Massage therapy is a popular choice for anyone seeking relaxation treatments that offer therapeutic benefits. Licensed massage therapists can be found in spas, resorts, gyms and health clubs, cruise ships, wellness centers, and prestigious hospitals.
How to Become a Massage Therapist
The path to becoming a massage therapist starts with attending a certificate program. A normal program takes about a year to complete and includes both classroom instruction and practical labs where you learn how to apply massage techniques on mannequins or actual clients.
Once you have finished your program, you must take and pass your state’s licensing exam. Most states use the MBLEx, administered around the US, and require a special limited permit to practice in the state while you wait for your results.
Typically, you will also need to document your training. Some schools may be accredited by a recognized agency such as the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA) or one of the National Accrediting Commissions of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). In some states, your license may require that you take continuing education classes to keep up with the latest research and developments in massage therapy.
Education Requirements
There are a few educational options for massage therapists, but enrolling in a certificate program is the most common. These programs generally require a high school diploma or equivalent. Some may also include a personal interview and an application fee.
Students enrolling in a state-approved massage therapy program or massage education Atlanta will receive in-depth anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and pathology instruction. They will also learn how to apply various massage techniques. Upon graduation, students will be eligible to take the MBLEx exam. Once this is passed, they will be able to obtain gainful employment.
Many massage therapists pursue an associate’s degree in addition to their certificate program. This option gives them more opportunities for career advancement and will allow them to be considered for higher-level jobs. Licensed massage therapists (LMTs) work in hospitals, spas, clinics, and offices of health practitioners, such as chiropractors. They can also work independently in private practice.
Licensing Requirements
Depending on where you live, you may need to become licensed to work as a massage therapist. This credential helps ensure a standard, safety, and professionalism that protects you and your clients. After completing the required hours in a certified massage therapy program, you can take the MBLEx and apply to be licensed in your state. Most states require you to pass the exam and complete a background check. Once you are licensed, you can consider what career path you would like to pursue. Many massage therapists dream of working at spas, in luxury hotels, or alongside chiropractors and physicians. Others prefer to run their practice and cultivate a client base.
Specialty Certifications
Most states set a minimum number of hours for initial in-class massage training, which includes coursework on anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, massage theory, and technique. Many programs also offer students the opportunity to practice their skills on each other and with supervised clients as part of their education.
After graduating from massage school, most states require massage therapists to pass the MBLEx, the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination. This standardized exam tests the applicant’s knowledge of subjects related to massage therapy, including client assessment and treatment, modalities, applied sciences, professional massage business practices, and ethics.
In addition to state-specific licensing requirements, various specialty certifications are available to massage therapists. These voluntary credentials often provide additional opportunities to advance one’s career and may be attractive to potential employers.
