how long is a massage course

by Cody O'Connell MD 9 min read

This means completing an accredited massage therapy program and then passing a nationally-recognized exam. Programs range from 300 to 1,000 hours of in-class instruction and practical training. This can translate to somewhere between a few weeks and two years depending on the structure of the program you enroll in.

Full Answer

Is Massage Therapy hard to learn?

For students with a passion for wellness, massage therapy programs are intense but exciting, demanding but not grueling and engaging but not difficult.

How long is massage therapy school in NY?

1000 hoursTo obtain licensure in NYC or another location in New York, massage therapy practitioners are required to complete 1000 hours of massage therapy school training, as well as successfully pass the state exam for New York.

How long does a massage take?

Typically massage therapy should be at least 50 minutes to one hour for a general full body treatment to be effective.

How many years do massage therapists work?

5-8 yearsReports vary but word on the street is that the average career for a massage therapist lasts anywhere between 5-8 years!

How much does it cost to become a massage therapist in New York?

$108The fee for licensure and first registration is $108. The fee for a limited permit is $35 (The limited permit fee is not refundable).

What is the highest degree in massage therapy?

Board certification is the highest voluntary credential available to massage therapists.

Do massage therapists care if you don't shave?

But I want to tell you a little secret… your massage therapist doesn't care if you shaved or not! They know you live busy lives and have more to worry about than making sure you shave right before your appointment. They know that realistically you're lucky if you have time to shave, and that your time is very limited.

How much do you tip for a 60 minute massage?

In general, the 20% rule applies to tipping your massage therapist. So, if you're wondering how much to tip for a $100 massage, you'd want to tip $20. If you're considering how much to tip for a 60-minute massage (that costs $100) – you'd still tip $20. However, generosity is generally very appreciated.

How much do you tip for a 90-minute massage?

A 90-minute massage costs about $120 - $150. So, if you follow the general 20% gratuity rule, you'll tip about $24 - $30. Is it rude to not tip a massage therapist? The only time you should not tip a massage therapist is if you're at an all-inclusive spa or massage business with a no-tipping policy.

Is becoming a massage therapist worth it?

Overall, massage therapists report a high level of job satisfaction for the work they do. In the 2021 U.S. News 100 Best Jobs survey, massage therapy was ranked among the best career paths. By pursuing a degree, you can enjoy a high level of job satisfaction, as well.

Where do massage therapists make the most money?

Below is a list of the top-10 highest-paying states for massage therapists:Maine average massage therapist salary: $53,540.New York average massage therapist salary: $52,700.Nebraska average massage therapist salary: $52,320.Texas average massage therapist salary: $51,790.Idaho average massage therapist salary: $51,630.More items...•

How do massage therapists not burn out?

Burnout BasicsUnderstand your physical limits. First, you have to work within your physical limits. ... Pay attention to your body. “It's the advice you consistently get. ... Let it go. The ability to leave work at work is also an important part of combatting burnout. ... Figuring your finances. ... Be kind to yourself.

What should you not do during a massage?

What NOT to Say / Do with Your Massage TherapistAsk your massage therapist to go see a movie / come to your house / etc. ... Excessive noises. ... Comment on our looks/attractiveness. ... Poke your head out of the room to let us know you're ready. ... Start undressing while we are still in the room. ... Touch us.More items...•

How long is too long for a massage?

If relaxation is your goal, then a 50 or 60 minute massage is generally appropriate. You can certainly do a longer session of 80 or 90 minutes if you like, but anything much longer than that may tend to feel a bit repetitive or may leave you groggy afterward. Specific work is generally more time-consuming.

What should I expect from my first massage?

A 60 minute full body massage typically starts with a head & scalp massage to get you relaxed. Then, they will work the neck and shoulders, move on to each arm, and work their way to the legs & feet. Next, you will flip around on the massage table and they will work on the back of the legs and potentially the glutes.

How long should your first massage be?

A: I usually recommend that you make your first appointment for an hour. It is hard to assess new tissue and effectively treat someone in 30 minutes. After your first appointment, the time may be adjusted to 30 or 90 minutes depending on your needs. This is not a hard and fast rule however.

How many hours of training do you need to be a massage therapist?

To be eligible to take the exam, you must have completed a minimum of 500 hours of training from an accredited massage therapy school and program.

How much does massage therapy school cost?

Tuition costs vary depending on location, hours required by the state, and inclusions in the cost.

What happens after the training?

After the training, go for certification or licensing. All but 11 of the states use the certification issued by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB).

Where do LMTs find work?

One of the reasons why LMTs like their chosen career is the flexibility that it allows them in terms of managing their time.

Is massage therapy beneficial?

Massage therapy is not only physically beneficial; it has its psychological and emotional advantages as well. If it’s a career you believe your talents are aligned with, start asking for more information about schools offering the program in your area!

Is massage therapy hard to learn?

Massage therapy training programs may vary in content and focus, but the following subjects are typically taught and generally included in the curriculum:

What is Massage Therapy?

Massage therapy manipulates soft tissues on the body to release tension and relieve muscular pain.

3 Steps to Becoming a Massage Therapist

To become a massage therapist, you must complete a certification or degree program. There, you’ll take courses on body mechanics, massage ethics, physiology, and anatomy. Educational requirements can typically be completed within a year, allowing graduates to enter the workspace in a much shorter time frame than in other fields.

How Long Does it Take to Achieve Success in the Field?

To see your practice take off, you’ll first need to obtain a license or certification. Starting your own massage therapy business takes around 300 hours to 1000 hours of training, on average.

Conclusion

The massage therapy field is ballooning, with 23,300 new jobs opening up each year over the next decade.

FAQs

Massage therapy school can take anywhere from a couple of months to a year and a half to complete, depending on the program you select. You should also factor in the time it takes to obtain a license and certification as well.

How long does it take to become a massage therapist?

The length of time our massage therapy programs take for academic instruction is 425 hours. Students also may opt to add in-person, hands-on training to their program, which adds another 200 hours to their massage therapy program.

How many hours of massage therapy training in Colorado?

If you enroll in the full Enhanced course that includes both the academic and hands-on training portions, our 200 hours of hands-on massage therapy training in Colorado will prepare you to sit for the national exam. At our massage therapy trade school, you will receive your professional training from credentialed massage therapy instructors. As a graduate of the massage therapy clinical training, you will gain the knowledge needed to meet your career goals.

Why Choose Massage Therapy?

Alternative health treatments are increasing in popularity now more than ever before! According to the American Massage Therapy Association consumers received 214 million massages in 2018, with an upward trend from prior years.

How many massages were done in 2018?

According to the American Massage Therapy Association consumers received 214 million massages in 2018, with an upward trend from prior years. Of all of the forms of alternative health treatments, massage therapy is among the most popular. And health care is one of the fastest-growing industries in the U.S. today!

Is massage therapy a growing industry?

And health care is one of the fastest-growing industries in the U.S. today! The ever-increasing number of patients and clients from all walks of life who take advantage of the benefits of regular massage therapy is the reason that professional massage therapists are in such great demand.

Can you choose a lesson book for online massage therapy?

When you join one of our online massage therapy programs, you can choose either hard-copy or electronic lesson books Some of the topics covered include:

Is massage therapy a rewarding career?

Massage therapy is one of the most flexible, rewarding careers available today. Demand for massage therapy is booming, and massage therapists often have the option to work in a variety of exciting locations.

How long does it take to become a massage therapist?

Most states require massage therapists to be licensed before they can practice their trade. This means completing an accredited massage therapy program and then passing a nationally-recognized exam. Programs range from 300 to 1,000 hours of in-class instruction and practical training. This can translate to somewhere between a few weeks and two years depending on the structure of the program you enroll in.

How long does a massage last?

A massage session typically lasts anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour so excellent upper body strength and endurance are necessary for this career. It also requires training in the appropriate techniques and equipment to use during a massage session. Most massage therapists will specialize in two or three methods such as sports massage, ...

What is the licensing exam for massage therapy?

While there will be some questions on technique, licensing exams tend to focus on the knowledge and theory side of massage therapy more than the methods . Some states may also require a practical exam in which you demonstrate your ability to perform the massage methods that you specialized in.

What is an accredited massage therapy program?

Overall, an accredited massage therapy program is designed to equip you with all the knowledge and practical training you need to help your clients manage pain, recover from injuries or even just decompress after a stressful week. By the time you graduate, you will be ready to either begin working at an already established office or build your own business as a self-employed massage therapist.

What is massage therapy?

What is a massage therapist? Massage therapists help their clients recover from injuries, improve their posture and/or release tension. They do this by using their hands, arms and elbows to massage the muscles either in the specific area troubling the client or across the whole back, shoulders, arms and legs.

What are the best massage therapists?

There is a lot of training and education that goes into becoming a massage therapist. By the time you have completed your degree or certificate program, you will be skilled in a variety of massage techniques. The exact ones you learn will depend on what your program offers but will likely include some of the following: 1 Sports massage 2 Swedish massage 3 Deep tissue massage 4 Shiatsu massage 5 Prenatal massage 6 Geriatric massage 7 Thai massage 8 Acupressure and reflexology

What is Thai massage?

Thai massage. Acupressure and reflexology. In addition to learning different massage techniques, you will also be trained in other skills that are important to providing a therapeutic massage session for clients. This includes proper hygiene and safety protocols, ethics and business procedures.

How long does it take to become a massage therapist?

Practical requirements for massage therapists vary depending on state laws, but they generally revolve around a high school diploma, maintaining a minimum GPA throughout a program that lasts at least six months full time, or 12 months part-time (some massage therapy programs may take up to 15 months to complete).

What do you learn in massage apprenticeship?

Apprenticeship experience may also be required for experience working on real clients. You’ll learn about different massage techniques and concepts during this stage, including orthopedics, trigger points, and palpation techniques.

What is the difference between a massage therapist license and a massage therapy certification?

certifications revolves around the level of education and training involved. Licensed massage therapists must undergo much more formal instruction than those who are certified in the field.

How much will the massage therapist job growth in the next 10 years?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( BLS ), the job outlook is expected to grow by 21 percent over the next ten years, a figure that far exceeds those predicted for other professions.

What states pay massage therapists?

The top pay states for massage therapists are Alaska, Washington, and Oregon. Additionally, it is not uncommon for massage therapists to take on private clients as independent contractors for supplemental income.

How long does it take to become a massage therapist?

There are even some degree programs available and they take 2-4 years to complete. It really just depends on how specialized you want your skills to be. An accredited massage therapy training program is a must, since massage therapists need to be licensed in most of the states.

How much does a massage therapy class cost?

Massage therapy school prices can range anywhere between $6-$17 per hour of class time with an average of $9-$10/hour of education . The shorter the massage therapy program is, the less it will cost. Some programs do include the cost of the chair or table which runs around $500.

How much does licensed massage therapist training cost?

Massage therapy school averages between 600-750 hours and the bottom line cost of a massage therapist education is approximately $9,000-$15,000. If you go to a community college, the cost of the course runs on par with the school’s tuition per credit hour, but private massage therapy schools will have different prices.

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