Did you know that massage therapy jobs in the US are projected to increase up to 32% by 2030?
There’s a very high and growing customer demand. It’s no wonder why people all over the country are interested in getting massage therapy certification and licensing.
If you’re interested, chances are you have a lot of questions about the necessary education and requirements needed to enter the field.
Have no fear! This brief guide will fill you in on the main requirements you need to become a professional massage therapist along with a few other helpful tips.
Education Required
Both public and private postsecondary institutions offer massage therapy courses. They usually require a high school diploma or equivalent for admission. About 500 – 1,000 hours of studying is required for completion.
Expect a mix of classroom study and hands-on massage therapy training that teaches different techniques.
Focuses of these programs include subjects such as anatomy, kinesiology, physiology, ethics, and pathology as well as other specialties.
These programs often offer continued education and job placement services to help get careers started. We recommend visiting Crsmt.com for more information.
Massage Therapy Certification vs License
The main difference between licensing and certification is that one is required and the other is optional.
Licensing is required in 44 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. States that don’t require licensing usually have their own regulations in place.
If a state requires licensing they will require completion of an approved massage program and the passing of an exam. The exam may be state-specific but is often the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination.
Massage therapy certification is optional, but it often leads to career advancement and higher-paying jobs.
Background checks, liability insurance, and CPR training are also common requirements. Licenses may also need to be renewed periodically.
Other Requirements
You must be able to be on your feet for long periods of time while working with clients. Strength is also important so that the right amount of pressure can be applied during the massage.
Communication skills are important so that you can listen to the client and determine the best treatment for their needs.
Time management skills are also needed. Some treatments require more time than others so scheduling clients properly is a must.
Because massage therapists have access to clients’ medical information, preservation of privacy is crucial. It’s also important to have empathy and build trust with a client from the very first meeting.
States require massage therapists to be at least 18 years of age. While you can begin training before 18, a license cannot be obtained.
Become a Massage Therapist
With an ever-growing number of clients and an abundance of job opportunities, massage therapy is an excellent field to enter.If you are searching for a job at the Monet, please check the massage therapist current openings on Jooble.
Are you ready to become a massage therapist?
Now you know the basic requirements for education, licensing, and massage therapy certification. It’s time to start your journey!
We hope you have enjoyed this article, and for others like this and many other interesting topics, please check out our blog.