Booming Demand For Massage Means Employers Are Looking To Hire More Massage Therapists
David Brown, President of Elements Massage Alderwood in Lynwood, WA, says demand for massage therapy is definitely outpacing the number of massage therapists hes able to hire. Our therapists were booked 99 percent of the time for the quarter ending June 30, 2021, he explains. Were not even close to fully staffed. I could easily hire five or more massage therapists to meet demand and still have turnaways.
Dr. Jason Seibel, DSc, founder of the Performance Management Group and owner of seven Massage Envy locations in Richmond and Northern Virginia, says the only reason his business continues to be off by between 15 and 17 percentback from the 18 to 23 percent he was off at the height of COVIDis because he cant hire enough massage therapists. Quite frankly, the only reason our business is off is because I dont have enough service providers. I can hire 50 to 80 people today, he says. In fact, Im worried because I dont have enough service providers and part of what happened in the industry is that when COVID hit, people used that time to reset their lives and left the industry. So, now we have this big void.
Seibel, however, sees jobs paying $25 and $35 per hour sit empty, too, so doesnt think that hiring issues are completely about pay. Another perspective to this is that people learned they can live below their means, he says. They dont need all the stuff, and some have decided theyre going to reimagine how they want to come back to work.
Hire A Registered Massage Therapist
Are you looking to hire or lease space to an RMT? The RMTAO offers an online career opportunities service to assist Registered Massage Therapists in finding positions or space available.
Any individual looking to hire an RMT or who has space available to rent to an RMT can post in our Career Opportunities Listing service. Only RMTAO members are able to view the opportunities available.
The listings are available to all RMTAO members and are organized by region. Listings are also emailed out to members in your region who have expressed an interest in receiving new opportunities.
Why Did You Decide To Become A Massage Therapist
This may seem like a pretty basic interview question, but the answer can give you great insight into whether a candidates attitude and philosophy are closely aligned with your business.
Its also an open prompt that allows them to elaborate on other relevant career experiences or personal anecdotes. The more information you have, the more likely it is that you will make the best hiring choice.
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Hiring The Wrong People Is Bad For Business
I know that it seems scary to think about being understaffed. But the headache of having someone underqualified or with a bad attitude wreaks havoc on morale for you and your staff. Being understaffed the last thing you want to do is alienate the dedicated, loyal team that has been with you through thick and thin!
Not only is hiring warm bodies hard on your existing staff, it is also hard on the reputation of your business! Think about all the energy you have put into having excellent customer service and therapists who genuinely care about the clients. All of this can be unraveled in the blink of an eye. Dont let yourself get caught lying naked on the floor, with a completely unraveled sweater/business like the poor chap in Weezers Sweater Song.
During times of uncertainty, it is crucial to take a step back and trust that your staffing problem will work itself out! That the right people will find their way to you, and that you should never hire just a warm body!
So what do you do when you just cant seem to find people to work in your practice? Well, you get creative, you dont settle, and you stay positive.
Why Hire A Massage Therapist
An efficient massage therapist helps increase loyal customers of a health clinic or spa, thus helping the company achieve its revenue and profit goals. They can also:
Deliver specialized massage therapy for walk-in and scheduled patients Consult with clients and suggest the massage most suited to their requirements and budgets Suggest personalized massage treatments based on a clients health concerns or injuries
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Licensed Massage Therapist Job Description Template
We are looking to hire a skilled licensed massage therapist to perform various types of massages on clients. The licensed massage therapists responsibilities include greeting and welcoming clients, developing treatment plans for clients, and conferring with healthcare professionals to ensure that treatment plans are suitable for clients. You should also be able to utilize complimentary massage aids such as wet compresses and infrared lamps to enhance the massage experience.
To be successful as a licensed massage therapist, you should be able to understand clients concerns and answer all massage-related questions. Ultimately, an outstanding massage therapist should improve clients health issues and overall wellness through customized massage therapies.
Get References From Their Past Massage Careers
If youre hiring individuals who are just starting their massage careers, retrieve recommendations from their teachers and training clients. If theyre experienced, investigate their employment history and actually call their references. Youll need to do a background check as well for security and safety purposes.
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How To Hire A Massage Therapist With A Business Contract
Hiring a massage therapist can be done two ways. You can either hire someone as an independent contractor or as an employee. Your contract will depend upon which method you choose. Both have their advantages and disadvantages and so it is important that you choose the best method for you based on the needs of your business.
What Are The Different Swedish Massage Techniques
There are five main techniques in Swedish massage: effleurage, friction, petrissage, tapotement and vibration. Within each category there are various movements, all intended to ease muscle tension and pain. Each movement has a specific purpose for loosening, warming, soothing or stimulating your muscles during your massage. Here is a breakdown of each of the five Swedish massage techniques:
- Effleurage: Sweeping, gliding, smooth long strokes done with the hands or forearms. These strokes can loosen and warm the body and are said to help stimulate blood flow.
- Friction: These circular or transverse rubbing strokes are also warming and can get deeper into the muscle tissue. They should be avoided on injured or inflamed areas or areas.
- Petrissage: Lifting, kneading, skin rolling, muscle rolling and wringing. These movements help with circulation, which stimulates cell regeneration, and aid in loosening tense muscles.
- Tapotement: Tapping, plucking, cupping and pounding. Tapotement movements can help improve blood circulation and cell rejuvenation, and also relax and release tight muscles.
- Vibration: Rocking, shaking and trembling movements. These motions can help muscles release.
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Massage Therapist Education And Training Requirements
The main requirement for a Massage Therapist is certification from the appropriate training institute in their province. Candidates in British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Ontario must receive their certification from their regulated provincial College of Massage Therapists. Candidates in all other provinces may obtain Canadian Massage Therapy Council Accreditation certification.
All candidates across Canada are required to complete training through practical hours under the supervision of the institution.
Cruise Ships & Resorts
For massage therapists seeking excitement and exotic locations, the hospitality industry may be the way to go. Cruise ships and resorts all over the world employ massage therapists to enhance travelers vacation experience.
With so many employment options, its easy to see why massage therapy might be a perfect career opportunity for you. Let The Academy Of Natural Therapy help get you there. With almost 30 years experience, and small, personalized classes, we can help you get the education you need to get the massage therapy job you want.
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Licenses Certifications And Registrations For Massage Therapists
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.
Education For Massage Therapists
Education requirements for massage therapists vary greatly by state or locality. Education programs are typically found in private or public postsecondary institutions. Most programs require at least 500 hours of study for their completion some programs require 1,000 or more hours.
A high school diploma or equivalent is usually required for admission to a massage therapy program. Programs generally include both classroom study and hands-on practice of massage techniques. Programs cover subjects such as anatomy physiology, which is the study of organs and tissues kinesiology, which is the study of motion and body mechanics pathology, which is the study of disease business management and ethics.
Programs may concentrate on certain modalities, or specialties, of massage. Several programs also offer job placement services and continuing education. Both full-time and part-time programs are available.
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The Irs And Independent Contractors
The IRS also has their own requirement for independent contractors. It is not enough to just get a 1099 to signify that you are and IC. The IRS uses a 20 point questionnaire to determine status. It matters to the IRS because they will make more money when people are classified as employees. If you are misclassified, the IRS can come in and ask you to pay all of the back taxes and fees that will most likely put you out of business. See:
Judge orders Redmond Herbal Spas to pay employees $135,536 in back wages and liquidated damages
Look Into Their Training
Usually, massage therapists need to have at least 500 hours of training under their belts before they can be hired for massage careers. When a potential employee applies for a position with you, look into their massage therapy program. Is it legitimate? Does it have a good reputation? Have you hired people from that school or program before? And are they licensed to practice? Make sure you can easily determine the answers to all of these questions before making a hiring decision.
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What Are The Types Of Massage Therapists
Theres a variety of types of massage therapy, each designed to help clients with different problems. These include:
- Deep tissue massage therapy: This type of therapy is designed to treat issues in the muscles and joints. It can relieve pain that was caused by sports injuries and stiffness.
- Prenatal massage therapy: Prenatal massage therapy is meant to help pregnant women relieve some of the pain associated with pregnancy. Due to the inherent risks, the therapy is not recommended for every pregnancy.
- Swedish massage therapy: Swedish massages work to relax all the muscles in the body through gentle rubbing and strokes.
- Hot stone massage therapy: During hot stone massage therapy, heated smooth stones are placed on clients bodies to relax tense and damaged muscles and soft tissue.
- Shiatsu massage therapy: Shiatsu massage therapy is a type of Japanese massage that targets the bodys energy flow in order to heighten moods and relax the client.
Responsibilities For Massage Therapist
- Evaluate clients’ soft tissue condition, joint quality and function, muscle strength, and range of motion
- Develop and propose client treatment plans that specify which types of massage are to be used
- Consult with clients about their medical histories and any problems with stress and/or pain in order to determine whether massage would be helpful
- Massage and knead the muscles and soft tissues of the human body in order to provide treatment for medical conditions, injuries or wellness maintenance
- Prepare and blend oils, and apply the blends to clients’ skin
- Discuss with other health care professionals such as physiotherapists, chiropractors, physicians, and psychologists in order to develop treatment plans for clients
- Maintain detailed and accurate treatment records of clients
- Attend and participate in meetings and training sessions
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What Does This Mean For The Future Of The Massage Therapy Profession
Now that the VA has clearly defined standards of education and create a clear job description, many more may follow.
Will Medicare/Medicaid recognize massage therapy?
Will more health insurance companies recognize massage therapy?
Will more hospitals, hospice centers, cancer centers and rehab centers recognize massage therapy more and use the standards and job descriptions for their programs?
You betcha!
Use A Variety Of Methods
Remember that people have different learning styles and preferences, so be sure to cover all your bases when training new massage therapist hires. Implement job specific training using written manuals, videos, checklists, and demonstrations. Its also a good idea to have new therapists shadow other employees so they can get a feel of the day-day-day practices in your spa. In todays day and age of social media, it is also worth educating your staff on social media if you wish to focus them on your social media pages.
Heres an example of how Endotaspa in Australia uses social media to showcase their employees ever so often.
A post shared by endota on Nov 7, 2019 at 12:25am PST
Combined, these training methods will give your new therapists a well-rounded experience of what its like to work at your company.
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How To Find And Retain Reliable Massage Therapists
As the owner of a massage therapy business, you need to ensure that your customers have a comfortable, safe, and relaxing experience. They should leave feeling refreshed and refocused and want to come back again for another massage. Having talented, professional massage therapists on your staff can help guarantee that clients have a pleasant time at your establishment. But how exactly do you find the most reliable, hardworking, and trustworthy massage therapists in your area? Here are a few tips to help you locate the right hires for your business.
State Of Michigan Massage Licensing
- To legally practice massage, all therapists must have a license from the State of Michigan.
- Prior to hiring, employers must obtain a current copy of each therapists massage license.
- Any massage employer who knowingly hires unlicensed therapists will be permanently removed from Irenes Approved Employer list.
- Local law enforcement and the State massage board will be notified.
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How To Hire A Massage Therapist
Does your growing business need a massage therapist? A massage therapist is responsible for giving massages to patients who are looking for specific health treatments.
Here are some tips to help you find great massage therapist candidates and choose the right hire for your spa or health clinic.
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Look At Special Certifications
You want your massage therapy business to stand out from your competitors. One way to do this is to hire massage therapists that have special certifications. Maybe they can perform deep-tissue, Swedish, sports, infant, prenatal, or shiatsu massages. Perhaps they know reflexology, stone therapy, or Thai bodywork. The more options you offer your customers, the better. Just be sure you have a plan to effectively advertise these services, too.
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What New Massage Therapists Need To Know When Looking For Employment
Brown encourages massage therapists just entering the profession to really consider culture when thinking about where theyd like to practice. Work culture is paramount, he says. Make sure the culture of where you are working is in alignment with your values. Find what fuels your passion. Is it treatment work in a clinical setting or more therapeutic work in a studio setting?
Seibels says his best service providers are those who spend time in the front of the house and get a fuller idea of how the entire business runs. One of the biggest challenges of running a business is that the front of the house doesnt respect what goes on in the back of the house and the back of the house doesnt respect what goes on in the front of the house, he explains. Ive learned helping them understand what its like for the front desk helps them appreciate what goes on and makes them a better service provider.
Test The Massage Therapists
You need to be certain that whoever you hire will do an excellent job massaging your clients. Your interviewees should show up ready to give a massage and demonstrate their style. That means they come in dressed appropriately as a masseuse and are comfortable when they give a massage to you or the interviewer.
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Copy Job Description Template Text
Education, Experience, and Licensing Requirements:
- Minimum of 500 hours of massage therapy school and a certificate of completion
- Adherence to all applicable local and state licensing laws and regulations related to the massage therapy services provided, including following any applicable law pertaining to maintaining current Massage License
- Knowledge of and experience in performing Swedish and Deep Tissue Massage required, as well as knowledge of and experience in performing other modalities
- Understands and believes in the healing benefits of massage therapy and bodywork
- Satisfactory results of background and reference check is a condition of employment in this position
Here is where the best massage therapist job postings turn potential applicants into actual applicants, by letting them know exactly how to apply with a well-crafted . Provide details on application, resume, and supporting documents submission and include any other requirements.
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