that number will reach 470 by 2026, representing a job growth rate of 13 percent, half the projected national average of 26 percent.
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How Do I Become A Massage Therapist In Mississippi?
The state of Mississippi requires massage license holders to complete a massage therapy program. Mississippi offers licenses only to graduates of these schools.
Massage therapy education in Mississippi includes specialized professional training at an approved school.
An approved massage therapist training program must offer at least 500 hours of training, which usually includes a comprehensive study of the human body, several classes in different massage techniques, as well as the history of the craft and various courses on daily massage practices.
To give trainees a basic knowledge of the human body (which is, after all, what massage therapists work with), massage therapy training programs can include anatomy and physiology, first aid and CPR, pathology and kinesiology.
ALSO CHECK: Best Massage Therapy Schools In Alabama | Cost, Requirement & How To Apply
Best Paying Massage Therapy Jobs In Mississippi
Massage is a physically demanding job, something to keep in mind when considering this career. You probably spend most of your time on your feet and walking around to massage different parts of the client’s body.
Massaging a client can also be physically challenging, as you have to use all of your upper body muscles to apply proper pressure during the massage. You can prepare for this aspect of your job in massage school and get used to the working environment when you start your career.
IP Biloxi – Biloxi, MS – Massage Therapist
Caesars Entertainment – Robinsonville – Spa Massage Therapist (FT) (Horseshoe Tunica)
North Mississippi Medical Center – Pontotoc – Therapeutic Spa Tech. – Pontotoc Wellness Center, PRN, Varies, Massage Therapist
Golden Nugget Biloxi – Biloxi – Massage Therapist
Stretch Zone – 1091 – Jackson, MS – Stretch Practitioner
The Magnolia Day Spa LLC – Licensed Massage Therapist
Massage Therapy Schools In Mississippi FAQs
Cosmetologists licenses are renewed every 2 years in Mississippi. Cosmetology continuing education is optional for most cosmetology licenses in Mississippi. Cosmetology instructors must complete 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years to renew their licenses.
With a degree in massage therapy, you can benefit from a positive job outlook in Mississippi. From 2012 to 2022, the number of vacancies is expected to increase by 10% (ONet, 2012). Massage therapists can use their skills to work in a variety of settings, from massage parlors and salons to spas and their own businesses.
Mississippi courses consist of 600 hours of classroom instruction and an additional 100 hours of supervised work in a student clinic. (At least 50 hours will be spent on massage therapy in the clinic; the remaining hours will be devoted to teaching and evaluation. The clients themselves will be involved in the evaluation process.)
To apply, candidates must also pay $195 and wait 5 business days for ATT, after which they can schedule exams at computerized testing centers. Applicants should note their past certifications, as some may not be accepted, such as the National Certification Examination in Massage Therapy (NCETM).
Prospective massage therapists need approval from the Board to take this exam, although schools can obtain approval for their students. If a candidate has already graduated, they can apply directly but must pay $100. The board has a schedule for when you can take the MSLE as well as application deadlines as it is a monthly exam.
Conclusion
The curriculum for your massage therapy program can cover many different skills and areas of theory. You can start by studying human physiology and anatomy, kinesiology and nutrition. With a deep understanding of how the body works, you can start taking hands-on massage courses.
In this part of your training you will learn about treatment methods, assessment techniques and different types of massage. You can work on mannequins, fellow students and real clients to make sure your skills are up to scratch!
References
- careerswiki.com – Massage Therapy Schools In Mississippi
- beautyschoolsdirectory.com – Massage Therapy Schools In Mississippi
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