There’s no doubt that massage therapy is a hugely beneficial treatment for all sorts of issues, from chronic pain to anxiety. But if you’re thinking about becoming a massage therapist, you might be wondering how long it takes to become a massage therapist.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the average length of time to become a massage therapist and give you some tips on how to get started. So keep reading to find out more!
Who Is A Massage Therapist?
A massage therapist is a health professional who provides therapeutic massages to clients. The goal of massage therapy is to reduce pain, improve flexibility and range of motion, relax muscles, and promote general relaxation. A massage therapist requires the necessary skills in anatomy, physiology, and pathology. In addition, they need to learn kinesiology, hydrotherapy, Swedish massage technique, and professionalism.
Most massage therapists obtain a certification or diploma in their chosen field. And may also choose to gain additional qualifications. You can even start your own massage business if you wish.
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How Long Does It Take To Become A Massage Therapist?
The length of time it takes to become a massage therapist varies depending on which state you’re in and whether you attend a brick-and-mortar school or an online program. Generally, it takes between 500 and 1000 hours of training to become certified, which equates to about six months to one year of full-time study.
If you attend a brick-and-mortar massage school, your program will likely include both classroom and hands-on learning. During your training, you’ll get plenty of practice giving massages so that you can perfect your skills. Once you’ve completed your training and passed the required exams, you’ll be ready to start your career as a massage therapist!
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How To Become A Massage Therapist Faster?
You’ve got answers to how long it takes to become a massage therapist, but how to get it done faster? There are some ways that you can shorten the amount of time it takes to become a massage therapist. One way is to attend an accelerated program. These programs allow you to complete your training in a shorter period by attending classes more frequently or for longer periods.
Another way to become a massage therapist faster is to choose an online program. Online programs offer the same high-quality curriculum as brick-and-mortar schools, but they allow you to study at your own pace. This means that if you have the time and motivation, you could complete your training in as little as six months!
The Importance Of Continuing Education
It is necessary to stay updated on the latest techniques, techniques that are constantly changing and evolving. In addition, continuing education will help you build your professional network and deepen your understanding of massage therapy as a whole. Taking courses in anatomy, pathology, kinesiology, hydrotherapy, Swedish massage technique, and ethics can also be hugely beneficial for staying up-to-date with current trends in the industry and furthering your career. Massage therapists work in a variety of settings, from spas to clinics, and massage therapy schools.
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How To Become A Massage Therapist?
1. Research What Massage Therapy Entails
As you already have learned about how long it takes to become a massage therapist, it’s time to understand the procedure. Before taking the plunge into massage therapy school, it’s important to make sure that it’s the right fit for you. Read up on what massage therapy is and what the job entails. Talk to current practitioners about what they like and don’t like about their jobs. Once you have a good understanding of what working as a massage therapist would be like, you can move on to the next step.
2. Complete An Accredited Massage Therapy Program
To become a licensed massage therapist, you must complete a massage therapy training program. These programs typically last between six and twelve months and include both classroom instruction and hands-on training. During your schooling, you will learn about anatomy, physiology, and different types of massages. Once you have completed an accredited program, you will be eligible to take the licensing exam in your state.
3. Obtain Licensure And Certification
After completing an accredited massage therapy program, you will need to obtain licensure in the state in which you wish to practice. The requirements for licensure vary from state to state, but most require passing an exam. In some states, both the MBLEx Exam (offered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards) and the NCETMB (offered by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork) are accepted while other states accept only one or the other. Be sure to check the requirements for your state before scheduling an exam. In addition to licensure, many therapists choose to become certified in one or more specialty areas such as sports massage or reflexology.
4. Find A Job!
Now that you have your license and certification(s), it’s time to start looking for a job! There are many different settings in which massage therapists can work including hospitals, clinics, spas, and fitness centers. You can also choose to work as a self-employed contractor. American massage therapy association has a great job board where you can search for job openings in your area.
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Online Courses To Create Massage Therapy Career
Now you have learned how long it takes to become a massage therapist and the steps you need to take. But, where can you go to learn massage therapy?
In addition to attending an accredited program in a traditional classroom setting, there are also many online courses available for those who want to become massage therapists. These courses are often more affordable and allow you to learn at your own pace. Some of the most popular options include Massage Therapy School Online, MassageU, and Online Coursera Massage. Each of these programs offers comprehensive instruction in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, Swedish massage techniques, and more.
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Conclusion
Here’s the crux of your query on how long it takes to become a massage therapist: The average person can become a licensed massage therapist in about 600 hours. Online courses are available which can reduce the time commitment, and some states have shorter programs than others. Although it does take some effort to become a licensed massage therapist, many people find the career to be very rewarding both personally and financially.