How To Get A Massage Therapy Certification
Even after completing massage school and licensed massage therapist, you can get additional voluntary certifications that demonstrate your skill and knowledge of massage techniques to potential employers and clients.
The gold standard of national certification for massage therapy is the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork . Getting NCBTMB certified requires graduating from an approved school, passing a board certification exam, and other qualifications.
Becoming board certified is not required to practice massage therapy. Still, it shows the highest level of commitment and professionalism to your clients and potential employers.
Many professional massage therapists also join the American Massage Therapy Association , the largest non-profit professional association representing massage therapists. Becoming an AMTA member requires meeting minimum education requirements, pursuing continuing education and upholding the organization’s Code of Ethics.
What Does Camtc Do
Allows Portability
Before CAMTC was created, California massage professionals were often required to obtain a city/ county license or permit in every city they practiced. Mobile massage licenses could be pricey and complicated to keep straight. Or if a therapist worked in one city and got a job in a neighboring city, a new license was required.
CAMTC certification allows massage professionals to provide services anywhere in the State of California for one price, $150. There is no need to obtain multiple local permits.
Public Protection
Massage regulations exist to protect the public, since getting a massage by an untrained therapist can be potentially dangerous. Certified therapists must meet certain educational and examination requirements, as well as undergo background checks.
You can verify a certified massage therapist on CAMTCs website.
Protects the CMT title
CAMTC protects the professional title, Certified Massage Therapist , and Certified Massage Practitioner . Only CAMTC certified therapists can use this title in their advertising.
Whats the difference between a CMP and CMT?
Previously, there were two certification levels, Certified Massage Practitioners and Certified Massage Therapists. CMTs had more stringent requirements . Now, California only certifies CMTs.
Previously certified CMPs may only use the title CMP and can continue to recertify as a CMP, unless they pass the MBLEx and upgrade to CMT.
Certifying Schools
CAMTC does not:
What Is Massage School Like
Once you choose a school for progressing through your massage therapy coursework, you will usually find you are taking a blend of online and in-person learning. There will be quizzes and final exams just like in any college course but answering the question of how long does it take to be a massage therapist? is going to depend on the program. State boards for massage therapy have minimum amounts of training that must be completed in order to apply for a massage license and become a full-fledged licensed massage therapist .
Bottom line, you can expect between 500 hours and 1,500 hours for the typical program which translates into anywhere from a few months to six months or more, depending on the program.
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What Are The Differences Between Certification Licensing And Accreditation In The Massage Profession
Professional certification uses a formal process to identify and acknowledge individuals who have met a recognized standard and is typically a voluntary process. Usually this standard includes education, experience, and an exam of knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform the job.
When an individual meets the standard, he or she receives certification from a certifying agency. The credibility and integrity of the certifying agency determines whether the agencys certification means anything to the public, and therefore, ultimately, its value. Accordingly, certification agencies may seek out recognition by an outside agency that will, in turn, attest to the certifying agency meeting a standard.
Generally, this standard involves the requirements to take the exam, whether the exam meets accepted psychometric standards for exam development, how the exam is given and scored, how the agency is administered, and whether its rules are fair. A non-governmental professional organization grants recognition to an individual who has met certain qualifications. The National Organization for Competency Assurance operates the National Commission for Certifying Agencies for that purpose.
Two regulatory variations are state certification and registration. These generally are somewhat less restrictive than licensing, but how each is defined can vary from state to state.
Launch Your Massage Therapy Career
As a licensed and certified massage therapist, you’ll need to decide whether you want to run your own practice or work for an existing business.
According to AMTA, 77% of practicing massage therapists consider themselves sole practitioners. If you decide to take that route, you’ll need to decide on a setting for your practice. AMTA reports that 42% of all massage therapists work at the client’s home or office, 52% at the therapist’s office, 36% at the therapist’s home and 22% at spas. Other options could include fitness centers, alternative medicine centers, hotels, cruise ships, and shopping malls.
Whether working for an employer or yourself, getting massage therapist insurance is a good idea. It helps protects you and your business if something unexpected happens on the job.
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Convenient Morning Afternoon & Evening Schedules
This program is designed to fit the needs of busy adult learners. We understand the lives our students lead, and how important it is to have balance. Many students are working, taking care of family and/or juggling other commitments while they attend school. Choose the schedule that best fits your lifestyle.
- The full-time program can be completed in 8 months
- The part-time program can be completed in 10 months or 12 months
How To Determine Whether You Are Eligible For Our Programs
Are you eligible for our programs? Our goal is to make the process as accessible as possible for all of our students, so we work to ensure that all of our prospective students are fully informed about what it takes to become a professional massage therapist. If you have any questions about your eligibility, then dont hesitate to contact us today!
It can be helpful, however, to begin by asking yourself whether massage therapy is the right field for you. Are you a naturally empathetic person? Do you gain a sense of immense satisfaction from helping other people with their problems? If the answer to these questions is yes, then you may be a good candidate for massage therapy. Now, its time to check whether you meet the basic qualifications for our programs.
In order to take one of our programs, you must be 18 or older. You must also have either a high school diploma or an equivalent diploma. A background check will be required to take each program, the cost of which is included in the application fee. You must be of good moral character to take one of our programs, and you must be able to provide three references, personal or professional. Finally, you must not have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor that indicates poor character, such as shoplifting, embezzlement, or fraud.
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Do You Need A License To Do Massages In California
Can you practice massage in California without a license? Practicing Massage Without a License in the State of California Licensing is voluntary in California, which means an unlicensed person can practice massage therapy. However, 250 hours and 500 hours of training are still required for practitioners and therapists, respectively.
What Does A Tdlr Do
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation oversees a wide range of professions, businesses, facilities, and equipment. See the article : How can I convince my wife to get a massage?. We protect the health and safety of Texans and ensure they are served by qualified professionals.
What does TDLR mean in construction?
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation receives many inquiries about the Architectural Barriers Act and the technical requirements of the Texas Accessibility Standards .
Is TDLR a government agency?
The members of the commission are appointed by the governor for overlapping six-year terms and confirmed by the Senate. Over the years, TDLR has grown to become the states primary professional licensing agency, today responsible for administering 38 licensing programs.
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Massage Therapy License Requirements
States that license or certify Massage Therapists have dedicated regulatory divisions or boards where they have posted the necessary Massage Therapist licensure requirements. Locating the Massage Therapist License requirements on a states regulating agency website can be difficult with the additional legislation and materials they also have on their we/bsite. Often a states Massage Therapy Licensure Board is under the umbrella of the department of health or medical licensure making it even more difficult to sort through and locate the Massage Therapist license requirements you are looking for.
As a student or recent graduate, it is very common to feel confused about where to look for licensure information and the steps you will need to take along the way. MassageTherapyLicense.org has made the process simple and more efficient for you by providing direct navigation to the licensure information you need to help secure a Massage Therapy license in your state.
A state licensing Massage Therapists assures that only those Massage Therapists who have met specific requirements are treating clients. Massage Therapist licensure helps to ensure a level of safety and confidence for both client and Massage Therapist.
How Do I Get My Massage License In Texas
To obtain a Texas massage therapist license, TDLR requires a passing score on the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards .
How long does it take to become a licensed massage therapist in Texas?
Massage therapy licenses in Texas require a minimum of 500 hours of training in the practice of massage therapy. The Texas Department of State Health Services requires at least 125 hours of this to be in the theory and technique of Swedish massage therapy.
How Do I Get a Massage Therapy License in Texas?
- STEP 1 Complete a 500-hour massage therapy training program at a state-licensed massage school.
- STEP 2 Take and pass the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam, also known as MBLEx,
- STEP 4 Complete the Massage Therapy License Application with TDLR.
- Total hours required: 500.
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Can I Learn To Be A Massage Therapist Through An Online Distance Learning Program
Due to the nature of the career, you can complete a portion of your coursework through online distance learning classes however, hands-on clinical work is a requirement. Technical instruction can be obtained through an online program therefore, offering you convenience and flexibility. Please verify that your massage therapy program is accredited adequately per your states regulations.
and, lastly
The Future Of Massage Regulation In California
It appears California is going to keep this voluntary model for the time being.
Gov. Jerry Brown on Sept. 22, 2016, extended the Massage Therapy Act, including CAMTCs voluntary certification program, for four more years .
If you have any questions about becoming a Certified Massage Therapist in California, please let me know in the comments below. Thanks!
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Reinstatement Of A Massage Therapy License If Not Renewed On Time
Some states have no provision you to get your license reinstated after it expires.
Arkansas, South Dakota, Connecticut and Rhode Island require you to submit a new license application and meet all current new licensee requirements.
In many cases, especially if there have been law changes since you were first licensed.
And also, you may have to return to massage school to supplement your education and/or take or retake a licensing examination.
You may also have to get a criminal background check.
The reapplication process can take up to six months or more.
So during which you cannot practice massage.
Other states allow you to reinstate your license under certain conditions, within a specified time period.
That period ranges from 6 months to 5 years.
In order to reinstate a license.
And also, you generally required to submit a reinstatement application.
Pay the regular renewal rate for the time you have expire.
Pay a late fee and pay a reinstatement fee.
The total cost can be several hundred dollars.
Some states require you to go before the board and explain the circumstances behind your failure to renew.
Others require you sign a sworn affidavit that you have not practiced massage therapy in the state during the time your license was expired.
Some states will allow reinstatement with proof that you were working under a valid massage license in another state during the expired period.
So which could include taking a test or providing other evidence?
Get A Business License
So youâve decided youâre going to open your own practice. Congratulations! Now your next step is getting a business license.
For most states, to get a business license for massage therapy will require having your state certification ready to go . Youâll also need to set up your business entity and an EIN .
Then, once you have all the appropriate paperwork , you can register with the appropriate government branch and wait for approval.
Business license requirements vary by state , so check out this state-by-state guide to get more info on what you need.
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What Is A License For A Massage Therapist
A license for a massage therapist is a state-issued license that allows processionals to practice massage therapy on patients. Massage therapists complete this prior to beginning their careers. A massage therapist license consists of an approved licensing exam that tests individuals on the following topics:
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Massage therapy ethics
How Much Does Online Massage Therapy School Cost
The cost of earning a massage therapist credential varies widely based on a number of factors, including whether the student is earning an associate degree or certificate/diploma, state and county residency status, type of school , and whether the school charges a different tuition rate for courses delivered online. Here are a few examples of what a massage therapist student can expect to pay for their education. Note: The following tuition figures are accurate as of May 2019. Please check school websites to confirm tuition and other costs.
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What Is A Certificate For A Massage Therapist
Massage therapist certifications provide advanced education and training in a particular massage specialty. Unlike licenses, massage therapist certifications are voluntary. Individuals earn these to demonstrate their commitment to the profession and gain more educational experience. The qualifications and requirements may vary by state and type of certification.
Can You Make Good Money As A Massage Therapist
According to the BLS, massage therapists earn a median annual salary of $43,620, with the lowest 10 percent of earners making around $22,500 per year and the top 10 percent more than $79,150.
The top pay states for massage therapists are Alaska, Washington, and Oregon. Additionally, it is not uncommon for massage therapists to take on private clients as independent contractors for supplemental income.
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Why Massage Is So Expensive
The therapist is serving only you, and expects to make enough money to make a living doing massages. So the biggest cost of the service is the human time that the therapist invests into you, which is the reason spa services will seem expensive if you compare to discretionary spendings such as restaurants and cinema.
Pass Your Licensing Exam
44 states require massage therapists to pass the MBLEx before being licensed, though some states have their own exams. If youâre taking the MBLEx, the FSMTB does have an official study guide, so pick up a copy and start studying!
These tests are pretty pricey , so itâs in your best interest to get it right the first time, but with the right schooling and study regimen, you should be ready to go.
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Online Licensed Massage Therapist Certification
To become a licensed massage therapist, you can enroll in a post-secondary certification program online. You will need a high school diploma or GED to apply for admission into the program. It can also be helpful if you have previously completed some science or business classes. You can complete many of the essential classes online, but keep in mind that hands-on experience will also be required. Students can enter a full or part-time program and may choose to focus on a specific massage specialty.
Although programs for massage therapy will vary widely by state, most programs require around 500 hours of study and experience. Massage therapy programs include subjects such as physiology, kinesiology, business management and ethics. Students must also complete a required number of hours of hands-on practice offline.
Many states require aspiring massage therapists to obtain certifications, licenses and pass exams. That’s why the certificate or degree is usually received from a two year accredited massage therapist program. There may be a fee for the exam as well as a fee and requirements for license renewal. Check the legal requirements for the state in which you intend to practice for detailed information. A list of states that regulate massage therapy is available at American Massage Therapy Association
Education And Training With An Accredited School
Standards for education and training can assist the consumer to know whether a massage therapist has adequate preparation to practice. Most states require a specific number of hours of in-class initial massage therapy training, which must include the study of anatomy and physiology, the theory and practice of massage therapy, and elective subjects. This varies by state from 500 to 1,000 hours of initial education.
One method of knowing whether a program or massage school provides a nationally-recognized standard level of education is to see if it is accredited by a credible agency .
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