Massage therapists manipulate the soft tissues of the body to enhance health and well-being. They may use lotions or oils to help clients relax.
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A high school diploma or equivalent is the minimum requirement to enroll in a massage therapy program. The length of the program varies, but most massage programs are a mixture of classroom study and hands-on training. Many schools require students to earn at least 500 hours of instruction. This includes a variety of courses, including the basics like anatomy and physiology, along with specialized classes such as Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, sports massage and myofascial release.
After completing classroom and hands-on training, most massage therapists also pursue voluntary board certification. This helps them elevate their status in the profession and can open doors to career advancement opportunities.
Once licensed, massage therapists may work in private practice, at spas and hotels, or in doctors’ offices and clinics. The type of clientele can vary as well—some clients are in pain from injuries or other medical conditions, while others seek relaxation and stress relief. Some people with cancer or other diseases may also use massage as part of their treatment plan, as it can relieve stress and help patients cope with side effects.
Most states regulate massage therapists, and some have mandatory licensing requirements. A massage therapist who wishes to become licensed must complete a specified number of course credits, pass an exam and meet other state requirements.
Some massage therapists also choose to specialize. For instance, a sports massage therapist may focus on techniques that can help athletes perform better in their chosen sport, while a myofascial release therapist can target tight and sensitive areas of muscle fiber that are associated with specific pain patterns.
Continuing education and professional development are important for massage therapists to stay current on the latest research, techniques and practices. They can do this by attending workshops and conferences or by gaining additional certifications. For example, the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork offers a Certified Medical Massage Practitioner (CMMP) credential. The credential indicates that the therapist has completed extensive training in medical-based massage techniques and is knowledgeable about how those techniques can be applied to treat specific disorders.
Licensing and Certification
Most states regulate the practice of massage therapy by requiring licensed massage therapists have met minimum education requirements. Typically, the requirement is to complete between 500 and 1,000 hours of initial in-class training.
This includes coursework in the fundamentals of massage theory and technique, along with the study of anatomy and physiology. Coursework may also include elective subjects to provide a more well-rounded education. Some of these topics include:
In addition to training, most states require aspiring massage therapists pass a licensing exam. This exam assesses their theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills. The exam may cover topics like:
Licensing requirements vary by state. For example, New York requires aspiring therapists to have passed the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBEx) with a score of at least 70%. Those who fail the exam must wait until the next licensing examination period to retake it.
Some states, such as California, have no licensing requirements, while others impose restrictions on the number of massage hours that can be provided and where massage therapists can work. Most regulated states require massage therapists to be licensed to ensure consumer safety and professional competence.
While licensure is a legal requirement, certification and accreditation are voluntary processes that can help distinguish massage therapists from others in the field. Accreditation is a process whereby an agency or association grants public recognition to schools, institutes, colleges, universities, or specialized programs of study that meet specific qualifications or standards set by the accrediting entity. This often involves self-evaluation reports, site inspections by expert teams, and evaluations by an independent board or commission.
In addition to meeting licensing and certification requirements, if you’re starting your own massage business you should consider getting small business insurance for massage therapists that protects you from risks that come with working with clients. Beauty and Bodywork Insurance can give you a customized policy for as low as $96 per year. We offer small business insurance for massage therapists that want to focus on what matters most: helping their clients get healthy, happy, and beautiful. Check out our state-by-state guide for more info on your specific requirements.
Continuing Education
Even if you graduate from a massage therapy school with an inexhaustible knowledge of the human musculoskeletal system, chances are you will need to take some continuing education courses. In addition to satisfying state requirements, CEUs (Continuing Education Units) can help you sharpen your skills, stay on top of the latest trends in massage therapy, and learn new techniques.
Many states require that massage therapists enroll in CE classes on a regular basis to maintain their licenses. This ensures that massage therapists are current in the medical and scientific research that supports the benefits of their work. It also ensures that massage therapists have a firm grasp of the rules and regulations that govern their profession, such as ethics, privacy, and business practices.
In addition, CE courses can teach you ways to improve your technique and increase the satisfaction of your clients. You can also take specialized courses that focus on massage techniques that address specific conditions, such as pain relief for pregnant women or people with arthritis. These specialized classes can help you attract more clients and bring in higher-paying cases.
Another benefit of taking CE classes is that they often offer opportunities to network with other massage therapists. This is a great way to meet potential clients or find out about job opportunities. It is also a good way to keep up with the latest research in massage therapy, which you can use to inform your practice and educate your clients.
When you choose to do your continuing education courses online, it is important to look for a provider that offers both AMTA and NCBTMB-approved classes. This will make it easy to fulfill all your requirements. MedBridgeMassage, for example, offers a complete package of online classes that cover everything from marketing strategies to massage techniques for specific conditions, including osteoarthritis, diabetes, and pregnancy.
Although continuing education courses are a necessary part of being a massage therapist, they can also be exciting and rewarding. When you select the right courses and participate in them with enthusiasm, they can do more than just satisfy your state’s requirements. They can inspire you to take your career in new directions and help you grow professionally and gain greater personal satisfaction from your work.
Work Environment
Massage therapists work in a wide variety of settings. Some work in luxury spas, others at corporate offices or fitness centers, and still more are self-employed. Choosing the right workplace environment is an important decision for anyone who wants to make massage therapy a career. The work environment is not only a factor in financial stability, but it also affects morale, focus and energy.
Each business has its own culture, which is often shaped by the managers and owners. It is also influenced by the employees and their individual experiences in the company. A positive workplace culture can support growth and learning, while a negative one can create frustration and lack of enthusiasm about the job.
Workplace safety is a major concern for any massage therapist. There are certain precautions and guidelines that the therapist must follow to protect themselves from injury and to minimize the risk of liability. This is especially true if the massage therapist works in a private practice or at home.
In addition to safety concerns, the work environment of a massage therapist has a direct impact on the client experience. Clients want to feel comfortable, safe and valued by their therapists. Massage therapists who work in spas or wellness centers can create a calm and relaxing atmosphere for their clients by using dim lighting, soothing music and calming scents. Massage therapists who work in medical settings may use medical equipment and have a more clinical atmosphere.
Many massage therapists prefer the flexibility of working in a private practice. This type of setting allows them to set their own rates and offer services that are fully customized to meet the needs of each individual client. However, owning a business requires significant management and marketing efforts. The extra workload can also be challenging for new massage therapists who are just getting established. Ultimately, finding the right work environment is crucial for long-term satisfaction with the career and to ensure that the client has the best possible experience. When making any career choice, it is a good idea to “look before you leap.” Investing in professional training for a new profession is a big commitment.