A variety of massage techniques are taught in massage schools.
Massage therapy is more than buying a table and learning give a good back rub. In most states, a massage therapist must meet certain requirements and pass an examination to be licensed to practice. Maintaining a license requires continuing education.
Education
Obtain massage therapy education at a private massage school or a community college to satisfy your state's educational requirements for licensing. The requirements usually include the completion of a certain number of hours studying anatomy, physiology, massage modalities and ethics. Additional class hours are often required in subjects such as Chinese medicine and reflexology. Some states require an internship. Some schools offer a clinic to gain experience working on clients.
Graduates receive a certificate of completion or a diploma, or, if courses are taken as part of a community college education, an associate degree. Any of these degrees, combined with official transcripts, satisfy the education requirements.
Testing & Licensure
Pass the tests required for licensing in your state. Some states require a practical exam, others require a written exam, and some require both. Some states use a standardized test such as the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx) or the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) exam, for which study guides and exam preparation books are available. Some states issue a provisional license, allowing you to work while awaiting your testing date.
Once a prospective massage therapist passes the required tests and receives a massage license, she can charge clients for massage and study and use new modalities.
Continuing Education
Maintain your license, which requires reapplying every few years and gaining continuing education credits (CEUs). Each state requires a minimum number of CEUs in areas such as ethics, sanitation or business management. Many states require the completion of 12 CEU hours per year, but it varies depending on the state. Submit proof of credits earned when you renew your license.
Classroom attendance may not be required for all CEUs. Several accredited online schools offer required CEUs. CEUs on new massage modalities require classroom attendance and the demonstration of the related techniques, such as Reiki, reflexology, prenatal massage or Rolfing. Possessing multiple massage modalities or specialized training may make the practice more attractive to clients.
Tags: Some states, massage modalities, states require, community college, continuing education, Massage Bodywork