Submit Evidence Of English Proficiency
If you obtained your massage education in a country where English is not the principal spoken language, you will need to show evidence of English proficiency.
Two of the most common ways to complete this if your education was in a country where English is not the principal language spoken is to:
- Provide a passing score from a standardized test of English, such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language or equivalent.
- Provide a passing score from a written professional licensing examination given in English, such as the New York State Exam, MBLEx or NCETMB.
What Are The Requirements To Become A Massage Therapist
In states that regulate massage therapy , therapists must get a license or certification before practicing massage. State regulations typically require graduation from an approved program and passing an examination.
Some massage therapists obtain certification from the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork. To do this, they must meet specific educational requirements, undergo a background check, and pass an examination.
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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Massage Therapy Resources For Staying Informed
No matter where you are in your career, its important to stay on top of the latest massage techniques, philosophies, and changes in the industry to keep current and competitive in order to offer massage clients a full spectrum of services.
Once you begin working as a massage therapist, youll also want to consider networking with your peers at workshops, conferences, and online. Attending these types of events can help you connect with other professionals, build your reputation, increase your expertise, and boost your job opportunities.
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:
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Faq On Earning Your License In Massage Therapy
Change in Employment : 12.60%
Amount:
The American Massage Therapy Association estimates that there are currently between 300,000 and 350,000 massage therapists around the country. And this number is only going to increase in the coming years. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there will be a 26 percent increase in employment between 2016 and 2026, which is significantly faster growth than the average of all other occupations. This demand for massage therapists can be attributed to the fact that more and more health providers are incorporating massage into their treatment plans. Also, many massage clinic franchises have recently opened in the United States, allowing people to get massage at more affordable rates than they would at spas.
There are several factors that influence what school massage students choose. Whether they are concerned about the length of the program, taking courses online versus on campus, or the amount of tuition, students need to compare programs before making a decision. The search tool below can help.
Keep Learning And Teach Others
As in almost any career, the learning never ends. There are so many different techniques and philosophies related to the career that you can add to your professional repertoire, from Swedish massage, to deep tissue, hot stone, Thai, prenatal massage and more. For business owners, there are also things like marketing and customer service that youll want to improve upon over the years.
When you become confident and highly-skilled as a Massage Therapist, you may find that you also enjoy teaching others. Take the opportunity to instruct a massage class, or teach the employees at the business you manage or own. Many of IBMC Colleges instructors began their careers with training at the college.
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Skills And Qualities Of A Massage Therapist
Youll need to be a good listener to make sure youre meeting your clients needs and treating them for what they came to see you about. Its also important for all types of complementary therapists to be able to set boundaries.
This can be key to keeping your appointments running on time, as some clients may want to stay and chat like youre close friends. Striking the perfect balance between warm yet professional is important.
When starting out as a self-employed massage therapist, you have to be organised with your business admin, including:
What Is Massage Therapy
It takes more to become a massage therapist than being able to give a good back or shoulder rub. Licensed massage therapists are classified as actual healthcare workers, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics .
Massage therapy is the term for the use of massage skills and techniques by formally trained and licensed practitioners. Most formal training programs in massage technique characterize themselves as massage therapy programs.
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Making The Most Of Your Student Days
Your training will include more than just massage theory and application. You will also have science coursework. Still, a massage therapy program may be short many last only six months. Consequently, youll want to take steps toward licensing and career building as early as your student days. Your clinical experiences are chances to make contacts in the professional world as well as fulfill requirements. Some states allow, and even require, you to carry out services in a student clinic. You may also have the opportunity to perform services at volunteer events. Again, this depends on your jurisdiction states often have very specific rules about what you can and cannot do as a student.
If you will be performing massage on the public, you will likely need to carry liability insurance. You may get this by joining a professional association. At the student level, the costs may be low. You may have other perks, like study tools or even the chance to select a mentor.
In most cases, you will be required to take a licensing examination. If your state is one of the many that uses the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam, or MBLEX, you may be approved to test as early as your student days. However, you will need to affirm that you have had appropriate training.
You may preview the examination content by visiting the website of the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards . The candidate handbook includes a list of suggested massage texts.
How Much Continuing Education Do You Need For A Nj Massage License
Currently, the New Jersey Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy requires 20 hours of massage continuing education from an approved provider. These entities include the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork , National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine , the American Massage Therapy Association , the American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia , the Association of Bodywork and Massage Professionals , the American Nurses Credentialing Center , and several others.
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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 must 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 lotmore 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 to help pay for tuition, you just need to look.
Massage Therapist Duties & Responsibilities
While massage therapy does not require as much training and expertise as other medical professions, it is an important field in healthcare. Muscle tension can be responsible for many injuries, and qualified massage therapists can find where that tension exists and relieve it to prevent more serious injuries. A massage therapists duties include:
- Collaborating with clients on stress and pain in order to create a treatment plan
- Assisting doctors and/or chiropractors in a patients physical therapy or recovery from injury
- Exercising sensitivity to a clients medical history and injuries while using massage to relieve pain and tension
- Coaching clients on proper exercise, stretch, and relaxation techniques
- Properly documenting all treatments
- Maintaining treatment records
- Recognizing health issues that need a referral to another healthcare provider
As a massage therapist, you will work extensively with your hands to locate stress and injuries. Knowing which parts of the muscles to target, as well as the appropriate amount of pressure to place on those parts comes with experience and training.
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Q How Much Does It Cost To Become A Massage Therapist
The cost of to become a Massage Therapist really depends on the program that you enroll in.
Some programs give you an Associatess degree, which can cost around $5,000.
Other programs can cost around $1,000.
The licensing exam will cost around $200-$300.
Youll also be required to renew licensure every 2-5 years.
Associates Degree Programs In Massage Therapy
Since you dont need a full bachelors degree, many students choose instead to pursue massage therapy studies at the associates degree level. When you attend class at a community college , you can cover massage therapy techniques in more depth than is possible in a non-degree program while also completing some coursework in communication, science, business and general education.
The curriculum of an associates degree program in massage therapy may include coursework in the underlying sciences and clinical practices of the field, including anatomy and physiology, body mechanics, kinesiology, pathology, reflexology and clinical assessment and treatment planning. Students may develop hands-on skills in Swedish massage, prenatal massage, trigger point therapy, neuromuscular therapy and myofascial release. Additional studies in massage ethics, laws and regulations, business practices and self-care for massage therapy practitioners are also valuable.
Associate degrees typically take two years of full-time study to complete and, thanks to the lower tuition rates of community colleges, cost considerably less than a four-year degree would.
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What Skills Are Helpful For Massage Therapists
Massage therapists typically use the following skills to provide effective treatments to their clients:
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Communication: Massage therapists listen to the client’s symptoms and discuss what forms of treatment may suit their conditions. Strong active listening, verbal communication and written communication can help you create individualized treatment plans that benefit your clients.
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Empathy: Massage therapists listen to their client’s needs and adjust their communication or massage style to accommodate client preferences and needs. Using empathy helps them understand their clients’ concerns and develop treatment plans that can resolve or minimize them.
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Physical stamina and strength: Massage therapists stand for long periods while they work and treat muscles and joints that may present a physical challenge to manipulate. This skill also allows them to provide the right amount of pressure and maneuver into positions to perform certain techniques as needed.
How Much Does It Cost To Become A Licensed Massage Therapist
The cost of licensure in massage therapy comes from three main sources: your education program, the cost of exams, and the cost of the license itself.
Like any schooling or training program, massage therapy education will vary in cost, depending on where and what youâre studying. Certificate programs tend to start around $4,000 to $6,000, while associate degree programs can be anywhere from $10,000 and $25,000. Youâll also need to pay for any books or materials, which can cost anywhere from $1,300.
The prices may look steep, but most massage training programs will offer some sort of financial aid, so be sure to look over all your options!After completing your training, youâll need to pay an application and administrative fee to take the MBLEx, which is $265. The FSMTB also offers an official MBLEx study guide for about $30, which isnât required but can be a valuable resource.Once youâve passed your exam, youâre ready to register with your stateâs Massage Therapistâs Board. Licensing fees vary by state, but almost all states will require you to renew your license periodically. For example, New Hampshire licensure costs $110 and requires an annual renewal.
If you decide to run your own clinic or work as an independent contractor, youâll also want to get small business insurance.
All in all, youâre looking at around a minimum of $4, 300 to finance your new career path. A hefty investment, but worth it if massage therapy is your passion!
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Why Florida Academy Is The School To Choose For A Massage Therapy Degree
Florida Academy has trained students from 41 states and five foreign countries and has accreditation from the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education. Additionally, the school has won several prestigious awards:
- Graduate winner of Massage Envy Spa Top Massage Therapist and Esthetician Award
- Voted Best Holistic School in Southwest Florida by Natural Awakenings magazine
- Received Student Winner of American Massage Therapy Association Scholarship
Program graduates are amazed at how much they learn in such a short time, and at a low program cost, allowing them to jump-start their careers without years of training. In addition, Florida Academys graduation rates for full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates within normal completion time is 94 percent, which is almost three times more than the average school.
Does Massage Help Baby Growth
Thereâs evidence that premature babies who are massaged may have improved weight gain. No benefits of massage for normal full-term infants have been clearly demonstrated.
- A 2017 research review analyzed the results of 34 studies of massage therapy for premature infants. Twenty of the studies evaluated the effect of massage on weight gain, with most showing an improvement. The mechanism by which massage therapy might increase weight gain is not well understood. Some studies suggested other possible benefits of massage but because the amount of evidence is small, no conclusions can be reached about effects other than weight gain.
- A 2013 review of 34 studies of healthy full-term infants didnât find clear evidence of beneficial effects of massage in these low-risk infants.
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Pass Your Licensing Exam
44 states require massage therapists to pass the MBLEx before being licensed, though some states have their own exams. If youâre taking the MBLEx, the FSMTB does have an official study guide, so pick up a copy and start studying!
These tests are pretty pricey , so itâs in your best interest to get it right the first time, but with the right schooling and study regimen, you should be ready to go.
Complete Massage Therapy Training
Each state has different education and training requirements for massage therapists to pursue licensure and practice professionally. Enroll in a state-approved, accredited massage therapy training program that provides coursework and training in massage therapy and application, anatomy, physiology and medical terminology. If you plan to open a private practice, you might also consider pursuing courses in business management and marketing.
Massage therapy programs include both academic and clinical work. These programs often take about six months of full-time attendance to complete, but it may take longer if you attend as a part-time student or live in a state that has extensive requirements. Massage therapy programs aim to prepare students for board certification and licensure examinations, which confirm they have the knowledge and skills to treat their clients effectively.
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The Effects Of Massage Therapy
Massage therapy can include a variety ofmassage techniques, modalities and types. Some massages are performed with a specific goal in mind, like the treatment of an injury, while others are performed purely for relaxation and physical comfort.
What all types of massage have in common is that they are performed in service of achieving increased wellness and well-being. Some of the ways that massage therapy can improve health and wellness include:
- Alleviate stress
- Heal physical injuries and improve physical symptoms of injuries or illnesses
- Stimulate nerves to reduce pain
- Increase blood circulation
- Promote relaxation of the body and the mind
Research has shown that massage therapy can have effects like improving sleep patterns, reducing pain levels, decreasing stress and anxiety that can contribute to depression and even reducing side effects from serious medical interventions like cancer treatments, according to the National University of Health Sciences. In general, massage therapy can improve quality of life for both healthy people and people suffering from serious or chronic medical conditions.