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.
Massage Therapy Is A Growing Career
As massage therapy has become increasingly important in the health and wellness professions, the number of massage therapists has risen. In 2019, the estimated number of massage therapists in the US was 360,823, statistically flat from 2018.
There are currently 245+ accredited massage therapy institutions in the United States. Many institutions have multiple campuses. Find an AMTA School Member near you. Training programs in massage therapy generally require a high school diploma, though post-secondary education is useful. Learn what to consider when looking for your perfect massage therapy program. Previous studies in broad subjects such as science , business and humanities are helpful.
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How To Become A Licensed Massage Therapist In California
Massage therapists specialize in the Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology of the body as it relates to soft tissue injury, treatment and prevention. They use a variety of different techniques or modalities to ease muscular tension and stress, relieve pain from injuries and accelerate healing from certain chronic and acute conditions. Here is some helpful information on how to become a certified Massage Therapist in California.
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Start A Small Massage Business
Running a small business offers benefits including flexibility and freedom. You decide the type of space to work in, which hours and days you will be available and determine your own scheduling and fees. All of the revenue earned is yours. If you enjoy working alone, you perform every job and decide whether an assistant or any employees are necessary.
Running a small business is expensive and involves handling all costs associated with the business such as licenses, rent, equipment and advertising. A sole practitioner does not receive the same benefits as a massage therapist working for an employer. Working for an employer means a specific schedule must be maintained including availability, hours and treatments.
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:
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Definition Of Practice Of Massage Therapy
The practice of the profession of massage therapy is defined as engaging in applying a scientific system of activity to the muscular structure of the human body by means of stroking, kneading, tapping and vibrating with the hands or vibrators for the purpose of improving muscle tone and circulation.
How To Become A Licensed And Certified Massage Therapist
If you have strong, skilled hands and believe in the healing power of touch, you might make a great massage practitioner. And theres good news: The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a rapidly growing demand for massage therapists in coming years. The job also ranks among the best career paths in the 2022 US News 100 Best Jobs survey.
To practice massage therapy professionally, you need training. Most states require massage therapists to be licensed, which typically means completing a massage therapist course, passing an exam, getting certifications and purchasing massage therapist insurance.
Getting certified is always a good idea, even if you work in a state with no massage therapy regulation, like Kansas, Minnesota, Vermont or Wyoming. A massage therapy certification tells clients that you are properly trained and that they can trust you. And the training for a certification is an opportunity to learn advanced techniques, which can level up your practice and expand your clientele.
Think you have what it takes? Our guide to becoming a state licensed and certified massage therapist is the first step to your rewarding new career.
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Get A Job Or Set Up Your Massage Therapy Practice
Many massage therapists choose to get a job right out of school in a spa, massage chain, or medical clinic to gain some experience before venturing into self-employment. It allows you to determine what specialty you’d like to develop more. Massage school only introduces you to a few modalities such as Deep Tissue, Swedish, Sports Massage, and others, depending on the school. It’s after school when you start continuing education classes that you begin to deepen your learning, advance your new skills, find what you’re good at, what types of clients you enjoy working with, and explore other modalities like Ashiatsu barefoot massage or Cupping. Self-employment right after massage school is possible but can be daunting, and it may take a while to build up a substantial practice with regular paying clients.
Massage Therapy has been a rewarding experience for me personally, and I can’t imagine doing anything else. I love helping people find alternatives to dealing with chronic pain. It took me a couple of years to figure out where I wanted to be, then I ran into issues with repetitive strain and longevity, but I figured out how to extend my career with barefoot massage training. I even went back to school to specialize in Rolfing Structural Integration. Read more about my experience here.
S To Becoming A Licensed Massage Therapist
How many people can truthfully say they love their career? Well, most Massage Therapists tend to say they do. The career boasts below-average stress levels and above-average flexibility, according to U.S. News Best Jobs Rankings. Massage Therapists can work from home, in salons, spas, high-end resorts, and even cruise ships.
If youre considering becoming a Massage Therapist but youre not sure where to start, read these five steps to get a better idea of what youll need to do.
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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.
Get The Support You Need To Establish A Successful Career
There are over half a million people working as massage therapists across the United States alone. As an industry, it continues to grow as more and more people are looking for ways to relax and relieve stress from their busy lives. That being said, becoming a massage therapist is not easy however there is no need for prior experience or education requirements in order for someone who wants this career path but may think otherwise based on what they’ve heard about it so far.
You can become licensed almost immediately after completing training courses through organizations such as AMTA .
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The Hardest Step Getting Started
Massage is a truly rewarding career It allows for independence, workplace flexibility, and the joy of helping others. Unfortunately, taking the leap can be daunting. Many aspiring Massage Therapists spend months or even years trying to decide if its the right fit for them.
Dont waitget the information you need to make an informed decision about your Massage Therapy career. Admissions Representatives at IBMC College are knowledgeable in all aspects of the program. They can even help you sit in on a class, take a campus tour, and meet instructors before making the final decision.
Is A Massage Therapy License The Same As A Business License
No, although you may be required to have both, depending on the type of massage therapy work you do. Massage therapy licensure is required for any practitioner of massage therapy, even if theyâre an employee of a larger company. The massage therapy license is unique to the industry and shows youâre competent in the field.
On the other hand, a business license certifies that your business is allowed to operate legally in your area and is safe for the public to engage with.
Not every massage therapist will need a business license since not every massage therapist is a business owner. For instance, massage therapists who work full-time at fitness centers wonât need to register for a business license since theyâre employed by a business that will be licensed. But if you decide to pick up your own clients part-time, you most likely will need to register as a business.
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How To Become A Certified Massage Therapist In California
Looking for information to obtain a massage license, or get certified, in California?
Legally working as a massage therapist in California is different than any other state. Whether you are a current massage therapist moving to California, or a resident looking for a massage program, sorting through regulations can be challenging and time-consuming.
I am going to cover the current regulations in California and break down the requirements into simple steps. Soon, you will know everything you need to do, or not do, in order to work as a massage professional in the state.
Minimum Program Requirements For Programs Beginning Prior To September 1 2021
The education and training in massage therapy must consist of a minimum of 500 hours to be completed in no less than six months and must consist of the following:
- One hundred thirty hours of anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology with a minimum of 40 hours of kinesiology.
- Fifty hours of pathology.
- Two hundred sixty-five hours of theory and practice of massage. A maximum of 50 of these hours may include time spent in a student clinic.
- Fifty-five hours of clinical/business practices.
See WAC 246-830-430 for additional information.
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Get Small Business Insurance
Small business insurance is especially important for massage therapists since you have so much hands-on contact with your clients and might be treating people who are already injured.
Make sure that youâre properly covered for any risk to keep both your business and your clients safe. To get specifics on your stateâs insurance requirements, we have a state-by-state breakdown of the most popular kinds of small business insuranceâall in plain English, of course. You already know the names of every muscle in the jaw you don’t need to be fluent in legalese, too.
How Long Does It Take To Become A Licensed Massage Therapist
Like most things massage therapy, this will depend on your state, though all states require a minimum amount of training time before you can take the licensing exam. States like Kentucky require at least 600 hours of training, while some states, like New York, require as many as 1,000 hours of training.
Depending on what kind of massage therapy school you attend and whether you go full-time or part-time, these hours can take anywhere from 5 months to 2 years to complete, with most training programs taking about a year to complete.
You can sign up to take the MBLEx as soon as you finish your hours of training, though it can take up to 5 days for the application to process once youâve paid the fee. You have a maximum of two hours to complete the test once you begin. If you need to retest for any reason, youâll need to wait at least 30 days.
Once youâve finished your hours and passed your exam, youâll also be required to complete a background check to make sure there are no crimes in your past that directly go against the professional ethics of the industry. Depending on the service used, this can take a few days or a few weeks to process.
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Where Can I Study
The New Jersey Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy allows students to complete their 500 required hours at schools approved by the NJ Department of Education, the NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development, the NJ Commission of higher education, or an agency of another state that meets the same requirements.
Below are two approved schools in New Jersey to help you get started on what you may be looking for in a massage therapy education.
- Gentle Healing School of Massage and Education Center: Awarded the School of Excellence award from the ACCSC, this school has been creating talented massage therapists since 1996. Their mission is to instruct students in the art and science of massage therapy in a relevant, current and conducive manner.
- Academy of Massage Therapy: With small class sizes and personal learning environments, this school has a teaching philosophy based on hands-on learning with the theory to support the practical applications. This is the oldest massage therapy school in New Jersey, and many graduates are now employers themselves.
Other education options include Institute for Therapeutic Massage and JSG School of Massage Therapy.
Learn About The Career And Establish Goals
Massage Therapy is a great career path, but there are some important choices to make before entering the field. You dont have to have it all figured out beforehand, but its important to have goals.
Start by asking yourself what type of massage would you like to learn. There are dozens of different modalitiesincluding deep tissue, sports, Swedish and trigger point. Most Massage Therapists practice several, but only specialize in a few. Typically, youll learn many different styles during a Massage Therapy training program, so you dont have to know yet.
Then, ask yourself if you want to work as a solo practitioner, or for an established spa or massage business? While many Massage Therapists are self-employed, most began their careers as an employee for a couple of years. If you have aspirations of starting your own business, youll want to pick a career training program that emphasizes entrepreneurship.
Start considering these options before you enter a program so you can make sure youll learn what you need to achieve your goals.
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Obtain Massage Therapy Training
There are many different types of certification available to massage therapists. The profession does not require degree level education, but the majority of states do have licensing requirements for entry-level employment in a spa, clinic, or resort. However, there are many different types of training available that can be used to obtain state licensure and qualify for entry-level employment.
In order to prepare for a career as a massage therapist, you will need at least 500 hours of training. Many states require 1000 or more hours. You can find training available at massage therapy schools, beauty and wellness academies, community colleges with a spa & wellness center, universities & vocational schools with a massage therapy curriculum, and online courses.
In some cases, training may be available from a specific massage school or program you are interested in attending. However, most of the time it must be obtained through outside training. Some of the most popular massage therapy schools & programs to attend are:
- Universal College of Healing Arts 600 Hours: $1550-$8065
The cost of your training will vary depending on the school or program you attend, but expect to pay around $5000 for a massage therapy education. Some schools offer tuition reimbursement or financial aid for those who qualify, so be sure to inquire about your options.
What Is A Certified Massage Therapist
Overview
Certified massage therapists provide their client’s massage treatment for muscle relief, joint pain, and other health problems. They help them relax, relieve stress, and improve circulation for pain-free movement and an overall healthier body. You have the opportunity to work in a massage parlor, a health care facility, or as an independent freelancer visiting your clients in their homes. Working together with physicians and physiotherapists is also common. You will consult your clients to understand their conditions to the fullest, explain the treatment you provide and answer any questions they might have. You will need to know and use techniques that are both safe for you and your clients. You will have to be friendly and customer-oriented, tending to your clients’ needs in a professional manner while keeping your equipment and area clean and safe to use.
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