Can You Complete A Massage Therapy Program Online
Online courses are popular, especially among students who are balancing their education with other commitments, like a job or family obligations, or who live too far from their school to commute to campus on a regular basis. You might be wondering, however, whether its possible to complete a massage therapy education program online. After all, can online courses help you develop proficiency in the physical techniques of massage therapy?
You can earn a massage therapy certificate or degree by taking online courses, but theres a caveat. Even in massage therapy programs that offer fully online lecture and laboratory coursework, you still need to gain hundreds of hours of hands-on experience performing massage techniques before you can become qualified to work in this field.
Your school may offer the option to complete your in-person massage training at a local partnering spa or facility, or it may require you to be present on-campus for a period of weeks during which you complete an intensive schedule of in-person training hours.
Attend And Graduate From A Board
Currently, massage therapy is licensed in North Carolina and regulated by The North Carolina Board of Massage & Bodywork Therapy. To become a massage therapist in North Carolina, you have to complete at least 500 hours at a board-approved massage therapy school. Different schools offer programs ranging from 6 to 12 months, depending on if you choose to go full-time or part-time. When I was in massage school, it was a six-month program, Monday-Thursday, and cost $5000. Today it’s a lot more expensive, ranging from $8,500-$15,000 for tuition, which may or may not include books and supplies. There are grants and scholarships you can apply for, and if you are military or a military spouse, the Post 9/11 GI bill will pay for massage therapy tuition and supporting fees at an eligible school. So there are options out there to help pay for tuition, you just need to look.
Rehab Clinics And Hospitals
In a rehabilitation clinic or hospital, your focus would be on healing injuries and soothing pain. Youll be working with people who likely have reduced mobility, are relearning physical skills after an accident, who deal with chronic pain or injury-specific pain and those who may be well on their way to full recovery who just need a bit of extra help when it comes to stress reduction and muscle tension.
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Bachelors Degree Programs For Massage Therapists
Online bachelors degrees in massage therapy, like the one offered through the National University of Medical Sciences USA, consist of online video lecture classes available in an on-demand format and optional on-site classes where students develop their practical massage techniques.
Bachelors degree programs in massage therapy dont end with the study of massage techniques. Classes in a bachelors degree program in massage therapy might include orthopedics, neurology, pathology, clinical biomechanics, radiology and diagnostic imaging, diagnosis and symptomatology, sports medicine and clinical nutrition.
A bachelors degree in massage therapy program may even cover the basic principles and practices of business management, so that massage therapy students will be prepared for running a massage therapy practice. Through these business-related courses, aspiring massage therapists can learn everything from how to manage basic small business administration and accounting tasks to how to develop a marketing strategy and implement marketing campaigns that will keep new customers coming in.
A bachelors degree typically requires at least four years of full-time study to complete. In addition to classes in medical terminology, the workings of the human body and the techniques and modalities of massage therapy, students pursuing a bachelors degree may be required to complete general education courses in a variety of subjects not directly related to their major.
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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Take The Jurisprudence Learning Exercise
The JLE is a test of the Practice Act, the Rules, and laws of the North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy. A 100% passing score is required, but you can take the test as often as you need to pass. The ultimate purpose of this test to make sure you understand the rules and regulations under which you are allowed to practice massage. The goal is to protect the public and you.
Option : Massage Therapy Certificate
The most basic educational option for prospective massage therapists is to complete a certificate program.
Certificate programs for massage therapy are offered at technical colleges, vocational schools, community colleges, and traditional universities.
Certificate programs seek to train students on the fundamentals of massage therapy, the basics of self-management and prepare them to pass any state licensing exams.
A normal certificate program takes about 1 year to complete, potentially longer is you study primarily part-time.
Many certificate programs require students to attend full-time.
Courses also involve practical labs where students get to practice massage therapy techniques on mannequins and actual clients.
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How To Become A Massage Therapist In Nc
Are you looking for a career change? Do you like working with people? Or have you always wanted to be a massage therapist and wondered what is required to be a massage therapist in North Carolina? Keep reading for all the info you need to know to become a massage therapist in NC!
In 1992, when I graduated from the Carolina School of Massage in Carrboro, NC, becoming a massage therapist was simple. There were no state licensing requirements you just had to attend an approved school and graduate. Shortly after, the first National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork exam became available. For a time, North Carolina state used this exam as a requirement for licensing. It’s been renamed the Board Certification in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, and today is just a certification, not required for licensing.
The process to become a licensed massage therapist in NC is a little more complicated and EXPENSIVE now, so allow me to break it down into five steps.
Earn A Massage Therapy Diploma
If youre considering pursuing a massage therapy career, earning a diploma is important. A diploma training program can help prepare you as you advance in your massage therapy profession.
Even though massage therapy requirements vary by state, education programs typically require a minimum of 500 hours of study. These massage therapy programs often include courses ranging from anatomy to business management. This will help you become informed about all aspects of the massage therapy profession.
At Daymar, we offer massage therapy training programs at our Columbus and Nashville locations.
At Daymar, with our required 900 contact hours, you can gain an in-depth understanding of medical massage therapy. Our training program is designed to be completed in 12 months. Upon completion, successful students can apply to take the state-required exam to become a licensed massage therapist .
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Enroll In A Massage Therapy Program
Prospective students that are interested in pursuing a career in massage therapy must enroll in an accredited massage therapy program. Massage therapy programs are offered from a variety of trade schools, community colleges, and specialized massage therapy schools. The success of the student often comes down to their education, which is the foundation for any career. Regardless of school or program, the student must complete a minimum of the following in order to receive a license in the state of Pennsylvania:
- Must complete 600 hours
- Program hours consist of 175 hours of Anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and pathology, 250 hours of massage theory and practice, 25 hours of business and ethics. The remaining 150 hours may be in other coursework appropriate to massage therapy study.
At the Academy of Massage Therapy and Bodyworks we have created the ideal education program that has proven to give our students the best chance at success in their career. Our programs are flexible for students who need school/life balance by offering day and evening classes, as well as part time and full time course offerings. The program at The Academy of Massage Therapy and Bodyworks consists of:
What Is Your Availability Can You Work Over The Weekends Would You Mind Working Late In The Afternoon
One of the disadvantages of this job are the typical working hours. People go for a massage after work, in the evening, during the weekend. Unless you apply for a job in a hospital, or at a medical clinic, you will work mostly in the afternoons, evenings, and on weekends.
Check the website of the facility, and look for opening hours. It should give you a good idea of what will be expected from you. Try to show some flexibility in your answer. If you arent ready to work at least every other weekend, you can forget about this job
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Can You Make Good Money As A Massage Therapist
According to the BLS, massage therapists earn a median annual salary of $43,620, with the lowest 10 percent of earners making around $22,500 per year and the top 10 percent more than $79,150.
The top pay states for massage therapists are Alaska, Washington, and Oregon. Additionally, it is not uncommon for massage therapists to take on private clients as independent contractors for supplemental income.
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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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.
Successfully Complete A Massage Therapy Program
So, how long does it take to become a licensed massage therapist? Well, regarded massage therapists will receive a one- or two-year diploma in a regulated massage therapy program.
During your massage therapy training, you will learn research and evidence-based information that meets national standards. Topics you might encounter include anatomy, pathophysiology, physiology, pharmacology, general principles and techniques, first aid, orthopaedic assessment and clinical massage treatments.
Another aspect of a massage therapy career many dont take into account is the business side of things. Many massage therapists are self-employed and take jobs from numerous different companies and clients. So, your massage therapy program will also likely go over the basics of owning your own business and what comes along with that, including learning management concepts, how to deal with any legal issues you may encounter and how to document your ingoing and outgoing finances to help you when tax time rolls around.
Depending on which province you are in, you may have to take an entry-to-practice examination, which tests competency, knowledge, skill, safety and professionalism in the practice of massage therapy. Exams have both written and practical components.
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Your Next Step: Reach Out For More Information
Exploring the possibility of a massage therapy career is an exciting time! Youve just absorbed a lot of information on how to become a massage therapist. Want help putting it all in perspective? Do you have questions about your specific situation?
Reach out to NWHSU for personalized support on your path to becoming a massage therapist.
What To Look For In A Massage School
When considering a massage school, do your homework by looking at the schools website and reading any reviews. Find out if financial aid is available. Schools that offer financial aid are required to post exam pass rates for students and other information that might help you assess the quality of the program. Take the time to review this information.
Another great tip:Visit the school and take a tour, Lewis suggests. When you see the environment for yourself, you can pick up on whether itll be a great fit for you. Learn what the student success stories are. See how happy the students look and what the buzz feels like on campus. Get a sense for the curriculum and compare it to the direction you want to go in. For example, if youre interested in prenatal massage, do they even have a class on that?
Find out how long the massage program has been in existence and what its graduate success rates are.
When you look at the curriculum, see whether it gives you a taste for different types of massage. Learning about different specialties can help you figure out what you might like to focus on in the future, whether thats infant massage or reflexology.
If you need to take the MBLEx to become licensed in yourstate, find out if theres a prep course at the school, or if the schoolprovides study groups.
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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.
Why I Want To Become A Massage Therapist By John Faust
I have always appreciated the power of massage therapy. In theatre school, I was trained in various dance and movement techniques, yoga and connecting with your scene partner through emotional and physical connection. It was not a huge leap to become interested in massage as a tool for connection and healing.
In my late teens and throughout my twenties, I tended to move around a lot, packing up heavy boxes and hauling them around to whatever new adventure I was on. This led to lower back issues and arthritis as I got older. To get treatment for the tightness in my lower back, I turned to massage therapy. Throughout the sessions I had, I became aware of what it felt like to release the tension, and the difference between carrying around that tightness and the contrast of having more range of movement and less pain.
Being an actor does not always lead to financial security, and Im no exception. So as a means of finding a way of supporting myself, I felt it was time to attend massage school and to become a therapist myself. In 2005, I was living in Chicago and made the leap to attend the, now defunct, Chicago School of Massage Therapy. I loved working through the routine of a Swedish Massage and learning the muscles and anatomy of the body. Unfortunately, 2005 was a rough year for me and I lost my father. So I made the decision to withdraw from school and deal with my loss.
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Professional Massage Therapy Associations & Groups
Building a massage business depends on professionals making connections. One way massage therapists can make connections with their peers, as well as possible clients, is by joining professional associations. Below are some of the groups that can help massage therapists succeed throughout their career.
Licensing And Professional Certification
Due to state and municipal laws and regulations, most massage therapists must earn a government-issued professional credential, like a license or certification, to be legally allowed to practice massage therapy. In addition to completing a massage therapy program, learning cardiopulmonary resuscitation , passing a background check and acquiring professional liability insurance, aspiring massage therapy practitioners typically need to pass a licensing exam.
The most common exams are the two national licensing exam options: the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards national Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination and the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodyworks National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork . Some states use a state-specific licensing exam instead.
To keep your license in good standing, you should be prepared to take continuing education courses throughout your masseuse career. Through continuing education classes offered through professional organizations like the American Massage Therapy Association, you can learn new techniques, keep on top of emerging research in body mechanics and the use of massage therapy for specific health conditions or advance your business skills.
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Career Opportunities And Outlook
The good news for massage students is that many schools offer students active assistance with job placement after graduation. Students might have access to career fairs, interview days with local employers, and job listings through their massage school. Be sure to ask up front how the school can help you find a job once you graduate.
Joining a massage therapy association is also a great way to keep job opportunities at your fingertips, says Lewis. All student members with Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals receive free graduate support including access to our national job board.
Check out our massage therapist salary page to get an understanding of the income potential for this occupation.