What are Massage Therapist Training Requirements?
The average American is overworked, stressed out, and in need of a good massage.
For most of us, getting any free time at all is a luxury. Sometimes that means instead of making the most of our free time, we choose to do nothing with it. Inactivity takes a serious toll on health, with muscular atrophy and weight gain typical over time.
Instead of working to take care of our bodies, we punish them! Our diets lack appropriate nutrition and most of us exercise infrequently. If you work a physically strenuous job, the wear and tear on your joints and tissues compounds over time and you’re at increased risk of repetitive use injury. If you sit at a desk all day, you’re likely well on your way to postural problems and impingements.
Massage is beneficial in treating many of the physical problems facing most Americans. Since massage therapy can be helpful for a variety of issues, massage therapists can assist a great deal of people.
All massage therapists are required to complete some type of education program in order to obtain licensure, and most states regulate massage therapists and require them to obtain that licensure in order to see clients.
Requirements in Virginia
In Virginia, massage therapy is regulated by the Virginia Board of Nursing. Here are the requirements in order to become a licensed massage therapist in Virginia:
- 500 hours of training from an approved training program
- Successfully passing an MBLEx examination
With lots of options for training, how do you know where to go to obtain the best education? One of the first, and most important decisions is whether to obtain a college degree with a concentration in massage therapy, or to work towards a certification from a non-degree program.
Certification vs. Degree
While both certification programs and Associate degree programs can provide the training required by the Virginia Board of Nursing, not all programs are created equal. Formal degree-granting institutions require students to adhere to a strict set of academic standards and provide general studies coursework. Those classes, which typically aren’t offered by certification programs, will develop writing skills, introduce you to the social sciences, and build a math and science foundation for your massage therapy coursework.
How to Select a Program:
- National Certification Exam passage rates: Be careful to select a program that will prepare you adequately for your certification exam. In Virginia, you’re required to pass the exam in order to obtain your license, so this is a factor you shouldn’t ignore. Talk to school admissions or career services reps about their passage rates.
- A well-rounded foundation: When you’ve finished your training, your resume should reflect a comprehensive education that includes clinical experience in an externship as well as extensive coursework. You'll want to demonstrate that you’ve obtained a full range of the required skills, including those provided by general education courses and electives.
- Externship placements: Make sure that your program will include an opportunity to work in the field. By the time you graduate, you should have significant experience in the workplace, and maybe even a recommendation from a site supervisor. Externship options include hospitals, spas, private practices, rehabilitation facilities, and amateur and professional athletic organizations.
It’s important to know the ins and outs of certification and academic requirements, and to approach your decision with a scientific mind – what is the single best pathway, and who is going to provide the most assistance in getting you there?
Are you interested in massage therapy? If you would like to earn an Associate of Applied Science in Massage Therapy, consider ECPI University for your education. With courses in basic anatomy, a required externship, and experienced instructors, your training at ECPI University could set you apart. To take the first step, contact a friendly admissions advisor today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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