What Is A Massage Therapy Instructor
Massage therapy instructors train students who want to become massage therapists. While massage therapy can be very beneficial, it can also seriously injure patients if done incorrectly, which is why massage therapists usually need to take classes and pass a licensing exam before they can start working. Massage therapy instructors prepare students to become licensed massage therapists. Massage therapist instructors need to know a lot about massage to teach their students about different techniques and how to perform massages safely. They also need to be excellent teachers and communicators to prepare effective lesson plans, answer student questions, and offer additional help if a student needs it. Massage therapy instructors need to be licensed massage therapists themselves with several years of experience before leading a class of impressionable students. Other requirements vary from state to state and person to person. Some massage therapy instructors have bachelor’s degrees others do not. Some may need to get a license in adult education, depending on their state. Massage therapy instructors earn an average salary of $73,654 a year.
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a Massage Therapy Instructor. For example, did you know that they make an average of $28.89 an hour? That’s $60,082 a year!
Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow -1% and produce -1,800 job opportunities across the U.S.
Massage Therapy School Programs
Explore the Program Options at Our Massage Therapy School
Here at NC Massage School, students have the opportunity to enhance their professional skills in a dynamic, individualized, and completely supportive environment.
We take a holistic approach to massage therapy, which means that we encourage our students to explore the personal development of their mind, body, and spirit. Our training programs and continuing education courses are a direct testament to this commitment.
Graduates of our 650-hour Diploma Program receive a Diploma and Certification in Clinical Neuromuscular and Structural Bodywork. This programs massage therapy classes feature diverse instruction that covers topics pertaining to science, muscles, massage techniques, professional development, ethics, and much more.
In addition to this diploma program, licensed massage therapists can also take Continuing Education Classes. These continuing education classes are a wonderful option for professionals who need to keep their massage therapy license current, as well as those who want to enhance their skill sets and increase their marketability.
Learn more about the industry-current, dynamic massage therapy classes, programs, and instruction available at NC Massage School. Find out why our massage school is the best place to help you pursue a career in this exciting field.
What Questions Should I Ask About Online Courses
If you are considering an online course or program, itsimportant to realize that not all online education is created equal. Yourexperience could vary widely depending on how the school sets up their classes.
Tuition is generally about the same as traditional classroom education, but interaction with your instructors and classmates, and delivery of your education, will be quite different. Before you sign up for a program, find out a few key pieces of information:
Take the time to understand how the course works in practice and what outcomes you can realistically expect to achieve, so you can better set yourself up for long-term success.
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Massage Therapy Instructor Foundation
The foundation for teaching was laid when I began my academic career at the University of Texas in Austin. In 1979, I was awarded a bachelors and a bachelors in fine arts from the university.
Subsequently, I participated in graduate studies in the psychology program at JFK University and in the counseling and guidance program at Texas State University, formerly known as Texas State Teachers College. Throughout my university career, I participated in numerous courses that helped me develop linguistic skills and deepen my research literacy, which ultimately made me a better educator. I also observed the various teaching styles of my instructors and learned about effective and ineffective teaching methods as I continued to learn and grow through experiences in academia.
While living in northern Quebec, Canada, from 1993 to 1995, I developed curriculum and taught English as a Second Language courses in my English language school, LEcole Ariana de la Langue Anglaise. The majority of my students were adult learners whose native language was French. I taught in St. Ambroise, Chicoutimi and LaBaie, in Quebec. Two other ESL teachers in the Saguenay Lac-St-Jean region of Quebec taught me how to develop my course curriculum and how to create interesting learning activities for my students. Their mentoring and guidance was invaluable.
Best On A Budget: Allied Health Career Institute
Allied Health Career Institute
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Lack of interactive online format
The Massage Therapy Certificate Program from Allied Health Career Institute is a 700-credit hour program offering self-paced learning. It prepares students for health and wellness careers, providing a good blend of online and in-classroom education in Arizona.
At a cost of $6,999, the Allied Health Career Institute program is affordable, especially since it prepares students to sit for the MBLEx certification program. It’s also beneficial to those on a budget because of flexible payment plans and financial aid potential, plus students can complete their education over time.
Allied Health Career Institutes comprehensive course includes topics such as kinesiology, anatomy, pathology, and musculoskeletal applications. Students receive practical skill training in trigger point therapy, Western massage, reflexology, and myofascial massage. There is also some business-focused content provided to help students develop good relationships with clients and build their practice.
Although the program is not comprehensive in covering all types of massage. it does offer a hands-on learning style that can help perfect the skills and techniques that are covered.
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Qualifications For A Massage School Instructor
Related
Experience as a massage therapist is essential preparation for massage instructor jobs. The requirements needed to become a massage therapist vary from state to state. For current information, visit the website of Massage Magazine to find out how to become a massage therapist in your location.
The Iaim Training Program Includes:
- 4 days intensive training with our highly experienced IAIM certified trainers
- practical teaching experience during the training
- preparation and ongoing support for a take-home written exam and practicum
- a comprehensive instructors’ manual
- the book “Infant Massage: A Handbook for Loving Parents” by IAIM founder Vimala McClure
- a compendium of research and resources related to infant massage
- first years’ membership to the IAIM Canada Chapter providing access to a supportive network, as well as knowledge and materials for your work
- ongoing support from the trainers and course coordinators after your qualification
- refreshments and snacks during the training session
If you would like to sign up or find out more about training to become a Certified Infant Massage Instructor, please contact us. To view a list of upcoming IAIM Infant Massage Instructor Training sessions, please .
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Is It Worth Getting An Online Massage Therapy Certification
It may be worth completing an online massage therapy certification if the program provides in-depth training, flexible learning methods, and teaches a variety of massage techniques. A good program is also valuable if it prepares you to take your certification exam.
A massage therapy certification can also open you up to career opportunities, either with a spa or massage center or by starting your own practice. A licensed massage therapist in the U.S. can earn an average of $43,620 per year.
How To Become A Massage Therapy Instructor
If you’re interested in becoming a Massage Therapy Instructor, one of the first things to consider is how much education you need. We’ve determined that 33.9% of Massage Therapy Instructors have a bachelor’s degree. In terms of higher education levels, we found that 8.0% of Massage Therapy Instructors have master’s degrees. Even though some Massage Therapy Instructors have a college degree, it’s possible to become one with only a high school degree or GED.
Choosing the right major is always an important step when researching how to become a Massage Therapy Instructor. When we researched the most common majors for a Massage Therapy Instructor, we found that they most commonly earn Bachelor’s Degree degrees or Associate Degree degrees. Other degrees that we often see on Massage Therapy Instructor resumes include Diploma degrees or Master’s Degree degrees.
You may find that experience in other jobs will help you become a Massage Therapy Instructor. In fact, many Massage Therapy Instructor jobs require experience in a role such as Massage Therapist. Meanwhile, many Massage Therapy Instructors also have previous career experience in roles such as Respiratory Therapist or Instructor.
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How Long Does It Take To Get An Online Massage Therapy Certification
The length of the massage therapy course of study ranges widely based on the program. Some programs wrap up in as little as 15 weeks. Most, however, take at least a year to complete, while others take much longer. Those seeking an associate degree program can spend 18 to 36 months studying to earn their degree.
Online Continuing Education Classes
The story may be slightly different for massage therapycontinuing education classes. If you are just taking a three-hour class on atopic that does not require hands-on learning, like insurance reimbursement or socialmedia marketing for massage therapy, online classes can be a great option.
Taking continuing education courses about massage therapycould also help you stay up to date on the latest techniques and research, evenif the courses are just online. But dont get into the habit of skipping out onin-person learning opportunities altogether.
If youre taking a three-hour class that does not require hands-on learning, online classes can be a great option.
Its so easy to do continuing education coursesonline, but you should still plan to set aside the money and the time to attenda class with a room full of other people who are as passionate as youare, McNeil recommends. Going to a workshop or class is reallyimportant. It gets you out of your bubble and opens you up to things you maynot know are out there. Youll overhear interesting conversations and get newideas that can point you in a whole new direction.
In McNeil s experience, in-person classes, workshops, and seminars are also a great way to network. Because massage therapists usually rely on referrals to build a client base, its a good idea to get to know other massage therapists, instructors, and medical professionals who will remember your name and can send you job leads or clients in the future.
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What Are The Requirements For An Online Massage Therapy Certification Program
Some require students to come into the program with some college education already completed while others do not. Many programs are available to those 18 years of age or older with a high school diploma or the equivalent. Requirements for certification vary based on the state but may include completing a certain number of course hours of study .
What Massage Therapy Instructors Do
Before you can consider becoming a massage therapy instructor.
It is important for you to understand who they exactly are and what they do.
Every massage school in the US has a panel of instructors who have vast experience and knowledge of the massage therapy industry.
They have studied for years to obtain their certificate and license and then worked professionally as well.
Hence, they know the ins and outs of the trade very well.
Besides knowing everything there is to know about the field.
They are passionate about teaching aspiring therapists.
It is this passion which drives them towards becoming instructors.
Generally speaking, a massage therapy instructor will have around 10 years of experience working in the industry.
Some of them might have even worked longer than a decade.
But the point to note is that they know how to deal with clients, and give massages in the right way.
Moreover, they have obtained a Bachelors degree, the minimum, in the field of massage therapy and some may even have a Masters degree.
Also, it is common for instructors to know about all the different types of massages and how to perform the various modalities.
They are familiar with the tools and equipment used for the job as well.
As you can see, only the best of the best are qualified enough to become massage therapy instructors, and for good reason.
They are responsible for teaching the massage therapists of the future.
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Training Massage Therapists Since 2001
First Year Spa Massage Practitioner Certificate:
Students learn the basics of relaxation massage and a variety of Swedish Massage techniques. Students are introduced to anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and hydrotherapy. After the fourth module, students practice on real clients in our student clinics. Graduates of the Spa Massage Practitioner program receive a certificate and can work in spas or on cruise ships.
Second Year Massage Therapy Diploma:
Students learn deep tissue massage, fascia release, facilitated exercises, history taking, orthopaedic assessments and treatment of pathologies of the entire muscular-skeletal system. Students practice in ACMTs Student Clinic throughout the program. Graduates become Registered Massage Therapists upon joining an association.
Direct Entry: Students who already have training from another institution may be eligible for direct entry into the second year program. Contact us to learn more.
The Requirements To Become A Massage Instructor
As mentioned above, the requirements to become a massage instructor are quite stringent.
First and foremost, you need to have qualified and graduated from an accredited massage school.
You must also have worked in the field for a considerable period of time.
It is a good idea for you to seek advanced education in the field as well, such as a Bachelors degree or even a Masters degree.
You could continue your education to earn more credits or take up courses that relate to adult education.
You also need to be certified by the state board to work as a teacher.
To become a massage instructor, you need to cover a few courses including:
- Classroom Activities
- The Teaching Process
- Advanced Massage Modalities
There are certain accredited massage schools in the US that provide education for massage therapists aspiring to become instructors.
You can research them using our comprehensive database for free and enrol in a program when you feel you are ready.
When you graduate, you will be ready to start working as an instructor.
Note:Use our extensive database of massage schools near you to request additional information from the 100% for free.
Take your time to go through the requested information to determine whether the school fits your needs.
If it doesnt, you can use the database to locate more schools and obtain information for free as well until you find a school that meets your needs.
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Are There Any Massage Therapy Programs Offered 100% Online
Currently, there are no schools that exclusively offer online learning for entry-level massage therapy programs, according to findings in the American Massage Therapy Association 2019 Massage Profession Research Report.
There are no schools that exclusively offer online learning for entry-level massage therapy programs.
Some massage therapy programs are advertised as 100% online,but in reality they also include a hands-on component. These programs offer theacademic portion of the massage therapy course online, and then generallyrequire students to complete several weeks of hands-on training under thesupervision of massage therapy instructors to allow students to gain practicalexperience.
The hands-on component of massage therapy education is huge, explains Lisa McNeil, MEd, CFSS-M, a Wisconsin-based licensed massage therapist who works with professional athletes for the United States Olympic Committee. The only way you can learn quality palpation is by actually doing it.
Best For Specializations: The Professional Massage Academy
The Professional Massage Academy
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Based in Minnesota, with online components
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Some may need more training for state exams
The Professional Massage Academy offers an online massage therapy program with flexible online classes and some in-person learning. Those in Minnesota can sit for their state licensing exam after course completion. Some taking the program out-of-state may need more hands-on training locally to meet their state requirements.
It’s possible to take specialized massage therapy programs for one or two areas of focus in other courses and programs. Students have access to some specialization options included the program such as sports massage, advanced massage techniques, and specialized massage areas such as reflexology, medical massage, and deep tissue massage. This is taught through demonstration and practical application. Students also learn core topics such as kinesiology, medical terminology, and anatomy.
The Professional Massage Academy also offers personalization and flexibility by providing three learning plans with 15, 29, or 40 hours per week of study, allowing students to complete their education in as little as 15 weeks. At a cost of $7,500 and requiring 600 hours of completion, this program is a moderate choice across the board. There is also a $150 fee for online access to the program.
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Becoming A Massage Therapist Changed My Life
I have been thinking about starting my education to become a massage therapist but I couldnt justify taking all the time off from work and away from my kids. A hybrid program allowed me to start the process with less money and time committed. I honestly dont know when I would have been able to start on this new career path without that program.
Anne
Student, Phoenix, AZ
Becoming A Massage Therapist
It doesnt take long to start your journey towards becoming a licensed Massage Therapist. All it takes is a little bit of time and dedication to the practice. You have the option to attend our school part-time or full-time . After you complete the program and graduate, you can then take the board exam to earn your license a test our program thoroughly prepares you for.
At the New York Institute of Massage, our staff is here to get you on your way to a fulfilling career as a licensed Massage Therapist. We offer academic counseling services, assistance with financial aid and loans, and free remedial classes for those who need them.
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