It’s Time to Help Others with the Gift of Massage
Many clients seek the services of a massage therapist for relaxation and comfort. Others turn to massage therapists for more in-depth work. As a result of training, experience, work ethic and favorable market conditions, licensed or certified massage therapists may find employment in a variety of workplaces.
Follow the next few steps, and in a short time be part of a profession where hands-on training and a compassionate approach lead to a fulfilling career as a massage therapist.
4 Steps to Earning a Massage Therapist Certification
- Learn about the art of massage – Spend time with a massage therapist and ask questions. Better yet, get a massage and see how to manage a typical massage session.
- Research licensing requirements – Make sure that you understand how to meet licensing requirements so you’ll know what kind of training will qualify you to be licensed.
- Complete a training program – Complete your hands-on and classroom training to meet professional massage therapy certification requirements.
- Become a certified massage therapist – Finally, pass the massage therapy certification exams to meet the licensure requirements.
Why Earn Your Massage Therapist Certification?
This is the #1 way to establish your training as a qualified massage therapist. With the credentials to better serve clients you’ll be able to:
- Represent the highest standard in the field.
- Communicate a commitment to safe, ethical practice.
- Provide a competitive edge.
- Gain visibility and credibility.
- Increase employment opportunities within/between states.
- Reassure clients and employers that you are committed to excellence in your professional development and conduct.
- Be highly promoted and publicized—at the individual and collective levels—by NCBTMB (National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork).
2 Steps to Completing Massage Therapist Certification Requirements in Colorado
Completion of a massage therapy program consists of at least 500 hours of course work and clinical, hands-on work at an approved massage therapy school – such as IntelliTec College of Pueblo or IntelliTec College in Grand Junction.
- Submit “official” certificate and/or transcripts to the division directly from your school, or deliver “official” certificate and/or transcripts in a sealed envelope to the Office of Licensing in Denver
- Verify passage of one of the following exams:
- Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) offered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB);
- National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB) or National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage (NCETM) offered by the Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB); OR
- Another examination applicable to the practice of massage therapy.
The Power of Touch
Touching and being touched is instinctual. Its many healing benefits are important in our high-tech world because of our basic human need to be nurtured through touch.
The simple act of placing the hands on the body can itself encourage a person to thrive. Many studies have illustrated that without physical touch babies (human or animal) will not thrive and may not even survive.
Touch also has a positive effect on caregivers. For example, mothers who regularly have a great deal of physical closeness with their babies experience postpartum depression to a far lesser degree, and elderly caregivers feel a decrease in stress, anxiety and depression when they touch and are touched.
Summary
Massage therapy helps millions of people cope with physical ailments, sore muscles and emotional distress. If you have a gift for giving a wonderful massage, earning a massage therapist certification could lead to a great career opportunity and be a way to truly help other people with your skill.
About IntelliTec College
About IntelliTec College of Pueblo
IntelliTec College of Pueblo, CO offers hands-on career training in the technical trades, cosmetology, allied healthcare, massage therapy, and personal training fields. These programs award either associate degrees or certificates and are designed to be completed in as little as 18 months or less. IntelliTec provides a supportive learning environment with small classes sizes and caring instructors. Learn how you can improve your life with a meaningful career by requesting information at www.IntelliTec.edu or calling 719-542-3181.
About IntelliTec College in Grand Junction
IntelliTec College in Grand Junction, CO offers hands-on career training in the technical trades, cosmetology, allied healthcare and dental fields. These programs award either associate degrees or certificates and are designed to be completed in as little as 18 months or less. IntelliTec provides a supportive learning environment with small classes sizes and caring instructors. Learn how you can improve your life with a meaningful career by requesting information at www.IntelliTec.edu or calling 970-245-8101.
Sources
“How to Become a Masseuse or Massage Therapist.” WikiHow. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Oct. 2014. http://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Masseuse-or-Massage-Therapist
“Starting a Career in Massage Therapy: What You Need to Know.” American Massage Therapy Association —. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Oct. 2014. http://www.amtamassage.org/professional_development/starting.html
“Experience the Value of Board Certification.” National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Oct. 2014. http://www.ncbtmb.org
“Professionals (Applications & Forms).”DORA Division of Professions and Occupations –. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Nov. 2014. Office of Licensing in Denver
“What Are the Different Types of Credentials Available to Massage Therapists?” National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Nov. 2014. http://www.ncbtmb.org/employers/what-are-different-types-credentials-available-massage-therapists
“Therapeutic Benefits of Massage: NetWellness.” Cleveland.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Oct. 2014. http://www.cleveland.com/healthfit/index.ssf/2013/06/therapeutic_benefits_of_massag.html