Massage Therapy Certification: Education Matters

Find Massage Therapy Certification programs inessential oils, and other relative subject matter.
the United States and Canada. Earning massageWhile most massage therapy certification
therapy certification is an essential step inprograms are on a local level, national massage
advancing your professional bodywork career.therapy certification* can be attained through the
Because state requirements vary, formalNational Certification Board for Therapeutic
education is the key to gaining eligibility to sit forMassage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) – eligibility
both state and/or national massage therapyrequirements for this exam consist of a minimum
certification exams.of 500 hours training from a state-licensed school.
Depending in which region you reside, massagePracticing massage therapists retain this massage
therapy certification can be earned upontherapy certification for four years. At the end of
successful completion of a quality massagethe four-year time frame, massage therapists
therapy program. Generally, basic massagemust complete a minimal of 200 hours of
training entails studies in anatomy, physiology,therapeutic massage and 125 hours of associated
kinesiology, body mechanics, and various massagestudies. (*National certification requirements and
techniques. In some advanced massage therapygoverning boards vary in Canadian Provinces.)
certification programs, however, students gainGraduates of an accredited massage therapy
knowledge and hands-on training in a wider rangeschool or college, who have earned massage
of massage modalities including acupressure,therapy certification, (either State or National
meridian therapy, medical massage, geriatriclevels), can expect positive job prospects* as the
massage, lymph drainage, myofascial releasefield of massage therapy is expected to increase
therapy, craniosacral therapy, among others.faster than other jobs in ensuing years. (*U.S.
Massage therapy certification programs giveBureau of Labor Statistics)
students hands-on experience in clinicalIf you (or someone you know) are interested in
environments - for example, a number offinding massage therapy certification programs, let
massage therapy colleges and schools provideprofessional training within fast-growing industries
open clinics to the public where students can gainlike massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture,
practical training (with instructor supervision) onoriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you
clients. Some of the diverse therapies thatstarted! Explore career school programs near you.
students administer in these clinics includeMassage Therapy Certification: Education Matters
reflexology, sports massage, deep tissue© Copyright 2007
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In addition to actual career training, studentsNOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of
enrolled in massage therapy certification programscharge to relevant websites, as long as Copyright
will sometimes learn about CPR and first aid,and Author Resource Box are included; and ALL
business management and communication skills,Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.
herbal medicine studies, aromatherapy and