What Happens After The Training
After the training, go for certification or licensing. All but 11 of the states use the certification issued by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork .
The Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards administer another exam, the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination or MBLEx, which is the one used by other states.
Massage Certifications And Degrees
The requirements to practice as a massage therapist are most often regulated at the state level, with four exceptions: Kansas, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Vermont. There are different massage education paths that will satisfy each states licensing requirements. These generally break down into two types: certifications that are focused on teaching you massage-related information quickly so you can get licensed and working as a massage therapist as soon as possible, and more general education degrees where massage or massage-related coursework features prominently as a specialization.
The variety of massage education options means that many different types of institutions offer massage therapy schooling, including local community colleges, so-called naturalistic colleges, and stand-alone massage schools. Make sure you confirm the program you choose is accredited, as many states require you to have attended an accredited program in order to be licensed. In addition, federal financial aid programs will only provide funding if your school is accredited.
Whats best for you depends on your educational goals do you want a well-rounded learning experience or are you more focused on obtaining exactly what you need to begin practicing with clients? You should also consider how much time youre willing to invest in your schooling, and remember that the minimum education required by employers varies based on your state.
Benefits Of Becoming A Massage Therapist
When you choose to pursue a career in massage therapy, youll be entering a field that is both rewarding and in demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates there will be a job growth of 22% for massage therapists by 2028. With tens of thousands of new jobs expected to become available in the coming years, there is plenty of opportunity for people entering this field.
Within allied health professions, massage therapists have among the most interactions with patients and clients. Another distinctive feature of massage therapy is the variety of specialties that a therapist can choose to focus on in their career, such as sports massage and deep tissue massage.
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Local Programs Of Massage Therapy
In Manitoba, there are five Private Vocational Schools schools of massage therapy that the MTAM will accept graduates from. School curriculums are reviewed by the MTAM every two to three years to ensure they are fulfilling the national standards of practice.
Each of the following schools are registered with the Province of Manitoba Advanced Education & Literacy and provide diploma programs of at least 2200 hours / two-years of instruction:
- Evolve College of Massage Therapy
- Hua Xia Acupuncture, Massage, Herb College
- Robertson College Winnipeg Campus
- Wellington College of Remedial Massage Therapy
New Requirement Effective January 1 2022
Transcript Submission: Applicants will be required to submit a transcript demonstrating successful completion of a recognized Massage Therapy education program. Applicants may submit the transcript in the form it is received from their educational institution. Original transcripts will be mailed to CMTO, while electronic transcripts can be e-mailed to .
Initial Registration
As noted above, applicants must successfully complete the Certification Examinations. From the time, when an applicant receives certification examination results indicating successful completion of the examinations, it can take up to ten business days for the College to send an e-mail confirming the applicants eligibility to apply for registration and to provide information about CMTOs Initial Registration process. This email will include information about fees and a list of documents required for registration.
Complete details of the requirements and documents needed to accompany the registration application are found in the Initial Registration Guide. Additional information about registration and professional liability insurance can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions section.
Submitting the Application for Initial Registration
If you are an applicant living in either Toronto or Ottawa and are unable to obtain a VS Check from your municipal police service, contact the Registration Services department by email at .
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It Is Great You Are Considering Massage Therapy As A Professional Career
As a healthcare profession, massage therapy is based on the health sciences. Graduates complete studies in a number of areas including physiology, human anatomy, musculoskeletal anatomy, kinesiology, pathology, assessment and treatment planning, massage theory and techniques, communication skills, ethics, professionalism and more.
The Massage Therapy Association of Manitoba supports a minimum entry-to-practice education of two or three years of academic and practical/clinical education based on an approved curriculum.
Any school you are considering will follow the National Competency Standards for Massage Therapists and the associated performance indicators for those who want to practice in Canada.
The MTAM also supports the national expectation that students of massage therapy do not practice unsupervised until they have graduated. This is for the safety of the student, the client and it shows respect for the minimum standards of the profession.
Honours Bachelor Of Interdisciplinary Studies
Humber and Seneca Colleges have entered into an agreement that increases student opportunities for degree completion at both institutions. Humber graduates may transfer into Senecas Honours Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies with entry into Semester 5, Year 3 of the program.
Admissions:
All applicants to Seneca degree programs are required to have successfully completed the related Humber program with a minimum overall Grade Point Average of 3.0 .
All applicants may apply through the Ontario College Application Service and must submit an official academic transcript for all course work completed at the postsecondary level. The application must be received no later than the stated deadline for the given term being applied for in order to qualify for admission.
For further information, please contact:
Admission to the academic programs listed is at the sole discretion of the partner post-secondary institution. Please contact the institution for detailed admission requirements.
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General Massage Program Requirements
Ontario college massage programs require an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent. Required credits may include grade 12 English and senior sciences, depending on the program.
Other non-academic requirements may include proof of immunization and vaccination, CPR training and a background check.
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.
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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.
What Does A Massage Therapist Do
Massage therapists spend their days literally hands-on with their clients, manipulating muscles and soft tissue to relieve pain, promote relaxation, heal injuries, improve circulation, relieve stress, and promote overall wellness.
They may also spend their day reviewing appointments, setting up supplies, cleaning massage rooms and tables, and making sure waiting rooms are clean and presentable.
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Transition Of Certification Examinations To Prometric
As of January 1, 2021, development and administration of the Objectively Structured Clinical Evaluation and Multiple-Choice Question certification examinations has moved from the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario to Prometric. CMTOs Council approves content outlines for the examinations annually. Detailed information about registration and delivery of the certification examinations is available in the Candidates Handbook for Understanding Certification Examinations in Ontario.
Please note: If you graduated from an approved Massage Therapy program in Ontario before November 27, 2020, and did not create a profile with CMTO before that date, please contact to assist in completing your certification examination registration.
Where Do Lmts Find Work
One of the reasons why LMTs like their chosen career is the flexibility that it allows them in terms of managing their time.
That is also basically the reason why more than two-third of LMTs are into independent practice. They are able to arrange their work around their personal lives and responsibilities.
But it may interest you to know that LMTs work in a variety of workplaces, such as:
- spas and resorts
- on site
- doctors clinics and offices
- and even in hospitals and traditional wellness facilities.
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Working As A Massage Therapist
Massage therapists work in a variety of environments ranging from hospitals and health clinics to private practices. Most have a wide range of duties that include:
- Creating a peaceful environment for clients
- Determining the clients needs, whether it is pain relief, symptom management, stress relief, etc.
- Providing a massage that addresses the clients issues
- Respecting each clients privacy and comfort levels
- Monitoring the progress of clients over time
- Managing appointments and other duties associated with the particular environment you are working in.
Why Enroll In Our Massage Therapy Certificate Program
The massage therapy training students receive through Lackawanna Colleges certificate program teaches them techniques and marketable skills from experienced professors and professionals working in this growing healthcare field. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, massage therapists earn a median pay of $42,820 per year, and the field is expected to grow by 22% through 2028.*
Licensed graduates may seek employment in spas, rehab clinics, hospitals, hotels and resorts, cruise ships, sports facilities, chiropractic practices, health and wellness centers, long-term care facilities, or private practices.
* BLS data retrieved May 2020
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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.
What Is The Mblex Test And How Do I Prepare For It
As you research your career as a massage therapist, youll see the abbreviation MBLEx quite a bit. This is short for the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination, a test controlled and administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards .
Passing the MBLEx is required in almost all U.S. states as part of obtaining a license to practice massage therapy. Some states may require additional or alternate exams, but most have adopted the MBLEx as their standard licensing exam.
The MBLEx is a two-hour-long, computer-based test consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions, according to the FSMTBs website. You must apply to take the test, which involves a fee .
If you do not pass the MBLEx the first time you take it, you can re-take it after 30 days, but you must re-apply and pay another fee.
According to the FSMTBs website, the MBLEx includes questions about:
Client Assessment, Reassessment & Treatment Planning
Ethics, Boundaries, Laws, Regulations
Benefits and Physiological Effects of Techniques That Manipulate Soft Tissue
Pathology, Contraindications, Areas of Caution, Special Populations
Guidelines for Professional Practice
Anatomy & Physiology
Kinesiology
Overview of Massage & Bodywork Modalities/Culture/History
A more detailed breakdown of the above .
Sohnen-Moe offers several pieces of test-preparation advice:
Learn the why and how of the material, not just the basic facts. Why is it this way? How does it work? she said.
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Is Massage Therapy Hard To Learn
Massage therapy training programs may vary in content and focus, but the following subjects are typically taught and generally included in the curriculum:
- History of Massage Therapy
Lectures are usually provided by resource persons, professors and practitioners.
Hands-on practice and supervised training are integrated in the program to give the students a realistic simulation of the actual work and prepare them for the licensure.
Do I Need Student Liability Insurance
The short answer is: Yes.
In massage school, part of your education will be performing actual massage therapy on your fellow students and, most likely, on members of the public during portions of your training.
Most massage schools offer student massage clinics, with clients paying rates discounted from what they would pay licensed therapists. These clinics will offer you the chance to practice your skills on and get feedback from real people and represent an invaluable part of your education.
Unfortunately, no matter how careful you are during massage sessions, things happen. You may make a mistake and hurt someone during a massage. A client may have an allergic reaction to an ingredient in your massage oil. Someone may trip and fall as she gets up from your table.
Whether or not what happened is your fault, student liability insurance can protect you in the event that a client decides to sue.
Student liability insurance may be included as part of your tuition and fees check and make sure. If it is not included, you will want to obtain your own student policy. These are typically fairly inexpensive, but offer you protection in the event someone is injured during a session.
For example, Massage Magazine Insurance Plus offers a student policy for $25 that provides coverage for professional liability/malpractice , product liability , and general liability . Other companies offer similar policies.
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Preparing For Your Massage License
The full requirements for obtaining massage therapy licensing vary by state and may include:
- Passing the federal Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam
- State licensing exams
- A minimum number of training hours
- Payment of a fee
- Some states, like Florida, require board certification from the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork .
Most states massage therapy licenses are only valid for a period of time, such as two years, after which you must renew the license in order to keep practicing in that state. In many states, you must also complete continuing education hours as a condition of license renewal.
Passing your examswhether the MBLEx or another exam in the massage therapy field, including some for board certificationcan be a source of anxiety for many prospective massage therapists. Fortunately, there are many resources available to help with test prep. For example, popular apps that help massage therapy students study for their required exams include:
American Massage Therapy Association Massage Exam AppPrepares students for the MBLEx exam with practice questions.
The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork administers a voluntary board certification exam called the BCETMB, which shows advanced standing among massage professionals and is required for graduate students in some states.
Keep Up With The Latest Trends In Massage
Whether youre just getting started in school or looking for courses to add to your skill set, staying on top of the latest massage techniques, philosophies, and changes in the industry is key to staying current and competitive in order to offer massage clients a full spectrum of services. These blogs, podcasts, newsfeeds, association journals, and social media feeds will help keep you in the know.
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A Time Window For Licensure
In a few other healthcare professions, a State board may only allow an applicant a few years to take the state boards after completing the minimum education requirement. I am not aware of any state massage boards that have such a rule at this time. The only similar situation I am aware of is Louisiana. Their rules require applicants to apply for a massage license within two years of passing their licensing exam, or they must retest.
If you are eligible to take the MBLEx, lets move on to the next string of questions that follow the eligibility question. These questions typically revolve around the anxiety of recalling all of the information you learned in massage school years ago.
How Much Does Massage School Cost And Can I Get Financial Aid
The total cost of massage therapy school depends partially on where you live and on where you plan to practice once you finish school.
In order to become licensed, most states require you to graduate from a program of at least 500 hours, but may require fewer or more hours, which will affect cost. Youll have expenses in several areas, including:
Tuition
Fees
Massage table, if not included in a fee
Student liability insurance, if not included in a fee
Educator and author Cherie Sohnen-Moe, who is also president of the Alliance for Massage Therapy Education, told MASSAGE Magazine that both the length and the cost of massage therapy education can vary quite widely from school to school.
You may find a broad range, from six-month programs costing a few thousand dollars to one- or two-year programs that cost upward of $15,000.
For example, Nevada School of Massage Therapy, which is operated by Steiner Education Group, owner of multiple schools across the U.S., offers a disclosure on its website listing tuition and fees.
Most massage schools offer some form of financial aid. As a first step, make sure that any schools you apply for are accreditedyou can look up this information on the U.S. Department of Educations website, which will tell you both if the school is accredited and by which organization.
Youll find more detailed information on accrediting associations in Im Researching Massage Therapy Schools. What Should I Be Looking for?, below.
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