Determine If You’ll Be Good At The Job
Before you even begin heading down the job path towards becoming a therapist, it’s best to find out if you possess the personality and interests that make you a good fit. First of all, a therapist’s goal is to help people, so you’ll need to enjoy being around other people and talking to them all day long. You’ll also want to enjoy helping others. Therapists feel better about their role in the world when they’ve helped people solve a problem or overcome an obstacle.
Even if you love helping people, you’ll also need to be a good listener. Much of your time will be spent listening to your patients’ issues. You’ll also need good analytical thinking skills so that you can formulate solutions to each person’s experiences and concerns. Some people even believe that it helps if a therapist has dealt with their own mental health issues because it can give them a more meaningful frame of reference. For example, if you live with depression, you might better understand patients who also have this condition. However, because everyone experiences emotions and mental health conditions differently, this is not a necessity but a potential added benefit.
How To Pick A Massage Therapist School Near Clewiston Fl
Choosing the right massage therapy school near Clewiston FL is an important first step to beginning a rewarding first or second career as a massage therapist. After all, who wouldnt want to work in an occupation where the sole purpose is to help people feel and function better? Massage therapists can work in a wide variety of locations, including hospitals, day spas, health clubs and even aboard cruise ships! But before starting a career in this specialty of holistic healthcare, receiving the proper training and licensing is a must. And keep in mind that not all massage therapy programs are alike. When making your evaluations, its important that you look at all aspects of the schools you are considering and not just the cost or convenience of the locations. We will provide some basic tips that you should incorporate into your due diligence process when selecting a massage therapist school.
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 Clewiston FL 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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The State Of Florida Massage Therapist Requirements
Throughout the 65,755 square miles of The Sunshine State, approximately 36,586 massage therapists work to help the more than 21.5 million people in their state find relief from pain, rehabilitation from injuries, and comfort in the midst of stress and anxiety.
With 890,467 people in Jacksonville, 454,279 people in Miami, and 387,916 people in Tampa, massage therapists who work in Florida can find an engaged environment to open, continue, or join a massage therapy business.
Here’s The Greatest Part
First, depending on your state, there are various grants available to help reduce your tuition. Then, your local Hand & Stone will pay up to $3,000 in scholarships . With grants and the scholarship, you pay a fraction of the normal cost of massage school.
Our school partners have great financing plans available with as little as $200 down and less than $80 for the first 9 months.*
Finally, consider the average starting Massage Therapist at Hand & Stone makes between $20-$25 per service, plus tips. Plus, there is additional earning potential from enhancements, product sales, and bonus contests. All of this makes massage therapy an immediately rewarding career. And through this unique program you will discover the fastest, least costly and most convenient way to join this rewarding new career in one of healthcare’s fastest growing professions.
To learn more and apply, or fill out the form below.
All training is via a 3rd party school not affiliated with our location, we provide scholarships and job opportunities only.
*For those who qualify. Payments increase to about $250 after 9 months, but you will be licensed and making the money or scholarship amount to pay it off quickly.
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Massage Education Requirements In Florida
Applicants for a Florida massage license are required to complete a minimum of 500 clock hours of instruction from a board approved school. For applicants who received their massage education and training in another state, the school must be approved by the Department of Education or an equivalent accreditation agency.
Florida board approved massage schools must offer a course of study with at least 500 classroom hours. There rate of completion must be no more than 6 hours per day, and 30 hours per week. The program should include at least:
- 150 hours of anatomy and physiology
- 100 hours of basic massage theory and history
- 125 hours of clinical practicum
- 76 hours of allied modalities
- 15 hours of business
- 15 hours of theory and practice of hydrotherapy
- 10 hours of Florida laws and rules
- 4 hours of professional ethics
- 3 hours of HIV/AIDs education
- 2 hours of medical errors
Endorsement Or Examination Candidate
There are primarily two routes to licensure, endorsement and examination. It is going to be one of the first questions you are asked on your application and the one that creates the first feelings of confusion.
If you have a current/valid massage license which you obtained by completing 500 hours of education and you have passed a national licensing exam , you are an Endorsement candidate.
If you are not currently licensed, or have not yet passed a national licensing exam, you are an Examination candidate.
The routes are very similar. Both endorsement and examination candidates must complete 10 hours of Florida Law and Rules from a Florida Approved Continuing Education Provider.
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How Long Does It Take To Become A Massage Therapist
Massage therapists provide comfort and healing for their clients through the use of skilled massage techniques. It’s a great career for people who are passionate about helping people and want a job that keeps them physically active. In this article, we’ll talk about what a massage therapist does, how long it takes to become one and what skills you will learn as you study for your career in massage therapy.
Massage Therapy Education Requirements
Most schools offering massage therapy near Clewiston FL 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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Additional Physical And Mental Benefits Of Massage Therapy
Massage can reduce physical symptoms associated with:
- Postoperative pain
- Easing symptoms of depression and the effects of dementia
More serious conditions are positively affected by massage therapy, which:
- Improves cardiovascular health
- Lowers blood pressure
- Improves quality of life in hospice care
In addition, massage is good for physical fitness and can enhance exercise performance, improve balance in older adults and increase range of motion and flexibility.
Questions To Ask Massage Therapist Courses
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 Clewiston FL. 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.
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Additional Requirements For Examination Applicants
Requirements for Examination Applicants
- Complete a course of study at a board approved massage school consisting of 500 or more clock hours.
- For applicants who graduated from a Florida board approved massage school, completion will be verified using an official transcript or graduate list.
- For applicants who graduated from a school in another state, completion will be verified by submission of an official transcript. If staff cannot verify the approval of your school, additional documentation may be requested.
- For applicants who graduated from a school outside the United States, completion will be documented by the submission of an evaluation of your transcript prepared by an education credentialing service.
- Documentation of your completed course of study must come directly from your school, the custodian of records if your school has closed, or the credentialing service if you graduated from a school outside the United States. Unofficial transcripts and transcripts sent directly by applicants will not be accepted.
Solution: Build Your Career
Massage therapists largely make their money based on how many appointments they receive and take more clients equals more money.
Getting more clients is obviously much easier said than done. However, there are several things you can do to maximize the amount of appointments you receive. For starters, make sure that youre . Even if youre working for an employer, marketing yourself will help differentiate you from other massage therapists, and potentially get more referrals. Also, make sure youre connecting well with your current clients, and make plans for them to follow-up with you regularly.
You can also look into switching industries to see if you can make more money as a massage therapist there. For example, if you work at a spa, you can look into working at a Chiropractors office. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, the top-paying industries that employ massage therapists are:
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Industry of Employment |
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Here Are A Few Other Questions To Ask Yourself:
Again being a massage therapist is not all flowers and roses and the burnout rate is high. Becoming a massage therapist requires some important discernment before you choose a school. Schools make money off of students and may only tell you all the good to get you to enroll.
School guidance counselors know very little about the field and the general public has a distorted view of our profession in many areas. In my twenty years of being a massage therapist, I have helped thousands get their massage license in Florida. This career is not for everyone.
Do you understand the physical demands of a job in this field?
Massage therapy is a physically, and sometimes emotionally, demanding job. Learning proper techniques helps you avoid common injuries associated with being a massage therapist. And learning boundaries helps with the emotional aspects of the job. A good massage school should prepare you for both these common issues.
Do you like science?
Are you ready to learn a lot about muscles, anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and pathology?I have heard a lot of people say, I just want to massage! Why do I have to learn all this other stuff? Because it is important! You need to know what muscles to address for certain conditions and pain patterns. You also must know all of the medical conditions which potentially make massage unsafe for a client.
Are you prepared to continuously learn and keep up with new research and educational opportunities, even after you complete school?
Florida Massage Therapy Careers
Average yearly salary for massage therapy in Florida
Florida massage therapists can earn an annual mean wage $38,500 or $18.51 hourly according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020. Growth in the massage therapy field is expected to be approximately 32% by 2026, a faster than average rate compared to other careers in the United States. The BLS reports Florida has the second highest rate of employment for massage therapists in the country.
In addition, the Naples-Marco Island area has the third highest concentration of massage therapy jobs in nation for metro areas, and the West Palm Beach-Boca Raton-Boynton Beach Metro area ranked fifth highest concentration of massage therapy jobs in nation for metro areas. Opportunities for Florida massage therapists include work at arthritis clinics, health resorts and spas, home health care programs, physical therapy clinics and sports medicine centers. As Florida is home to many cruise ship operations, many massage therapists are employed in the cruise industry. Consider these Florida massage schools when deciding where to begin your career exploration.
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Florida Massage Therapy Certification
Massage therapists must be licensed in Florida. The Florida Board of Massage Therapy issues the licenses. You will need to apply for a license once you meet all of the requirements.
Requirements for the massage therapist license in Florida are made clear on the Florida Board of Massage Therapy site. First, applicants should be at least 18 years old when they apply. Second, applicants will need to have a background check.
For people who have never had a massage therapy license or who do not hold a license in another state, there are additional requirements. Applicants will have needed to complete a course of study in massage therapy at an approved school .
Next, applicants will need to take and pass the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination . Bright Education Institute designed a curriculum that meets the Florida Board of Massage Therapys standards for training. The program also prepares students to take the MBLEx.
What should you do next? The final requirement is to attend a 10-hour Florida Laws and Rules course. Then submit the licensing application and fee. Processing of the application typically takes 5 to 7 days.
What Are The Requirements Needed To Become A Professional Massage Therapist
Specific requirements will vary from state to state, but generally speaking, in order to be legally employed as a massage therapist you will need to:
1. Meet general prerequisites
2. Successfully complete a state-approved massage therapy program
3. Pass a national-licensing examination
General Prerequisites to becoming a Massage Therapist
One of the reasons why massage therapy is a popular career choice is that the entry-level requirements to the profession are quite reasonable. Massage therapy is often a second or third career path for many people and massage therapists usually have a range of education and work experience.
She looks super happy. Being a massage therapist makes you happy.
Age: Like most other professions, the minimum age to become a licensed massage therapist is 18. You will also need a minimum of a high school or general educational development diploma.
And just in case youre wondering, themedian age for professional massage therapists in the United States is 46, with roughly 22% being under the age of 35.
Background Check: Most states, including Florida, will require a criminal background check, including fingerprinting, before obtaining a professional massage therapist license. Because this is a general requirement, many massage therapy schools will also require a background check prior to applying. If this is an issue of concern to you, it is a good idea to check your state laws prior to applying and/or to bring it up with your admissions director.
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Massage Insurance State Requirements Faqs
Massage therapists across the United States use healing therapies to bring about true benefits for the patients under their care. But even for the most experienced massage therapists giving their patients an incredible level of care – accidents can, and do, happen. Its important to understand the many different requirements that can exist for massage therapist licensure as well as massage insurance in the state where youre practicing. Crossing state lines can mean huge differences in the requirements placed on therapists. Read on as we go over some of the more frequently asked questions from therapists across these United States.
Can you be a massage therapist without massage insurance?
Massage therapist license requirements vary significantly by state. Some states do require massage therapists to carry professional liability insurance in order to obtain/renew their licenses. While not every state requires liability insurance, it is typically far cheaper to carry comprehensive massage liability insurance than to pay the costs associated with a legal claim.
An event as simple as a patient accidentally rolling off your massage table can give rise to a claim. Under Massage Magazine Insurance Plus coverage, this event would be fully covered up to $2 Million per occurrence under the General Liability provisions of the policy.
What are the massage license guidelines for California?
Which states have massage license reciprocity?
How do I get a massage license in my state?