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.
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Why Choose Massage Therapy
Alternative health treatments are increasing in popularity now more than ever before! According to the American Massage Therapy Association consumers received 214 million massages in 2018, with an upward trend from prior years.
Of all of the forms of alternative health treatments, massage therapy is among the most popular. And health care is one of the fastest-growing industries in the U.S. today! The ever-increasing number of patients and clients from all walks of life who take advantage of the benefits of regular massage therapy is the reason that professional massage therapists are in such great demand.
As a fully trained professional massage therapist, you can work for spas, resorts, clinics, health clubs, pro sports teams, or cruise lines or even start your own business providing massage therapy from your home.
How You Can Pay For Our Programs
In keeping with our goal of making our massage therapy school online accessible to everyone, Allied Health Career Institute works to keep our programs affordable. We also offer a number of financial options to help our students pay for our massage therapy programs. For example, we offer grants, financial discounts, and payment plans that our students can apply for. If you would like to learn more about any of these options, then dont hesitate to call us today!
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Applicants With Criminal Convictions
If you have ever been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor or pleaded guilty or no contest to any in-state, out-of-state or federal criminal offense, you must provide a completed Criminal History Questionnaire along with your application materials.
The department will conduct a criminal history background check, including fingerprinting, on all persons who apply for or renew a massage license. Criminal convictions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Licenses may be denied based on the nature of the conviction and how long prior to the application the conviction occurred. Depending on your criminal history, a review can take from one to six weeks to complete.
Individuals may request TDLR review their criminal background before actually applying for a license. TDLR uses the same process for this pre-application evaluation as the process described below. See the Criminal History Evaluation Letter page for more information.
Please see the Guidelines for License Applicants with Criminal Convictions, which describe the process that TDLR uses to determine whether a criminal conviction renders an applicant an unsuitable candidate for the license, or whether a conviction warrants revocation or suspension of a license previously granted.
The Massage Therapy Career At A Glance
+ To become a massage therapist, 500 education hours are required in order to be licensed.
+ You must renew your license when it is due.
+ 6 continuing education hours will be required to renew your license.
+ The average salary for massage therapists in Texas is $45,090 . This is higher than the national average of $42,820 .
+ 32% job increase is predicted between 20162026 for massage therapists. Also, this is also higher than the expected national growth of 22%.
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Is It Worth Getting An Online Massage Therapy Certification
It may be worth completing an online massage therapy certification if the program provides in-depth training, flexible learning methods, and teaches a variety of massage techniques. A good program is also valuable if it prepares you to take your certification exam.
A massage therapy certification can also open you up to career opportunities, either with a spa or massage center or by starting your own practice. A licensed massage therapist in the U.S. can earn an average of $43,620 per year.
How Long Are Classes
This program will complete within 23 weeks .
Additional clinical hours require hands on practice that occurs outside of regularly scheduled class time. This will take place on designated days following the successful completion of Basic Massage training.
The Massage Therapy program at the Community College of Philadelphia is unlike no other! This program is for you if you enjoy learning, challenging yourself, and are looking to improve the lives of others. As you begin your transition from student to massage therapist, it is truly a blessing to be surrounded by a supportive team who want nothing more than to see you succeed. Whether it be on your best of days or the most challenging of days, the faculty and staff are with you from start to finish. With them in my corner, I feel I can achieve anything and that is an experience everyone deserves. Andrew, Massage Therapy Program
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Starting Your Massage Career
Discover what you need to know about starting a career in massage therapy.
One of the most frequent comments massage therapists make about their occupation is, “I feel fortunate to have found work I love.” They feel this way because a career in massage therapy allows them to help people in a meaningful way with a high degree of personal contact.
An Applicant May Provide One Of The Following As Proof Of Having Established An Arizona Residence:
- A valid Arizona drivers license
- A current Arizona motor vehicle registration
- Proof of filing Arizona income taxes in the most recent tax year
- Arizona voter registration
- Documentation of a mortgage for a primary Arizona residence
- A dated residential rental contract with proof of payment
- Proof of major banking services in Arizona
- Proof of establishment of Arizona utilities
- Proof of enrollment of children in Arizona schools
- Documentation demonstrating a change in permanent address on all pertinent records
- Military Form 2058
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What Youll Learn During Your Hot Training
Welcome to Hands-On Training! In this 4 week HOT session, we will start with a comprehensive review of topics youve already studied. Then well test your knowledge before moving into the different massage topics covered in your training. Youll explore the techniques involved in Swedish massage, sports massage, deep tissue massage, hydrotherapy and more. Along the way, brief written quizzes will help you to review and solidify the information you are learning. Finally in week 4, you will prepare and perform your final presentation and complete a 1-hour massage practicum with your instructor.
Take Your State’s Exam
So, yes, taking your state’s exam may seem overwhelming. But passing this exam means you can apply for a state license and begin practice as a massage therapist legally in your state.
48 out of 50 states require the successful completion of this exam to practice massage therapy. This exam is typically regulated through the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards . For more information about your states massage therapy regulations and an exam content outline, head to the FSMTB website.
Now that youre halfway through the steps for how to become a licensed massage therapist, the next step is to get your license!
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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.
How To Choose The Best Online Massage Therapy Certification Programs
To select the best online massage therapy certification program, consider location, the type of education desired, and the format of the program. Some key factors to think about include:
- Learning method: Is the program fully online? That’s difficult to find, but many programs offer hybrid options enabling students to learn at least some at home.
- Type of content: What does the program teach? Some programs provide a comprehensive overview of massage therapy including technique application along with business skills, communication skills, and first aid mastery.
- Certification access and prep: Is certification a part of the program? Most often, programs teach material necessary to sit for and pass a state or national certification program, though not all do.
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What Can I Do With A Certification In Massage Therapy
The majority of massage therapists are self-employed, but some work as employees in the healthcare industries such as chiropractors’ offices, hospitals and fitness centers. Other locations for massage therapy include hotels and motels, spas, resorts, cruise ships and shopping malls. There are also many massage therapists who choose to provide services out of their own home or by traveling to their clients’ homes.
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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Criminal History Guidelines For Massage Therapy
DISCLAIMER: The Division uses this matrix simply as a starting point in making its licensing or disciplinary decisions, and therefore it is provided only for general informational and guidance purposes. Every applicant and licensee is unique, with individual circumstances that may involve aggravating or mitigating or other factors, including patterns of conduct that may affect any final decision. Please consult your attorney if you have questions.
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Complete A Massage Therapy Program
For you to obtain your massage therapy program, applicants are required to complete an approved course of at least 500 credit hours.
The Texas Department of State Health Services requires at least 125 hours of this to be in the Swedish massage therapy theory and technique.
Other classes to expect are in the following areas:
- Anatomy
- Professional ethics
- Health and Hygiene
There are specific areas of instruction that the course must include, including 50 hours or more of an internship.
In this internship, students perform massages in a student clinic under the supervision of a massage therapy instructor.
Completing your education is the first step on how to become a massage therapist in Texas.
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Apply For State Licensure
Once you have passed the nationally approved exam, youre one step closer to being the Licensed Massage Therapist you hope to be.
So why, exactly, does massage therapy require licensure? Well, the government regulates the profession, and licensure allows an individual to practice massage therapy while public health, safety and welfare remain protected.
Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee all require their own licenses, which you can apply for on their government websites. States often require that your license be renewed on a regular basis and continuing education may also be a requirement for renewal.
Can I Get My Ce Hours With Ce Massage
Yes! Click to view the requirement for your state.
find a Course or Package
- To begin a search, click on “Online Courses.”
- You will be directed to our list of courses and packages.
- You can determine what fits your needs and wants.
- The best part is, you have one year to take your courses!
CREATE AN ACCOUNT OR LOG IN
- If you have an account, welcome back! To log in, .
- If you are a new customer, welcome! To register, .
- Everything is stored within your account, such as course material, exams, and certificates. Access your certificates anytime you need!
- Now that you are within your account, you can simply checkout.
- Everything is encrypted and secure.
- We do not store or keep any credit card information.
access your course & exam
- Inside your account, you will be able to access your courses & exams.
- You can view most of our courses right on the website or download each course for offline viewing, printing, and searching.
- You can easily print out exam questions and save your progress on the online exam to access at a later time.
access your certificates & renew
- Now that you have done the hard part, you can access your certificates upon passing each course.
- Your certificates are stored within your account for you to view and print.
- To access your certificates, log into your account and click on “Certificates” to view your certificates and transcript.
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What You Need For Apply For A Massage Therapy License
Please complete the following:
- Learn about applying for a license
- A sealed envelope with your official transcript from your Massage Therapy program. Please mail this to the address listed below under “by mail”.
- A 2×2 passport style photo.
- A complete list of your clock hours. This can be done on the application. If your program is noted in Credit Hours, you will need your school to write a complete breakdown of the programs Clock Hours on letter head.
- Two signed letter of reference. One letter must be from an employer in the field, and the other may be from an unrelated person.
- A Copy of the insurance policy declaration page, along with the effective date of coverage.
- Proof that you have passed either the Massage or Bodywork Licensing Exam or the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Message and Bodywork if you will fall deficient of the 300 hour Massage Theory and Technique requirements. Candidates who think they may qualify, please refer to the current Curriculum Guidelines for more information.
- Pay your licensing fee online
How Much Do I Earn As A Massage Therapist In Texas
Some massage therapists are able to earn a full-time salary working only part-time.
The annual mean salary for a massage therapist in Texas is $40,090 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salaries in the Lone Star State range from $17,500 to $67,520 before tips.
However, massage therapists who work in Corpus Christi have the opportunity to earn a higher salary, with the average for this city at $44,550 annually.
Texas ranks third in the nation for the highest employment of massage therapists. A career in massage therapy promotes health and healthier choices in massage clients.
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Renew Your License When Due
You will also have to take at least 6 hours of continuing education courses every year between your renewals.
When you renew, you will submit a $106 fee with your application and proof of continuing education.
Applicants can apply for new licenses and renew licenses online.
TDLR strongly encourages you to take advantage of the opportunity to apply or renew online.
The process is secure and easy to use and faster than submitting paper-based applications and supporting documents, especially as TDLR deals with significant staffing issues.
+ Applications submitted online can take 30 days to process once TDLR receives all required documents.
+ Applications submitted by mail may face significant delays, which may take up to 90 days once TDLR receives all required documents.
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.
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What Are Some Pros And Cons Of Online Classes
Possible Pros
In general, online courses are popular because of their convenience. It may be easier to fit online classes into your already hectic lifeyou dont have to commute to class, and some online courses are even self-paced, which means you can complete them on your own time, whenever works for you.
For students who dont live near institutions of higher education, online courses may be the only way they can achieve their educational goals without quitting their jobs and uprooting their lives to move closer to school. That reason alone can give students a powerful incentive to attend online programs.
Potential Cons
However, when it comes to massage therapy education, there are some potential drawbacks to online learning, especially for entry-level programs. Even if you are able to complete several weeks of hands-on learning in a clinic, that may still be too little training to prepare you for a successful career.
Massage therapy is regulated in most states, and you should choose a massage school that allows you to meet the education requirements needed to become licensed in your state .