Once I Graduate What Do I Need To Practice Massage Therapy Legally
Graduating from massage therapy school is just the beginning. To practice legally, youll need to get licensed in any state in which you will practice.
The first step to licensure is to graduate from an accredited massage therapy school with at least the minimum number of hours your state requires. For example, the state of Illinois requires graduation from a program of at least 600 hours, whereas Florida requires a minimum 500-hour program.
Once you graduate, you will have to take and pass the MBLEx, or whatever exam your state mandates.
Once you pass your licensing exam, you will submit an application and pay a licensing fee to your states massage therapy board, or whichever government entity handles massage licensing in your state. Most states also require fingerprinting or a criminal background check many also require you to carry professional liability insurance, which will protect you from financial loss in the event that you are sued by a client. See our Massage Liability Insurance Resource Center for helpful information on choosing a policy.
For full, detailed licensing requirements, you will need to consult the website of the massage therapy board of the state in which you want to practice.
How Long Does It Take To Become A Massage Therapist
Being a massage therapist is an exciting and meaningful career path. Your anatomical knowledge and manual manipulation skills will allow you to make a serious difference in the way your clients feel both physically and emotionally. Massage therapy can be used to alleviate stress, reduce pain and discomfort and even improve a persons general physical health. Even though a career as a massage therapist might seem like a good fit, you may be wondering how long it would take for you to become one. What are your options after you graduate from a vocational school and are certified? Lets take a look at how long it will take you to complete your massage school training and some of the things it will take for you to have a long, successful career as a massage therapist.
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.
Related:CONSUMER USE OF MASSAGE THERAPY
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Become A Licensed Massage Therapist In 6 Months*
Avenue Five Institutes unique 750-hour Advanced Massage Therapy Program provides comprehensive training, hands-on experience, and industry support it takes to pursue a successful career helping others in less than 1 year.*
In collaboration with national massage leaders, industry experts, and local employers, Avenue Five Institute has developed a truly advanced massage curriculum designed to prepare therapists for todays modern and ever-changing bodywork field. Learning at Avenue Five Institute is active and led by expert massage professionals with years of experience working in the field. Youll get the up-to-date techniques it takes to succeed as a skilled bodywork professional, including comprehensive training across a broad spectrum of eastern and western massage modalities.
Get Hired As A Massage Therapist In Florida
Once you pass the MBLEx and receive your state license, you can legally find employment as a Licensed Massage Therapist! Our students and alumni have lifetime access to our Career Services Department to assist them with finding employment. Our large network of alumni and local connections provides ample opportunity to find work after graduation. Local businesses in Miami, FL which have recently hired our massage therapy school graduates include:
- Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa South Miami
- Massage Envy Brickell
- Lapis, Spa at Fontainebleau Miami Beach
- Lagoon Spa Key Largo
- My Massage Haven Miami Gardens
- The Wellness Center of London Square Kendall
Additionally, as the best massage school in Miami, we also have a high job placement rateaverage of 82% !
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Wellspring School Of Allied Health
This private schools massage therapy program is available on campuses in Kansas City, Lawrence, Springfield, and Wichita.
Students earn certificates in 11 months. They can attend either day or evening classes. The coursework covers the following kinds of massage: Swedish, sports, prenatal, neuromuscular, integrative, hot stone, and techniques for older adults. There are also reflexology and hydrotherapy classes.
In addition, students gain practical experience performing massages for the public at an on-campus clinic. The school touts its small class sizes and job-placement assistance. The program has a 90 percent pass rate, better than the national average of 74 percent.
- 947 New Hampshire, Lawrence, Kansas 66045-3073
- http://www.wellspring.edu
This award-winning beauty schools campus in Manhattan provides an 840-hour massage therapy program that takes 24 weeks of day classes or 34 weeks of evening classes to complete.
Students learn about massage history, aromatherapy, nutrition, reflexology, Shiatsu, hot stone massage, business, ethics, safety and sanitation, products and equipment, anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, pathology, indications and contraindications, massage effects and benefits, consultation, nursing home and special needs clients, business and marketing practices, and more.
During the programs Mock Clinic phase, students get hands-on training by performing massage on clients.
1345
- 1255 S Range, Colby, Kansas 67701
- http://www.colbycc.edu
Sigma College University Trade Schools
Students enrolled in the Massage Therapy program at Sigma CUTS will learn the techniques to enter the massage therapy industry. The program will include classroom lectures, lab skills, and real-world experiences in massage therapy and business development. Graduates are guaranteed a job upon completion of the program and licensure by the Arizona State Board of Massage Therapy. Night Classes available Monday through Friday 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 pm and Saturday from 9:00 a. till 6:00 pm. Clinicals are conducted on Sundays by appointment only.
Program overview:
Address: 3601 North 7th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ, 85013,Phone: 623-252-0881Email:
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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.
What Will My Massage Therapy Career Be Like
If you work in private practice, you may work alone as an independent contractor or you may choose to have employees.
Either way, you will have complete control over how you work, but be aware that you will also be responsible for making decisions for and funding all aspects of your business, including but not limited to booking and confirming client appointments marketing your services setting prices and collecting client payments renting a space for your business and paying for its utilities hiring, training and firing employees withholding and paying income tax collecting and paying sales tax if you sell retail products handling details of business licensing and permits dealing with laundry and purchasing supplies such as tables, linens, bolsters, lubricants and uniforms.
Choosing to work as an employee may mean not making as much money per massage as an independent contractor, but it also means having many business-related issues and associated expenses handled for you.
As an employee, you may not have control over how many clients you massage each day, the massage techniques and routines you use, marketing tactics, or details such as how you dress or what hours you work.
Many massage therapists choose to work as employees to gain experience and save money before opening up their own private practices. Others may work part-time for an employer while also seeing clients privately in their off hours. Still others build a fulfilling career working for an employer
Also Check: Get Your Massage Therapy License Online
Minimum Education Requirements For Massage Therapy Programs In Kansas
To become a massage therapist in Kansas, a student must first earn a high school diploma or GED. Enrolling in an accredited school recognized by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork enhances employment prospects.
Some Kansas municipalities require practitioners to graduate from a program that provides a certain number of clock hours of instruction and training. In the Kansas City suburb of Overland Park, massage therapists must complete a 500-hour curriculum that covers anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, pathology, hygiene, and first aid in addition to hands-on training.
The town of Lenexa mandates graduation from a 500-hour program at a school with NCBTMB certification. Practitioners also must have a healing arts license, as well as CPR certification that is not obtained online.
Prospective therapists in Kansas should strongly consider obtaining education that complies with national standards, since the state Legislature is likely to eventually impose regulations. The NCBTMB and the American Massage Therapy Association sanction schools with programs consisting of 500 or more clock hours. Some institutions offer programs with as many as 900 hours.
Students learn a range of massage techniques Eastern and Western, from ancient traditions to modern medical therapies. Programs also typically feature courses in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, pathology, business, laws, and ethics.
How Do I Become A Licensed Massaged Therapist
Becoming a massage therapist involves these important steps:
1. Complete a massage therapy program accredited by the US Department of Education.
2. Pass the exam administered by the NCBTMB or the FSMTB, depending on which competency credential is required by your state or municipality.
3. Find employment in massage therapy and wellness centers, or practice under a licensed therapist.
4. Understand your states liability insurance requirements. If you feel you are prepared to practice on your own, you may start your own business and independent career in massage therapy.
The alternative healthcare and wellness industry thrives and gains acceptance from a significant part of the population.
Massage therapy is not only physically beneficial it has its psychological and emotional advantages as well. If its a career you believe your talents are aligned with, start asking for more information about schools offering the program in your area!
I hope that answers the question about how long is massage therapy school.
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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.
Is A Rewarding Career In Massage Therapy Right For You
Take the Floriday Academy Massage Therapy Career Training Readiness Quiz
The fun, online quiz takes 3 minutes to complete and youll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style plus the training and positions youre best suited for. Get your Massage Therapy Career Training Readiness Score Now!
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How Is This Different From Mblex And Which One Should I Take
MBLEx is the competency credential required by some states. Take the MBLEx if it is the required exam by your state licensing board.
The test comprises of 125 multiple-choice questions equivalent to 900 scaled score. You will need to score 600 to pass the test. An exam fee of $195 will be assessed upon application.
Massage Therapists Are Different Than Other Massage Providers
“Massage therapist ” and “registered massage therapist ” are legally protected titles in provinces such as Ontario, BC, and Newfoundland and Labrador. That means, in those regions, you must meet certain requirements to use such a title.
The distinction is important because the qualifications for each are different. Spa masseuses or bodyworkers and are found in places like resorts and beauty spas, but they tend to provide “skin-deep” treatments aimed mostly at gentle relaxation.
In contrast, RMTs draw from a larger clinical skill set to carry out deeper therapies that can assist in treating real problems related to physical and mental well-being. They’ve been taught about human anatomy and physiology, various health conditions, hydrotherapy, and a range well-established massage techniques.
An RMT in Canada has typically earned a special two- or three-year diploma from one of the nation’s respected massage therapy schools. Ontario, like some other provinces, requires it. Then, after graduation, a couple of certification exams must be passed before you can apply for status as a bona fide massage therapist.
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How Much Does Massage Therapy School Cost
Tuition costs vary depending on location, hours required by the state, and inclusions in the cost.
Schools located in or near metropolitan cities will generally cost more than schools in the suburbs or less urban areas.
A school in New York requiring 1000 hours of instruction will necessarily cost more than a school in Maryland requiring almost half that length of training period.
Considering that the cost of conducting business in New York will be higher, too, the difference in tuition will be significantly huge.
Some schools also require packaged costing that cover not only tuition, but also books, uniforms and supplies.
On the average, schools that run on a 500-hour to 600-hour training period costs from $6,000 to $10,000 for tuition, books and supplies.
Massage Therapy Is A Flexible Career
There is no such thing as a standard massage therapy practice. One of the reasons individuals choose this profession is because of the flexibility it offers in terms of work hours, independence, and choice of practice locations and types.
Massage therapists can work full time or part-time. Massage therapists spend additional time on things like scheduling, billing, housekeeping and marketing, to name a few.
Income levels for massage therapists vary by region of the country, experience and type of practice.
Related: Massage Therapy Industry Fact Sheet
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Therapeutic Massage Offers Exceptional Wage Potential
According to the Government of Canada’s Job Bank, the median wage for massage therapists in Canada was $24.88 per hour in 2016-2017. That’s equivalent to an annual salary of about $51,750. But it’s not unheard for an RMT to earn more, especially since a career in this field can go in so many prosperous directions.
Of course, even if you choose to work for someone else, you can explore many different possibilities. With massage therapy increasingly being sought-out, potential places of employment now include:
- Private clinics
Myotherapy College Of Utah
Myotherapy College has been teaching students a clinical approach to massage therapy since 1987. The instructors at the Myotherapy College believe that the act of massage can be a form of self-empowerment. Therefore, they teach students to recognize the associations between the mind and body. Plus, students are encouraged to understand why their clients are seeking out a massage in the first place, which can help improve a clients overall healing experience.
Students at MCU learn the anatomy of the human body, including how muscles are connected to the muscular, nervous, and skeletal systems. The college keeps class sizes small so that all students have ample one-on-one time with their instructors. And students have many opportunities to refine their massage skills at the in-house clinic where they work with real clients with the assistance of established professionals.
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We Know What It Takes
Mission
Develop knowledgeable, compassionate, and respectful massage therapy learners, who will become outstanding leaders, effective practitioners, and important contributors to their communities.
Vision
Lead Massage Therapy education that is learner-centered and evidence-informed, promotes self-reflection and self-efficacy, and fosters excellence in teaching and learning.
What Past Students Have To Say About The Program
You will get a truly top-notch education at MTI with Michael Eayrs. He not only provides a comprehensive curriculum but balances the hard work with lots of humor! As the months progress, you will discover you are becoming knowledgeable, while developing valuable technical skills. You will be gaining the confidence that ensures both successfully passing the MBLEx Licensure Exam & entering the Massage Profession well able to make a difference in your clients wellbeing and in your own life. I highly recommend Massage Training Institute Montana!
~ Stephanie Butler- MTI Graduate 2018~
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Why Massage And Chinese Massage Therapy Training In San Diego
As one of the oldest natural wellness practices currently in use around the world, massage therapy is a clinically proven treatment for a range of illnesses, disorders, and anxieties. The stress we experience on a daily basis places strain on our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Massage therapists use holistic massage therapy techniques that combine Eastern bodywork traditions with Western modern science to ease the effects of daily stress. As an alternative method of care, massage therapy is sought after by individuals seeking out natural means of restoring balance among the human bodys multiple and complex systems.
Across the U.S., there is a growing demand for massage practitioners skilled in holistic healing that combines the power of traditional Eastern medicine techniques with the latest scientific, evidence-driven clinical solutions. Massage therapists can specialize in fields such as sports massage, pediatrics, and reflexology and can apply their skills within a spa, clinic, or sports-focused environment. Graduates of the Pacific College massage therapy school in San Diego will have a competitive edge in an industry that is rapidly shifting toward integrated care practices. View Pacific College San Diegos most recent pass rates for the MBLEx exam here: the first 3 lines are our numbers. The next 3 lines are Californias pass rates. The last 3 show the overall national rates.