What It Takes To Be A Massage Therapist

How Long Does It Take To Become A Certified Massage Therapist

Massage Therapy : How Long Does it Take to Be a Massage Therapist?

Massage professionals must complete at least 500 hours of in-class instruction. The time it takes to satisfy these requirements depends on your course schedule and whether you are a full or part-time student. Massage therapy training programs can take as little as six months or up to 15 months to complete.

Can I Become A Licensed Massage Therapist Online

Currently, there are no schools that offer massage therapy programs in California exclusively online. Given the nature of the profession, most state massage therapy boards require some kind of hands-on training before massage therapists can practice body mechanics on real clients.

The California Massage Therapy Council issues certifications to massage professionals that meet state requirements, but these are strictly voluntary.

How Many Hours Do Most Massage Therapists Work

The average amount of hands-on work for most massage therapists is 15 hours per week .

What is the lifespan of a massage therapist?

She tells the investment adviser that since the working life of a massage therapist is only five years, she needs to treat as many clients as possible and save her money.

How many days a week should a massage therapist work?

If you work at a spa or beauty center you can have a standard 9am to 5pm day. But you can also work part-time, at weekends or in the evenings. Hotels, resorts, private practices and clinics also employ massage therapists.

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Practicing As A Massage Therapist

1 In the past, just about all massage therapists worked for themselves. Now there are a growing number of salaried jobs in massage therapy at massage parlors, spas, hotels, and other establishments, so you have a lot of options. Most jobs are low paying and start at $15 an hour, but you can find some jobs that pay much more than that.

While you can usually make more money starting your own business, it can be difficult to get clients at first, and business expenses can pile up. If you want to start your own business, you’ll need to lease a space in a central location to pick up plenty of clients.

Another option is to contract with a health care provider or group of massage therapists to share a space. You’d still be in charge of your own services and business, but you’d have more security operating out of an established.

Your massage school should be able to provide some counseling to help you make your choice.

2Take care of business items. Setting up a massage business is similar to setting up other types of small businesses. In order to legally operate as a business, there are certain requirements you must follow:XResearch source

Pick a business name and get it registered.

Attend A Massage Therapy Education Program

How Long Does It Take to Become a Massage Therapist?

The basic educational option for prospective massage therapists is to obtain a certificate from a massage therapy program. While a certificate will qualify you to take the state- licensing exam and gain employment, many massage therapists pursue an associates or even a bachelors degree in massage therapy for better career prospects.

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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:

Getting Your Massage Therapist License

Before you can begin your career, you will need to pass an approved licensing exam. You must check with your state’s licensing board to make sure that you are taking the right exam before you schedule a test date or pay an exam fee. The MBLEx is the most widely used licensing exam and currently accepted in 43 states so if you aren’t sure where you want to work yet, this might be the best choice. The BCETMB is also accepted by many states. These are the two most widely-used exams.

Whichever exam you end up taking, you will see questions covering much of what you learned in your massage therapy program. However, since programs can vary significantly, it is important to spend a few weeks preparing by using a study guide designed for that specific exam. This will provide a comprehensive overview of everything you will be tested on, including any material that might not have been included in your training.

You will definitely want to review what you learned during your in-class coursework, including:

Anatomy and physiology
Massage therapy ethics, laws and regulations
Client assessments and treatment planning
Professional guidelines
Pathology, areas of caution, contraindications and special populations

While there will be some questions on technique, licensing exams tend to focus on the knowledge and theory side of massage therapy more than the methods.

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.

Find A School And Get Training

How To Become a Licensed Massage Therapist/ Schooling, Licensure and Continuing Education

The first thing youll need to do to become a licensed massage therapist is learn how to correctly provide therapeutic massage therapy. You may already be skilled at giving back and shoulder rubs to loved ones, but becoming a massage therapist is quite a bit more complicated and involved than that.

There are massage schools in most medium-sized cities and towns. If you live in a rural area, you may be challenged to find one near you, but for most individuals, finding one nearby will be simple. In fact, you may have several from which to choose.

A reputable school will be well-reviewed and will be recognized by your states licensing board. This is crucial as youll need to attend an accredited school so your program will count when you apply for your license later on.

Most massage therapy programs are at least five hundred hours long. Youll be expected to excel in both academic and clinical classes. Your classroom instruction will include things like anatomy and physiology, professional ethics, body mechanics, pathology, and more. Your clinical coursework will give you the opportunity to learn how to massage future clients through hands-on practice.

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On The Subject Of Feet Getting Yours Taken Care Of Could Actually Change Everything

The feet are our foundation, but they’re also very malleable able to conform and adapt to the way we stand and the way we move. This can cause problems if we’re always bearing weight on one part of the feet or wearing certain shoes, since your muscles will try to compensate. If these muscles’ functions are thrown off for long enough, they can create a chain reaction in other muscles farther up the body. So if you have back pain, you might wanna get your feet taken care of at the same time, just in case.

Board Certification In Therapeutic Massage And Bodywork

The Board Certification in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork is the highest voluntary credential for massage professionals. Some benefits of this title include attracting more clients, gaining credibility and becoming more versatile.

To become board certified, you must graduate from a National Certification Board in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork assigned school and pass the board certification exam. The exam comprises questions on applied science, massage techniques, professionalism, ethics and law and business practices. You also must pass a criminal background check, verify your current massage therapy state license and agree to abide by the NCBTMB standards and code of ethics.

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Opportunities & Job Outlook

As of 2018, there were 150,800 massage therapy jobs nationwide. California and Florida were the two states with the most massage therapist jobs at 15,200 and 9,620 respectively .

Massage therapy employment is expected to grow by 22% from 2018 to 2028, significantly much faster than the national average for other careers .

As more and more states adopt standards and regulations for massage therapists, the profession is likely to become seen as more legitimate and sophisticated.

Additionally, demand for the position is expected to grow as more people learn about the therapeutic benefits of massage therapy. The continued expansion of clinical massage therapy enterprises will also increase the number of jobs.

Referrals are an important part of massage therapy work so it may take some time for clients to build clientele, strong contacts, and good relations.

Massage therapists can attract more clients by completing certification programs for multiple massage modalities.

Pros & Cons Of Being A Massage Therapist

Flexible scheduling
Relatively cheap education costs compared to similar professions
Good mid-level salaries
High job satisfaction
Good potential for career growth

It takes time to get off the ground. Even if you are employed at a salon it takes time to build up a clientele and get regular sessions.
Irregular work schedules and periods of no work
If you are self-employed, finding clients requires a lot of effort on your part
You usually must pay for your own supplies in massage therapy school

Is It Difficult For You To Be A Massage Therapist

Massage therapists have to work even harder now. This overload leads to many problems, from thumb pain and repetitive strain injuries to carpal tunnel syndrome and thoracic outlet syndrome.

Do masseurs have strong hands?

For example, a common misconception is that you need strong hands to be a massage therapist. While it certainly helps to have strong hands, its not a requirement. Heres why. The techniques that massage therapists use are very intricate to help your bodys muscles relax and heal.

What are the negative effects of being a massage therapist?

Massage therapists also spend hours standing, which can further increase the risk of back pain and other aches and pains. According to the Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety, standing work can lead to varicose veins, rheumatic diseases, muscle pain and swelling in the legs.

What Is A Massage Therapist

Massage therapists help their clients recover from injuries, improve their posture and/or release tension. They do this by using their hands, arms and elbows to massage the muscles either in the specific area troubling the client or across the whole back, shoulders, arms and legs.

A massage session typically lasts anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour so excellent upper body strength and endurance are necessary for this career. It also requires training in the appropriate techniques and equipment to use during a massage session.

Most massage therapists will specialize in two or three methods such as sports massage, Swedish massage or deep-tissue massage. They will then adapt these to the unique needs of each client. For example, a young, physically active client would require a more vigorous deep-tissue or sports massage to treat muscles that are used extensively. On the other hand, an elderly client might require a gentler technique focused on specific pain points.

Massage therapists can also opt between working at an office where clients come to them or making house calls where the therapist brings a massage table to the client’s home and does the massage there. Either way, it’s important for massage therapists to take a 15-30 minute break between sessions to allow their arms and hands some time to rest and recover. During these breaks, you should do some gentle stretches to prevent carpal tunnel or other injuries.

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Typical Day Of A Massage Therapist

Massage therapists have very flexible and irregular work schedules so there is no typical day for a massage therapist. Most of the time, a massage therapists day is split between working with clients and scheduling appointments with other clients.

Some massage therapists will also spend part of their day going to training and workshops to learn new techniques. Since their work is mostly on a per-client basis, the amount of work you do each day depends on how many clients you have.

What 8 Qualities Make A Good Massage Therapist

What does it take to work as a massage therapist?

With the number of massage therapists projected to exceed 15,000 by 2020, the key to achieving this goal is to develop the skills and qualities possessed by top therapists in Australia.

As a massage therapist in Australia, your ability to prosper hinges on your ability to set yourself apart from the competition.

With the number of massage therapists projected to exceed 15,000 by 2020, the key to achieving this goal is to develop the skills and qualities possessed by top therapists in Australia. Fortunately, most of these qualities can be developed with minimal expense and relative ease. Below are eight qualities that make a good massage therapist.

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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.

You may be eligible for licensure by endorsement if you:

Submit a completed application for licensure to New York State and the appropriate fee

Are at least 21 years of age

Present evidence of graduation from high school or its equivalent

Have not taken and failed the New York State Massage Therapy examination

Are a United States citizen or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States

Have been determined by the Department to be of good moral character

Are in good standing as a licensee in each state, country or territory in which you are licensed to practice massage therapy

Received a certificate for completing a course in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation within the three years prior to New York State licensure

In addition to meeting the requirements of Section A, you must satisfy the following requirements:

If you have been licensed and practiced 2 – 4 years in another state, country or territory, you must:

Meet the New York State 1,000-hour education requirement for licensure

*One year of experience is defined as 52 weeks in which massage therapy is practiced an average of 12 hours each week.

What Does A Massage Therapist Actually Do

A massage therapist is a trained, licensed professional that practices the manual, or hands-on, movement of soft body tissues. Soft body tissues include muscle, connective tissue, tendons, and ligaments.

People seek massage therapy for a variety of reasonsincluding to reduce stress and anxiety, relax muscles, rehabilitate injuries, reduce pain, and promote overall health and wellness.

In fact, massage therapy is a growing field within healthcare.

Be aware that educational programs vary in their emphasis on massage therapy as a form of healthcare. At NWHSU, for example, students are prepared to be healthcare professionals who provide massage therapy as part of an integrative healthcare team.

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What Is The Best Path To Becoming A Great Massage Therapist

As described above, there are certain qualities that help make a massage therapist outstanding. However, the single best path to becoming a great massage therapist is to join the International Institute for Complementary Therapists . As a professional member of the IICT, you will receive the highest level of professional support and access to a host of approved training programs that will help you thrive as a massage therapist. Some of the other benefits of IICT membership include the following:

Can You Make Good Money As A Massage Therapist

Maricopa Skill Center: Take a New Direction with MSC

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.

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Enjoy The Freedom To Create Your Own Career Path

The massage therapy profession offers a high degree of freedom, especially compared to other healthcare professions. Among other benefits, that means you can more easily develop a work schedule that fits with your lifeand with your obligations outside of work.

Although the professional options for massage therapists continue to expand, self-employment continues to be the most popular choice for massage therapy graduates.

Watch former student Jason Erickson explain his experience at NWHSU and how it inspired him to open a clinic of his own.

Online Massage Therapy Programs

There exist several massage therapy programs that will allow you to take the bulk of your course load online.

All massage therapy programs have practical in-person requirements so inline programs are normally supplemented with internships and hands-on training in local salons and schools.

Some online programs are even accredited so make sure to check the specifics of any online programs.

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