How To Obtain a Professional License in Massage Therapy
If you become a licensed massage therapist, you will be able to help people relax and get rid of pains on a daily basis.In almost all states, massage therapy is heavily regulated.If you really want to pursue a career in this area, you need to decide if it is a good fit for you.If you believe that it is, you will need to get educated, earn licenses, and open your own business in order to find a job.
Step 1: Determine if this is the right career for you.
Being a massage therapist can be rewarding.It allows you to help many people and connect with them in a positive way.This degree of personal contact may not be for everyone.Do you want to do this type of work day in and day out?It is possible that you will have to deal with customers who think massage therapists provide additional services.Being a professional therapist is dependent on ethics, so be prepared to deal with this aspect of the work.massage therapists spend a lot of time on their feet.This can be very tiring for some, so be prepared.
Step 2: You should find out if the pay is right for you.
A large number of factors can affect how much a massage therapist makes.The median salary for this profession is $18.00 per hour.Is this enough to keep you in the lifestyle you want?It's important to remember that how much you make also depends on how many customers you have, and that, depending on many factors, you may have more or less customers at different times throughout the year.Money should not be the main reason for choosing a career.You should choose something that makes you happy, and that you would enjoy doing day in and day out.It's important to know if you can live on a massage therapist salary.
Step 3: Think about where you want to work.
There are many massage therapists.Many open their own private practice, while others choose to work in other environments such as hospitals, therapy clinics, health clubs, or even on cruise ships.Would you like to travel a lot?Doing something like working on a cruise ship will allow you to earn a living while travelling the world.
Step 4: Search for an accredited program.
There are hundreds of accredited programs in the United States.The United States Department of Education (USDE) provides accreditation, but there are more than one.It is best to look at the requirements for the state in which you plan to work in order to understand which accrediting body is most relevant for you.The requirements for your state can be found here.
Step 5: Meet the minimum requirements.
Most massage therapy programs will only require you to have a high school degree, but some might prefer that you have experience in other areas.Before applying for a program, be sure to find out the minimum requirements.You are likely wasting your time if you don't meet the minimum requirements.
Step 6: Consider the costs.
You need to know how you will pay for the program.Depending on a range of factors, your program could cost between $6,000 and $11,000 in order to achieve certification, and this may or may not include other costs such as a massage table or text books.Financial aid can be offered by many accredited programs, so be sure to inquire about it with any programs you are interested in.
Step 7: Consider how long the program is.
How long a program lasts depends on how many hours of training you receive.Most states have a minimum number of training hours between 330 and 1,100.It could take weeks or even two years for you to be qualified to work.
Step 8: That is what you need.
Different programs have different types of massage therapy.If you are interested in a specific type of massage, you should look for a school that will help you meet your goals, because almost all accredited programs have core educational requirements that you must meet.If you are interested in sports massage, you might want to look for a program that focuses on this type of massage or you can take extra hours to specialize in it.
Step 9: All course work must be completed.
You will learn more than just how to give a massage during your program.You will need to learn about human biology in order to do your job well, but you may also learn how to run your own business, professional ethics, and limitations of massage therapy.Contact your teachers if you find yourself struggling in your program.They can help you understand and keep up with your course work.If you don't ask for help, you may fail the program.
Step 10: You need to meet the requirements in your state.
You will need to meet licensure requirements in your state after you have completed your program.Most US states have some requirements.Here you can find your states requirements.The Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLex) is an exam administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards.
Step 11: Consider where you would like to work.
It is a good idea to work at an established massage therapy clinic for a few months or years if you have never run a business before.This will give you an idea of what to expect when running a massage therapy business.There are many chain massage establishments in the US.If you search the internet for massage therapy in your city, you will find a few of them.
Step 12: There are health clubs.
If you want to get some experience, you can look for a position at a health club.Many health clubs offer massage.If you are interested in doing massage for athletes, this might be of interest to you.Although not everyone who gets a massage at a health club is an athlete, you may come across more clients who use massage as part of a sports injury recovery program.
Step 13: You can start your own massage therapy business.
It's probably the most work intensive option, but opening your own business will allow you a lot of control over how much money you make and what kind of services you offer.You will need to spend a lot of time getting your business set up.Many of the same challenges as other small business owners are faced by massage therapists.A good business person and a good massage therapist are required for a successful massage therapy business.