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A career in massage therapy can be very rewarding, but it takes more than just a passion for massage to be successful. Here are the 5 steps you need to take to become a massage therapist.
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Introduction
So, you want to be a massage therapist? Massage therapy is a great career choice! It’s a growing industry with plenty of opportunity for skilled practitioners.
If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. Here are five steps to becoming a massage therapist:
1. Complete a massage therapy program at an accredited school.
2. Pass the MBLEx or NCBTMB exams to become licensed or certified in your state.
3. Start working! You can find employment at a spa, wellness center, or chiropractic office.
4. Consider specializing in a certain type of massage, such as sports massage or trigger point therapy.
5. Continuously learn and grow as a practitioner by taking CE courses and reading industry publications.
Step One: Research
The first step to becoming a massage therapist is to research the field and make sure it is a good fit for you. This may include shadowing a massage therapist, taking classes, or reading books or articles about massage therapy. Once you have a good understanding of what the job entails, you can move on to the next step.
Step Two: Complete an Educational Program
The second step to becoming a massage therapist is to complete an educational program. Most states require massage therapists to complete at least 500 hours of training at an accredited school, although some states have higher requirements. Once you have completed your educational program, you will be ready to take the next step.
Step Three: Pass the Certification Exam
After you have completed your education and training, the next step is to pass the certification exam. This exam will test your knowledge of massage therapy and will allow you to become a certified massage therapist. Once you have passed the exam, you can move on to the next step.
Step Four: Find a Job
Once you are certified, the next step is to find a job. You can look for jobs in spa settings, private practices, or even hospitals or other medical settings. Once you find a job that suits your needs and interests, you can begin your career as a massage therapist.
Step Five: Advance Your Career
Once you have started your career as a massage therapist, you may want to consider advancing your career by taking additional courses or training programs. You may also want to specialize in a certain type of massage therapy such as sports massage or prenatal massage. By taking steps to advance your career, you can improve your skills and knowledge and become more successful in your field.
Step Two: Find a Program
Now that you have decided to take the plunge and become a massage therapist, it is time to find a program. There are many things to consider when choosing a massage therapy program, such as location, length of the program, class size, scheduling, curriculum, and cost. It is important to do your research and make sure you are enrolling in a reputable program that will give you the skills you need to be a successful massage therapist.
There are many ways to find massage therapy programs. You can search online, ask friends or family members if they know of any programs, or look in the Yellow Pages under “Massage Therapy” or “Schools.” Once you have found a few programs that look promising, it is time to do some more research.
You should start by visiting the schools’ websites and reading about the programs. Find out how long the programs are, what kind of scheduling options are available, what courses are required, and what type of hands-on training is offered. You should also read about the admissions requirements and make sure you meet them before applying.
After you have gathered this information, it is time to start narrowing down your choices. Consider your schedule and your budget and decide which program is best for you. Once you have made your decision, it is time to apply!
Step Three: Complete the Program
In order to become a licensed massage therapist, you will need to complete a postsecondary education program in massage therapy. These programs typically last between six and twelve months and are available at both public and private institutions. During your studies, you will take courses in anatomy, physiology, and massage techniques. You will also have the opportunity to complete clinical internships, which will give you the opportunity to work with clients under the supervision of a licensed massage therapist.
Step Four: Get Licensed
After you have completed an accredited massage therapy program and passed the MBLEx, you will then need to get licensed in the state in which you wish to practice.
The process for getting licensed as a massage therapist varies from state to state, but generally includes completing an application and paying a fee. Some states may also require you to submit transcripts from your massage therapy program or pass a jurisprudence exam.
Once you are licensed, you will need to renew your license periodically (usually every one to two years), which may require completing continuing education credits.
Step Five: Start Working
Now that you have your massage therapy license, it’s time to start your career! You can work in a variety of settings, including:
-Spas
-Chiropractic offices
-Physical therapy clinics
-Hospitals
– Resort and hotel massage services
-Mobile massage services
Most massage therapists work as independent contractors, so you will need to find your own clients. You can do this by networking with other health care professionals, advertising your services online or in local publications, or giving massages to friends and family members. Once you have built up a client base, you can start setting your own hours and rates.
