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Schedule a tour nowFrom Massage Student to Massage Therapist
Posted on: September 11, 2013
Completing massage school is a vital step in becoming a massage therapist, but it is not the final one. Before working as a full-fledged massage therapist, there are several other steps to complete.Obtain Professional Certification
Certification by an organization like the National Certification Board of Massage Therapy is not strictly required, but it does validate that you have been trained to a particular standard. This is helpful in your job hunt, in marketing your services, and in being approved as a provider by some health insurance programs. In addition, some states require professional certification in order to apply for a state license.
Obtain a State License
Most states require a professional license to provide massage therapy. In those states, practicing without a license can lead to fines and penalties, being banned from future practice in the state, and even criminal charges. Therefore it is critical to learn and follow your state’s licensing requirements.
Get a Massage Therapy Job
There are varied opportunities to work as a massage therapist. About a quarter of all massage therapists work in a spa setting, which can be a day spa, resort, hotel or on a cruise ship. Others work in a healthcare environment such as a hospital, rehabilitation facility, nursing home or a medical or chiropractic practice. Massage therapists frequently work as independent contractors within these settings.
Another possibility is to set up business as a solo practitioner. On one hand, this requires more marketing and business administration than other massage career paths. On the other hand, a solo practitioner has more freedom to set his or her own schedule and fees, and does not have to share a portion of earnings with another business as some independent contractors do.
Wherever you decide to work, be sure to keep up with continuing education, professional conferences, and networking to continue to expand your career opportunities.
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