Massage therapy schools in Arkansas produce caring individuals who are interested in improving the overall well-being of their clients.
Someone who wants to attend a massage school in Arkansas must be someone who has a legitimate desire to help other people achieve health and wellness. Massage therapy schools in Arkansas typically take anywhere from 10 months to two years.
Massage therapist training consists of learning human anatomy and business skills in the classroom, and may also include hands-on massage training. Once a student has completed the program, they must pass the NCBTMB State Exam for Arkansas to become certified.
Arkansas massage therapy schools teach bodywork, therapeutic use of oils and lotions, heat and cold therapy, light therapy, electrotherapy techniques, hydrotherapy and other spa services.
After you complete your massage therapy training program, you will take the exams to become a certified massage therapist in Arkansas. Massage therapy schools in Arkansas require a high school diploma or equivalent and students must be at least 18 years old.
Are There Massage Therapy Schools In Arkansas?
There are approximately 5 massage therapy schools in Arkansas. Some of them issue certificates to graduates of programs that usually take anywhere from 10 months to two years.
Training consists of course work and real training in massage rooms. It prepares students for the exams that state officials require for licensing. Curriculum covers human anatomy, physiology, massage techniques, business skills and ethics.
ALSO CHECK: Best Massage Therapy Schools In Alabama | Cost, Requirement & How To Apply
How Much Do Massage Therapy Schools Cost In Arkansas?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2020), the salary for massage therapists in Arkansas averages $42,230 per year, excluding tips.
Massage therapy has been named one of the five fastest growing professions in America and is expected to grow by approximately 20% through 2020.
Hot Springs is home to several spas and resorts that cater to the health and well-being of clients and that may be staffed by licensed massage therapists.
Consider one of these approved massage therapy schools in Arkansas to begin a course of study that can help you become an agent of change and positive health for clients throughout the state.
ALSO CHECK: Best Massage Therapy Schools In South Carolina | Cost, Requirement & How To Apply
What Are The Requirements For Massage Therapy Schools In Arkansas?
There are several 500-hour programs in Arkansas. Some, however, exceed the required amount. An Arkansas student can enroll in a 750-hour program (the current standard for national certification) or a 600-650-hour program.
While the state allows some leeway for discretionary topics, programs that specifically address signature therapies or the needs of specific populations often take longer.
There may be advantages to this. Some states set a minimum of more than 500 hours. There is no way to guarantee eligibility for all states, but program length is one consideration, as is accreditation and approval.
Arkansas also licenses massage therapy instructors. The length of the program is also one of the considerations in determining the instructor’s qualifications.
However, this is not the only way. A therapist can become a massage master through a combination of experience and continuing education; it may also allow for an instructor role.
ALSO CHECK: Best Massage Therapy Schools In Washington State | Cost, Requirement & How To Apply
What Are The Best Massage Therapy Schools In Arkansas?
If you want to practice massage in Arkansas, you will need to complete the licensing requirements at one of the massage schools in the state.
There are some great Massage Therapy Schools in Arkansas as you’ll see in the list below, and it’s easy to meet all the education requirements, don’t panic.
1. Blue Cliff College-Fayetteville
The 52-quarter credit program at this school provides 750 hours. Graduates are eligible for licenses in Arkansas and Louisiana.
Massage classes are held at the Blue Cliff satellite campus, which has a clinic where students perform treatments for the public. Additional hands-on experience is available at Fayetteville spas, beauty salons, and private practices.
The nine-month program begins in January, April, July and October. The curriculum explores Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, neuromuscular therapy, basic shiatsu and sports massage.
Applicants to the program must pass the Wonderlic Scholastic Level exam to be accepted.
2. River Valley School of Massage
The program at this institute in Russellville consists of 600 hours that can be completed in just 20 weeks. Part-time options are also available. There are day and evening classes.
The curriculum consists of 225 hours of Swedish massage and practical training; 275 hours of classes in anatomy and physiology; 25 hours of hydrotherapy, electrotherapy and heliotherapy courses.
It also includes 25 hours of instruction in reflexology, deep tissue massage, infant massage, or aromatherapy.
Enrollment is limited to 24 people per class. Applicants must take the test after reading the Path to the Body textbook.
3. Arkansas College of Massage
By encouraging students to study bodywork as it relates to athletics and human performance, this school hopes that students will better understand the physical demands placed on an athlete, helping to better understand the stresses placed on the average person.
Once licensed by the Board, students will complete the required 500 hours and be better able to establish their massage business.
4. Heritage College in Little Rock
With a holistic approach to massage therapy as an essential part of quality health care, this school combines medicine and Eastern practices to provide students with a “sophisticated market.”
Students will study deep tissue massage, physiology, sports massage, and more, and will be offered ongoing resources to help them find employment after graduation.
5. The Black Brook School of Massage
Black Brook Massage School is also a member of AMTA. Students have the option of completing a 500-hour core curriculum with a two-day schedule per week, either weekday or weekend.
The school offers many optional courses. Black Brook Massage School offers a core curriculum of over 600 hours and provides students with flexible start times.
How Much Do Massage Therapists In Arkansas Earn?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2020), the salary for massage therapists in Arkansas averages $42,230 per year, excluding tips.
Massage therapy has been named one of the five fastest growing professions in America and is expected to grow by approximately 20% through 2020.
Hot Springs is home to several spas and resorts that cater to the health and well-being of clients and that may be staffed by licensed massage therapists.
Consider one of these approved massage therapy schools in Arkansas to begin a course of study that can lead you to become an agent of change and positive health for clients across the state.
ALSO CHECK: Best Massage Therapy Schools In Arizona | Cost, Requirement & How To Apply
How Do I Become A Massage Therapist In Arkansas?
To become a massage therapist in this state, a student must first obtain a high school diploma or GED. The next step is to enroll in a massage therapy certification program at an accredited public school.
The Technical Advisory Committee requires schools to offer 500 hours of course and clinical training. This involves 175 hours of classes in anatomy, physiology, pathology and contraindications to massage.
The other 225 hours of training must cover various massage techniques, 25 hours in each of the following: hydrotherapy, heliotherapy and electrotherapy; massage law, ethics and business management; hygiene and infection control.
A student may receive additional credit for 50 hours of practical experience. Some schools in Arkansas have massage clinics.
A graduate must pass two examinations to obtain a license from the Department of Health. For most applicants, the first exam is the Federation of State Massage Board Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx).
Alternatives are the National Certification Examination in Therapeutic Massage (NCETM) and the National Certification Examination in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB).
ALSO CHECK: Best Massage Therapy Schools In Illinois | Cost, Requirement & How To Apply
Best Paying Massage Therapy Jobs In Arkansas
Some of the places you can find work include spas, fitness centers, resorts, and medical facilities. You can also use the knowledge and skills gained to start your own massage business or offer mobile massage services, serving clients in their homes.
In this way, you will experience the business side of massage. On the other hand, working in a medical facility, spa or salon allows you to get on-the-job training from more experienced colleagues.
It also gives you access to a ready-made market and clientele without having to sell your services, as is the case with running a business.
Rogers Embassy Suites – Massage Therapist
Fayetteville Athletic Club – Massage Therapist
Eastern Healing Hands – Massage Therapist
Accents Salon Sp – Licensed Massage Therapist
Arch Amenities Group – Massage Therapist
Quapaw Baths and Spa – Massage Therapist
Pinnacle Chiropractic – Licensed Massage Therapist
Rogers Embassy Suites – Licensed Massage Therapist
Massage Therapy Schools In Arkansas FAQs
The state of Arkansas requires massage therapists to be licensed and certified. Massage therapist license applicants must now pass the MBLEx, which replaced the NCETMB. MBLEx should better evaluate the qualifications of a massage therapist to obtain a license. In addition, you must pass the Arkansas Bar Exam.
Students complete at least 500 hours of training, including up to 50 hours of massage practice under the supervision of a licensed massage therapist. Arkansas requires all massage therapists to be licensed by the Arkansas State Board of Massage Therapy and certified by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB). Upon completion of massage therapy classes and hands-on hours, massage therapy students take the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx).
In Arkansas, you will need to obtain a license to practice massage, whether you own your own business or work in a salon. You must renew your license every two years. The renewal fee is $80 for active and inactive license holders.
If your license has expired, you will need to reapply. You must also complete 18 hours of refresher courses between each renewal period. If you don’t pay the license fee and apply on time, you’ll pay a late fee.
Conclusion
Massage therapy schools in Arkansas teach bodywork, therapeutic use of oils and lotions, heat and cold therapy, light therapy, electrotherapy techniques, hydrotherapy and other spa services.
After you complete your massage therapy training program, you will take the exams to become a certified massage therapist in Arkansas. Massage therapy schools in Arkansas require a high school diploma or equivalent and students must be at least 18 years old.
References
- careerswiki.com – Massage Therapy Schools In Arkansas
- beautyschoolsdirectory.com – Massage Schools In Arkansas
EDITOR’S RECOMMENDATION
- Best Massage Therapy Schools In Alabama | Cost, Requirement & How To Apply
- Best Massage Therapy Schools In South Carolina | Cost, Requirement & How To Apply
- Best Massage Therapy Schools In Washington State | Cost, Requirement & How To Apply
- Best Massage Therapy Schools In Arizona | Cost, Requirement & How To Apply
- Best Massage Therapy Schools In Illinois | Cost, Requirement & How To Apply
- Best Massage Therapy Schools In Ohio | Cost, Requirement & How To Apply