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.
Can You Learn How To Become A Massage Therapist In Nj
Absolutely. There are many great programs out there that are all approved by the state agencies the NJ Board uses to verify minimum education requirements. By searching for an accredited program, you can be sure that all the hard work you put into your classes will actually count towards the 500 hours of education you will need in order to apply for a license. A crucial part of these 500 hours is 100 hours of clinical time. You have a choice with how these are earned so you should seek out a highly rated clinic thats approved to provide these hours, as well as look to earn hours in an area of massage and bodywork that interests you.
Licenses Certifications And Registrations
In 2016, 45 states and the District of Columbia regulated massage therapy. Although not all states license massage therapy, they may have regulations at the local level.
In states with massage therapy regulations, workers must get a license or certification before practicing massage therapy. State regulations typically require graduation from an approved massage therapy program and passing an exam.
The exam may be a state-specific exam or the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination licensure exam, offered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards.
Massage therapists also may need to pass a background check, have liability insurance, and be certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation . Many states require massage therapists to complete continuing education credits and to renew their license periodically. Those wishing to practice massage therapy should look into legal requirements for the state and locality in which they intend to practice.
Massage therapists typically have an interest in the Building and Helping interest areas, according to the Holland Code framework. The Building interest area indicates a focus on working with tools and machines, and making or fixing practical things. The Helping interest area indicates a focus on assisting, serving, counseling, or teaching other people.
If you are not sure whether you have a Building or Helping interest which might fit with a career as a massage therapist, you can take a career test to measure your interests.
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Where Can I Complete The Massage Therapy Program Program
For your convenience, you can complete the entire program at our Harrisburg Campus, provided you take some of the required coursework through virtual learning.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, please visit this webpage to review the most up-to-date details about how courses are being offered.
Yes! Through the HACC Foundation, there are scholarships available. Please visit hacc.edu/scholarships for details and deadlines.
You can complete spring, summer and fall classes at HACC and apply based on the class schedule. Please contact us using the information listed in the “How Can I Learn More” section.
We are passionate about providing a high-quality education and an opportunity for you to pursue your goals. Please contact the program coordinator in the Workforce Development and Continuing Education Division at 717-221-1386 for more information.
Types Of Massage Therapist Certifications

Massage therapist certifications provide advanced education and training in a particular massage specialty. Unlike licenses, massage therapist certifications are voluntary. Individuals earn these to demonstrate their commitment to the profession and gain more educational experience. Massage therapist certifications help these professionals increase their knowledge and skill set. Here’s a list of massage therapist certificates to consider earning:
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Getting Licensed And Certified
Get A Business License
While this step is optional, youll need business licensure if you plan to work as a solo practitioner, which accounts for 67 percent of all practicing therapists, according to the American Massage Therapy Association. If youd like to work in a spa, healthcare setting or somewhere else as an employee, you can skip this step.
Getting a business license is relatively easy in the state of Colorado. You can register your business with the Colorado Secretary of States office by filing online.
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How To Get The Job
Prepare for a Job Search The first step is to find out your states requirements for massage therapists. Commit to your training so that you can pass your MBLEx as soon as possible. Make sure to add your qualifications to your resume.
Network As you begin your practice, it is important to network with other professionals. People will gladly refer you to others as you demonstrate your ability to relieve stress and pain.
Apply for Jobs If you are looking for a job as an employee , check the top job boards. Most of them allow you to search by your profession. You can begin applying once your training is complete.
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.
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What Is The Programs Educational Approach
Massage therapy programs have obvious similarities with one another. After all, their goal is to ultimately prepare people for the massage therapy profession. On the other hand, they can also differ in profound ways.
As you familiarize yourself with a prospective program, try to understand the schools educational approach to massage therapy. For example, how does it view the role of a massage therapist in a persons overall healthcare? How grounded in the sciences is the program? How important are evidence-based methods?
As you explore these questions, you should also be asking yourself if the schools approach resonates with how you want to learn.
But just as important, you should pay attention to how rigorous the curriculum and training are. These factors are what will ultimately help you become a well-prepared massage therapist.
See former massage therapy student Maddi Grette describe why NWHSUs emphasis on healthcare was important to her.
Massage Therapist Certification In Florida: What You Need To Know
2019-05-29 by Florida Academy
If youve ever had a massage or even sat in a massage chair in the mall you know how it feels to have your tension wiped away and your muscles relaxed. It feels so good! Now, imagine helping other people reduce tension, ease joint and muscle pain and even lessen the symptoms of cancer and its treatment. Thats the job of licensed massage therapists but what are the requirements to get a massage therapist certification?
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No Massages Aren’t Just A Luxury For The Rich And Famous
Sure, a luxury spa might empty out your pockets, but it’s also not impossible to find a decent licensed massage therapist for a reasonable rate. And once you do, you’ll realize how necessary they actually are for your well-being. Sometimes, you just need a good massage to rid your body of the pain. Treat yo’self.
You can start shopping around for local massage therapists here.
What Nj Massage License Law Applies To New Therapists

There are many different parts of the New Jersey Statutes that apply to the New Jersey Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapies regulations. For a really in-depth read, you can search the statutes that pertain to these regulations yourself as the State readily publishes them online. Chapter 45, Section 11 covers a multitude of different massage and bodywork laws present in the State of New Jersey. In general, these define the duties and responsibilities of the board, the application process, eligibility for licensure, continuing education requirements, advertising, background checks, and more.
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Practicing Massage Therapy Without A License
Wyoming, Vermont, Minnesota, or Kansas are states that do not require a massage license.
While these are the only states where you can be a massage therapist without out license, there may be additional requirements. Before setting up a practice, it’s crucial to check with local authorities to find out if there are licensing or education requirements that apply to massage therapists or their businesses. It’s also important to understand any local and civil penalties that may apply if you are practicing massage therapy without a license in the area.
One way to do this is to speak with other massage therapists in the area. The American Massage Therapy Association is also a trusted resource for up-to-date information about massage certification requirements.
Where Can You Find The Best Massage Therapy School Nj Has To Offer
In order to apply for a massage license in NJ, you have to complete a course of study thats approved by one of the following state agencies: the New Jersey Department of Education, the New Jersey Department Labor and Workforce Development, or the New Jersey Commission on Higher Education. Theres also the possibility of meeting this requirement through an agency from a different state that has certification requirements similar to those of the three agencies listed above. So, finding the best massage therapy school in NJ should always start with looking at accredited programs.
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What Is The Fastest Way To Become A Massage Therapist
Interested in quickly becoming a massage therapist? This profession offers flexibility, low stress and job satisfaction. Massage therapists can also choose their workplace, with options at resorts, massage franchises, salons, from home and at office buildings. If you are interested in this fast-growing profession, the first and fastest step to becoming a massage therapist is getting a formal education at a vocational school.
Although there are many different specialties, most massage therapists specialize in one area. With full-time attendance, the massage therapy program can be completed in just 12 months. You will be able to decide your specialization after learning the different massage techniques in a vocational program.
No You Won’t Get A Happy Ending So Don’t Even Think About It
Hand jobs, blow jobs, golden showers…we don’t do sexual favors. While there is such a thing as erotic massage, expecting this to happen can be insulting to your massage therapist. People who call us about that will be swiftly denied service, and if someone comes in and hints at something of that nature, their massage will end on the spot and they won’t get a refund. It’s a huge misconception that massage therapy is sexually oriented .
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What Does The Nj Board Of Massage Therapy Do
The NJ Board of Massage Therapy and Bodywork Therapy is responsible for setting the requirements for licensing, holding meetings, taking on disciplinary and other actions, providing current information for applicants and current license holders, keeping up with the changing laws and regulations, processing change of address, and other forms, maintaining lists of approved education providers, verifying licensing, and other administrative duties.
Secrets Massage Therapists Will Never Tell You
No, we won’t give you a hand job or a golden shower.
Many thanks to the licensed massage therapists who told us allll about their profession: Noelle Nieva of The Brooklyn Body Shop in Brooklyn, New York Elise Walton of Balanced Harmony Massage in Virginia Beach, Virginia and Geraldine Villeneuve, author ofPut Your Best Feet Forward.
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Where Can I Study
The California Massage Therapy Council provides information on CMTC school approval to help future LMTs choose the right school to complete their 500 required hours.
To help you get started, below are a couple of popular schools for massage therapy in California.
- National Holistic Institute: Living their mission statement to help people have work they love, this school takes time to get to know each student so they can better understand how to help them through their journey as a professional massage therapist. As a respected and nationally accredited massage therapy school, students will receive hands-on experience and quality feedback from clients.
- Alhambra Medical University: Believing in working together to better community, the world, and themselves, this school provides rigorous training for students. Because of the high demand for those skilled in Asian Body Work therapy, students will be provided with job opportunities for licensed massage and bodywork practitioners.
Other education options include Everest College and Esalen Institute.
The State Of New Jersey Massage Therapist Requirements

Throughout the 8,729 square miles of the Garden State, approximately 7,775 massage therapists work to help the more than 8.9 million people in their state find relief from pain, rehabilitation from injuries, and comfort in the midst of stress and anxiety.
With 281,054 people in Newark, 261,940 people in Jersey City, and 145,710 people in Paterson, massage therapists who work in New Jersey can find an engaged environment to open, continue, or join a massage therapy business.
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Applicants Licensed In Another Jurisdiction
If you are licensed in another state, country or territory based on specific education and examination requirements, and have practiced massage therapy in that state, country or territory for at least two years, you may be eligible for licensure by endorsement.
If you have been licensed and practiced 2 – 4 years in another state, country or territory, you must:
*One year of experience is defined as 52 weeks in which massage therapy is practiced an average of 12 hours each week.
Where Do I Go What Training Should I Get
In order to become qualified as a professional massage therapist, there are several classes that you must take before being able to practice on actual patients.
While massage therapy is a little more hands-on than some careers, there are still some qualifications you need to become a massage therapist.
The only way anyone can become an official licensed and certified masseuse is if they go through formal training for this profession in their state.
The National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork offers certification exams from entry-level all the way up to advanced levels depending upon your previous education and experience in the field of therapeutic bodywork which includes not just massages but also chiropractic techniques.
Here at NCC, our massage therapy course includes a wide range of courses from the history and technique for this profession, to anatomy including hands-on experience in both table massages as well as orthopedic massage.
Also included is a course on ethics and business practices which will be beneficial not just while youre going through school but also after graduation when you become a full-time masseuse.
In order to become licensed or certified by your state, its recommended that everyone attend an accredited college or university offering this type of training so that they can continue their education even further with advanced studies if desired.
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