Do you desire to work in an occupation that involves helping others maintain good health? If this sounds like you, massage therapy could be the right career field. Before enrolling, carefully consider factors such as whether or not a massage program would meet your goals as well as how much hands-on training you would require.
Clients
Students gain practical experience working with real clients during any good massage training program, using assessment skills learned in class to conduct one-hour sessions under supervision with clients bringing a signed waiver form and being asked about their health history.
As a student, you will get to know your clients and they may visit multiple times. After each session, clients will leave reviews so that you can improve as a student.
Classes
At massage school, students attend daily classroom lectures on topics like anatomy and physiology (how the systems of the body interact in healthy people), as well as kinesiology (how bodies and body parts move). In addition, they learn to recognize medical emergencies as well as complete cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification training.
Students are encouraged to explore which study modalities work best for them and take advantage of extra clinic time, where instructors and peers can provide feedback on their progress. Some find coloring books or self-sketches beneficial study tools while others find they retain knowledge best through repetition or discussing it with classmates.
One of the key aspects of being a massage student is remaining dedicated. There will undoubtedly be difficult days balancing schoolwork with work and family commitments, but remembering your ultimate goal - becoming a licensed massage therapist - will keep you on the right path toward achieving it.
Exams
Depending on the state where you attend massage school, you will need to complete a specific number of supervised massage therapy hours, along with classroom work. This will all help to prepare you for the exams you will need to pass to get the proper licensing to become a massage therapist.
For example, in the state of Florida, you will need to complete a total of 500 education hours and pass either the MBLEx or NCBTMB exam to become licensed. Plus, every two years, you will need to complete 24 continuing education hours to keep your license.
Students must also pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx). Administered by FSMTB on behalf of its Member Boards, this national entry-level licensure exam is used in 46 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories for licensure purposes. Developed through Job Task Analysis surveys with input from massage, bodywork, and somatic professionals throughout the United States as well as testing and psychometric experts;
When you become a massage student, you can expect to perform massage therapy and attend classes regularly. You can choose a program that offers online classes, which can help you to complete many of the courses you need at home. However, the hands-on portion of the program will have to be completed in person, of course.
With the right massage therapy program, you can get the training you need to become a professional practitioner fast.