Work Alongside Fellow Healthcare Providers
Would you like to be a valued healthcare professional? Integrative models of healthcare, which emphasize a team approach to each patients overall health, are becoming increasingly common. And thats great news for massage therapists.
With the appropriate training and credentials, massage therapists can work with acupuncturists, chiropractic doctors, medical doctors, nurses, physical therapists, and others in the healthcare field.
Consider just how much massage therapy is becoming an integral part of large-scaleand influentialhealthcare institutions. Here are just a few examples:
- Mayo Clinic has been a true leader in integrating massage therapy into its inpatient and outpatient services since 2002.
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City employs licensed massage therapists in various departments.
- Michigans largest healthcare system, Beaumont Health, began a massage therapy program in its oncology department 15 years ago. That program has now expanded to numerous departments and the provider now has dozens of licensed massage therapists on staff.
See former NWHSU student Rachel Roller talk about her role as a massage therapist in a chiropractic and wellness center.
Choose The Right Massage Therapist School Near Herscher Il
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 Herscher Illinois area.
More Areas of Interest in Illinois
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Work For A Franchisee Massage Employer
Certain employers will require you to perform additional administrative duties in addition to massage. The benefit of working for a franchise massage employer is a career offering a wide variety of choices and responsibilities. One of the most important considerations is equipment. Establishing a business as a massage therapist includes purchasing all of the necessary equipment as opposed to having everything provided by an employer.
Some employers pay for continuing education and training. Whether you decide to work for yourself or as part of a team, becoming a massage therapist is a rewarding career. Prior to deciding which course is right for your individual needs, consider your personality, preferences, the option best suited to your temperament and how to provide clients with the best possible experience.
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What To Look For In A Massage School
When considering a massage school, do your homework by looking at the schools website and reading any reviews. Find out if financial aid is available. Schools that offer financial aid are required to post exam pass rates for students and other information that might help you assess the quality of the program. Take the time to review this information.
Another great tip:Visit the school and take a tour, Lewis suggests. When you see the environment for yourself, you can pick up on whether itll be a great fit for you. Learn what the student success stories are. See how happy the students look and what the buzz feels like on campus. Get a sense for the curriculum and compare it to the direction you want to go in. For example, if youre interested in prenatal massage, do they even have a class on that?
Find out how long the massage program has been in existence and what its graduate success rates are.
When you look at the curriculum, see whether it gives you a taste for different types of massage. Learning about different specialties can help you figure out what you might like to focus on in the future, whether thats infant massage or reflexology.
If you need to take the MBLEx to become licensed in yourstate, find out if theres a prep course at the school, or if the schoolprovides study groups.
Complete All Practical Requirements
Practical requirements for massage therapists vary depending on state laws, but they generally revolve around a high school diploma, maintaining a minimum GPA throughout a program that lasts at least six months full time, or 12 months part-time .
Apprenticeship experience may also be required for experience working on real clients. Youll learn about different massage techniques and concepts during this stage, including orthopedics, trigger points, and palpation techniques.
You may also pursue specialty areas like Swedish massage, aromatherapy, oriental medicine, acupuncture, and sports massage. Graduates will then be eligible to take and pass an approved massage therapy exam.
The Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination , administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards , is one of the most commonly accepted exams within the United States, though the National Certification Examination, administered by the Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork , is also widely recognized.
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Where Can I Study
With 44 approved schools in Illinois where future LMTs can complete their 600 hours, it can be difficult to choose the right school.
Chicago is one of the most popular cities in Illinois to study massage, with two leading schools operating there: The Soma Institute and Northwestern College.
- The Soma Institute: With hands-on training and practical experience, this school has helped thousands of students get the training, experience and support they needed to succeed professionally. The school offers many programs, such as clinical massage therapy, health and wellness coaching, and continuing education. Soma graduates with a clinical massage therapy diploma have an 82.2 percent placement rate in a variety of organizations.
- Northwestern College: Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and the AMTA, this school hopes its students will be able to actively participate in the functions of healthcare teams, evaluate treatment plans to perform therapeutic massages, and become a licensed massage therapist in Illinois.
Can I Study Massage Therapy Online
There are massage therapist school online options, but they dont include the hands-on training youd get from an in-person school. Since massage therapy is a hands-on practice, many massage therapy students prefer being able to get real-time feedback on massage therapy techniques from an experienced instructor.
Also, consider that depending on your states licensing requirements, you may be required to attend an accredited massage therapy school. Not all online massage therapy schools are accredited. That means you could waste time and money attending one if your goal is to become a licensed massage therapist.
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Establish A Foundation For Additional Education And Credentials
Your massage therapy education can give you a solid foundation of knowledge in health and the human body. Thats why a background in massage therapy can help you establish a career path in other healthcare professions.
Its not uncommon for massage therapists to expand their expertise and eventually become chiropractors, acupuncturists, nurses, and more.
What Does A Massage Therapist Do
Massage therapists use physical touch to manipulate muscles and soft tissues in a process called massage. People seek massage for a variety of reasons, including:
- Relaxation and stress relief
- Injury prevention
- Improved circulation and overall health and well-being
Massages can range anywhere from 10 minutes on a specific body part, to 2 hours or longer for an all-over body massage. When a massage therapist meets with a client, the therapist will typically conduct an intake session. The therapist will ask the client why theyre seeking a massage and identify any sore or tender areas they have and any injuries the therapist should be aware of.
During the massage, the client may either be fully clothed or partially clothed, depending on preference. Some therapists will use tools like lotion, oil or hot stones during the massage.
With the clients goals and physical condition in mind, the massage therapist will massage the body to improve relaxation and relieve and prevent long-term pain. Massage therapists typically use their hands, while some may also use body parts such as elbows and feet to deliver massage. Massage therapists communicate with clients during the massage to ensure the session is pain-free.
After a massage session, the masseuse will provide the client with recommendations, which may include hydration, posture guidelines and stretching exercises. The therapist will also recommend an ongoing massage plan to help the client achieve their goals.
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How To Become A Massage Therapist
Make sure this career aligns with your career expectations and goals.
The role of a massage therapist can vary widely depending on your specialty, but you will almost certainly be working closely with clients to understand their medical histories and symptoms using your fingers, hands, and arms to manipulate the bodys muscles and soft tissue and offering guidance to patients relating to posture, gait, sleep, strength, and relaxation. Your salary as a massage therapist may vary depending on where you live and the type of specialty massage work you do. A significant factor for massage therapists who work for themselves are the hours you choose to work. If youre charging by the hour, your salary will obviously vary based on the number of clients you see.
Find a program that meets your states requirements.
Each state has its own professional guidelines for massage therapy practitioners. Before you pursue a program, find out whats required by the state in which you want to practice, and make sure you meet the prerequisites for the program.
Enroll and complete the program.
You dont need a two- or four-year degree to become a massage therapist. Most massage therapy programs award a diploma or certificate after 500 to 1,000 hours of training.
Get licensed or certified.
Gain practical experience.
Consider earning additional specialty certifications to increase your potential.
What Education Do You Need To Become A Massage Therapist
Complete a Training Program. Individuals interested in becoming massage therapists must complete formal training, which may be offered as certificate and diploma programs through community colleges and technical schools. A high school diploma, or the equivalent, is required to enter most training programs.
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Massage Therapist Examination Requirement
The prospective massage therapist will need to pass an approved examination. Multiple examinations may be accepted. State rules reference examinations offered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards and the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork .
The examination in current use nationwide as a licensing examination is the FSMTBs Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination . It is offered in multiple choice format in English and Spanish. Prospective massage therapists may mail their registration or submit it online . They will need to pay $195. Once approved, they will schedule through Pearson VUE. Examinations are offered on an ongoing basis. Examination results are provided free of charge to one state licensing agency this generally happens very soon after testing. The FSMTB has provided a candidate bulletin that must be read prior to application.
The NCBTMB offers a Board Certification examination. It is not intended to be taken for licensing purposes but rather as part of a rigorous supplemental certification process. A Board Certification candidate will need to meet additional requirements imposed by the NCBTMB . The NCBTMB has set educational requirements somewhat higher than the Illinois Board, and certification will not actually be awarded until the massage therapist has accrued 250 practice hours at the professional level.
How To Become A Massage Therapist In 5 Steps: A Guide
The Indeed Editorial Team comprises a diverse and talented team of writers, researchers and subject matter experts equipped with Indeed’s data and insights to deliver useful tips to help guide your career journey.
Massage therapy is a diverse field for professionals with an interest in holistic and complementary medicine. These professionals complete specialized training and gain relevant skills to help their clients relieve pain, reduce stress and improve their well-being. If you want to become a massage therapist, there are many steps you can take to pursue this career path.
In this article, we discuss what a massage therapist does, explain how to become a massage therapist, share the salary and job outlook for the role, and answer frequently asked questions about pursuing this career path.
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S Guide To Become A Massage Therapist In 2023
Becoming a massage therapist is not an easy task. The profession requires years of training, at least 500-1000 hours of supervised clinical work, and passing the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork. If you are considering becoming a massage therapist, these 5 steps should help to guide you through this process!
In This Post
What Does A Massage Therapist Actually Do
A massage therapist is a trained, licensed professional that practices the manual, or hands-on, movement of soft body tissues. Soft body tissues include muscle, connective tissue, tendons, and ligaments.
People seek massage therapy for a variety of reasonsincluding to reduce stress and anxiety, relax muscles, rehabilitate injuries, reduce pain, and promote overall health and wellness.
In fact, massage therapy is a growing field within healthcare.
Be aware that educational programs vary in their emphasis on massage therapy as a form of healthcare. At NWHSU, for example, students are prepared to be healthcare professionals who provide massage therapy as part of an integrative healthcare team.
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Enrolling In A Massage Therapy School
Admission to massage therapy school is straightforward. Before you can enroll, you will need to apply and meet the following common requirements:
- Have a high school diploma
- Submit official transcripts for any college coursework completed
- Pass a criminal background check
- Have a cumulative grade point average over 2.0
- Meet all other qualifications, based on the school
What Qualifications Do You Need To Be A Massage Therapist
Generally speaking, the basic steps to becoming a massage therapist involve:
- Completing coursework and hands-on massage training through a massage certification program.
- Passing a licensing examination.
- Applying for a license in the state or jurisdiction where you intend to practice.
Once youve gained these credentials, continuing education courses may be required to maintain your licensure.
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Illinois Continuing Education Requirements
Please understand that massage laws change frequently and vary from state to state. We will try to provide you with the most current information possible.
It is our understanding that currently, Illinois therapists need 24 CE hours every 2 years for license renewal. Renewal period is every even numbered year on December 31. Of the 24 CE hours, 2 must be in ethics and 1 on the topic of sexual harassment prevention. As of March 1, 2021 the State of IL amended the CE requirements to allow all 24 CE hours to be completed through home study/online means. Because we are an NCBMTB approved provider, you may complete all of your CE hours of our courses for your license renewal with the exception of the sexual harassment requirement.
You can verify this information or contact the state of Illinois with further questions by visiting the Illinois Board of Massage.
Please note that all of our courses can be used for NCBTMB recertification, our approved provider number is 409296-00. You may also use any of our CE courses for renewal with organizations such as the AMTA and ABMP .
Job Growth Outlook: High
Within the next ten years, the career outlook for Massage Therapists is projected to rise 22 percent.
This is much higher than many other careers, including ones that are not in the same field.
More states are adopting the licensing requirements and standards that many Massage Therapists must deal with.
This means that more massage therapy facilities will open, and more jobs will need to be filled.
Also, healthcare providers and insurance companies are realizing that there are benefits to massage therapy and are beginning to offer massage services.
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Massage Therapy Education Levels
There are three different levels of massage therapy education. They include:
Diploma and Certificate ProgramsThese types of programs are very focused on the basic knowledge and skills you need to become a practicing massage therapist. In a diploma or certificate program you are likely to learn about different massage techniques, anatomy and physiology, and business courses that will help you understand the administrative side of the field.
Associate DegreeBecause this is a general education degree, youll find that the curriculum will typically have requirements that are not massage therapy-specific. In addition to the types of courses you might find in a certificate program, you will also be required to take courses in English, psychology, and sociology, among other general electives.
Advanced DegreesGraduate level degrees in massage therapy are uncommon, but it is possible to find masters-level programs in somatic psychotherapy that combine bodywork with counseling skills. There are currently no doctorate programs in massage therapy in the U.S.
Massage Therapists Certifications & Licensure
Licensure requirements for massagetherapists vary from state to state. Aspiring massage therapistsshould research what procedures and examinations are required forprofessional licensure in massage therapy in an individualscurrent or future state of residence.
The AssociatedBodywork & Massage Professionals organization reports that 43 states require licensure, as doesthe District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Asummary of the requirements for licensure of massage therapyprofessionals in each state can be found on the ABMP website.
Common examinations include the MBLExor board certification and specialization from the NationalCertification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.
It is worth noting that a certificatefrom the NCBTMB does not replace state licensure, but it does proveprogrammatic educational quality and ensure that a massage therapyprofessional has met requirements beyond those required for initialprogram. Upon earning licensure, many massage therapists use thecredential licensed massage therapist to represent their levelof training and professionalism.
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