Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is one of the leading jobs in the market. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, employment in massage therapy is expected to increase by almost 20% by 2018. This career provides a person with many options for practice, including entrepreneurship where the massage therapist can create a client base through visiting offices where he provides massages to employees for a set amount per minute. Massage therapists can also be found working in chiropractic clinics, hospitals and day spas.

Being a Massage Therapist

In order to be a massage therapist, the applicant must first do his research regarding the licensing and/or certification requirements for the state that he wants to practice in. Since each state has its own regulations, being licensed in one state does not mean being able to practice in another.

The best way to do start is by contacting local schools that offer massage therapy courses and speaking with counselors regarding necessary courses and other requirements. Also, check the state’s website that you are planning to work in and read up on licensing requirements for massage therapy.

Most states in the U.S. requires a massage therapist to be licensed. However, it is highly recommended that one go a step above and get nationally certified. To be certified, one is required to take the required courses, completing at least 500 hours of massage therapy coursework, as well as passing either the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB) or the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage (NCETM). Both of these exams are administered by the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB).

The Recertification Requirement

A certified massage therapist who wants to keep his certified status must apply for recertification every four years after issuance of his certificate. Before he can file his application for recertification with the NCBTMB, he will be required to take 48 hours of continuing education classes within a four-year period, as well as have at least 200 hours of work experience. He must also complete 6 hours of ethics taken from an approved provider, 2 hours of which should consist of the Standard V of the NCBTMB's Standard of Practice.

After completion of the continuing education classes and work experience requirements, he may then file their recertification application with the NCBTMB.

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