Massage Therapy 101: 101 Tips to Start, Grow, and Succeed as a Massage Therapist
By HowExpert
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About this ebook
As the modern world has become more health-conscious, the demand for Massage Therapy has also increased, making it one of the fastest growing careers in the nation. This in turn has led many people to consider becoming Massage Therapists. While Massage Therapy is a wonderful, fulfilling career, it can also be a little difficult for people to navigate when they first start out. But that is what this guide is for!
In this guide, we go over the top 101 tips you need to know in order to become a successful Massage Therapist. The topics covered in this guide include:
• Education and licensing requirements for Massage Therapists
• How to choose the right school for you
• What to expect from your education, including strategies to help you pass your classes
• The steps involved in becoming officially licensed
• How to build your business and get your first clients
• How to grow your business into a successful practice
• How to avoid burnout during your career
...and so much more! So if you are ready to embark on your journey of becoming a Massage Therapist, or if you simply want to learn more about the Massage Therapy profession, then this guide is for you!
About the Expert
Nicole Urban graduated from the Colorado Institute of Massage Therapy in 2013, completing their 850-hour program. After serving a mission for her church in Brazil for a year and a half, she returned to Colorado to complete all of her licensing requirements. She became a licensed massage therapist in 2015, and has been practicing massage therapy ever since, first in Colorado and then in Idaho when she moved there to attend Brigham Young University – Idaho. In July 2019 she graduated from BYU-I with a B.S. in Exercise Physiology. Today she is an ACE certified Health Coach, as well as the owner of her own massage therapy business. She also helps out with teaching at the local massage therapy school near her home.
HowExpert publishes quick 'how to' guides on all topics from A to Z by everyday experts.
HowExpert
HowExpert publishes quick 'how to' guides on all topics from A to Z by everyday experts.
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Massage Therapy 101 - HowExpert
HowExpert Presents
Massage Therapy 101
101 Tips to Start, Grow, and Succeed as a Massage Therapist
HowExpert with Nicole Urban
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Table of Contents
Recommended Resources
Introduction
Chapter 1: Picking Your Place
Tip #1: Never underestimate the influence you will have on others, from your clients, to your colleagues, to your communities.
Tip #2: Decide what country you will be practicing in. Make sure you know that country’s laws and regulations of massage.
State Licensing Requirements
Tip #3: Decide which state you will be practicing in, then research how to get a license so you will know what is required.
Tip #4: If you plan to work in a different state than the one you go to school in, make sure you meet all of the requirements of that state.
Tip #5: It’s always a good idea to become CPR and First Aid Certified.
Tip #6: Once you are licensed, you should be able to transfer it to any other state.
Tip #7: Stay on top of renewing your licenses and certifications.
Where to Work
Tip #8: Have an idea of the locations and people you want to work with before you start going to school. This will help guide your education.
Tip #9: Start with an idea of what you want to specialize in. Then be open to changing your mind once you start taking classes.
Tip #10: Try out lots of options before you narrow down your specialties.
Tip #11: Pick one or two specialties, instead of trying to master everything all at once.
Choosing the Right School
Tip #12: Pick a school that will help you meet all of the requirements for your license.
Tip #13: Check to see whether or not the school is accredited.
Tip #14: Check the school’s course catalogue to see what courses they offer.
Tip #15: Pick a school that is within your acceptable price range.
Tip #16: Check to see if the school offers financial aid, scholarships, or payment plans.
Tip #17: Pick a school that is within the distance you are willing to travel.
Tip #18: Consider visiting the school in person before enrolling.
Tip #19: Check to see if the school offers any unique amenities.
Tip #20: Be aware of admission requirements. Make sure to complete them according to when you would like to start taking classes.
Tip #21: Remember, any investment you make into your education becomes an investment into your future career.
Chapter 2: Completing Your Program
Passing Your Classes
Tip #22: Practice your Time Management skills.
Tip #23: Be an active participant in all of your classes.
Tip #24: Be prepared to get outside of your comfort zone on a regular basis.
Tip #25: Be honest and upfront if something is making you uncomfortable.
Tip #26: Ask for and give feedback.
Tip #27: Get to know your classmates. Form study groups with them if you can.
Tip #28: Practice your techniques – a lot.
Tip #29: Keep an eye out for opportunities to complete your hour requirements.
Choosing Your Electives
Tip #30: Choose electives that fit both your interests and your schedule.
Completing Your Clinicals
Tip #31: Treat your clinicals like an actual job.
Tip #32: Treat the school’s clients as if they were your own.
Tip #33: Learn from your mistakes.
Chapter 3: Becoming Official
Tip #34: Don’t start working, or trading your services, until you’re officially licensed.
Taking and Passing the Exam
Tip #35: Start the MBLEx application before you graduate.
Tip #36: Have a date, time, and location in mind before you schedule your test.
Tip #37: Take the test sooner rather than later.
Tip #38: Take advantage of study guides and practice tests.
Tip #39: Treat this like any other test.
Tip #40: If you fail the first time, you can always retake the test.
Licensed, Certified, or Registered?
Tip #41: Be aware of your professional title.
Tip #42: Be patient about the licensing process.
Professional Connections
Tip #43: Join a professional massage association.
Tip #44: Sign up for liability insurance.
Chapter 4: Preparing Your Practice
Understanding Scope of Practice and HIPPA
Tip #45: Know what is within your scope of practice.
Tip #46: Do not offer services outside of your scope of practice.
Tip #47: Keep your clients’ information confidential and secure.
Ethical Considerations
Tip #48: Establish clear boundaries with the client.
Tip #49: Know what to do when your boundaries are crossed.
Tip #50: Practice self-awareness during your practice.
Tip # 51: Sexual arousal can just happen. Diffuse it with maturity and professionalism.
Space, Setting, Supplies, and Equipment
Tip #52: Make sure you have enough space to work in.
Tip #53: Make sure the building/room has all of the essentials.
Tip #54: Create an environment that encourages relaxation.
Tip #55: Invest in good equipment.
Tip #56: Take care of your equipment
Tip #57: Keep your supplies well-stocked.
Know Your Paperwork
Tip #58: Have comprehensive client intake forms.
Tip #59: Make sure they sign an informed consent form.
Tip #60: If you give a massage to a minor, their parent or legal guardian needs to sign a consent form first.
Tip #61: Use any other forms that you need to help run your business.
Tip #62: Keep plenty of SOAP notes on hand.
Financial Considerations
Tip #63: Decide if you are going to work as an Employee, an Independent Contractor, or as a Self-Employed business owner.
Tip #64: Know your rates. Make sure your clients are aware of them from the start.
Tip #65: If you are starting your own business, be aware that it will take a significant financial investment before you start to see any profit.
Tip #66: Decide if you are willing to accept a client’s health insurance.
Tip #67: Stay on top of your finances.
Tip #68: Pay your taxes every quarter instead of annually.
Chapter 5: Building Your Client Base
Scheduling
Tip #69: Start by deciding how many hours you would like to work each day.
Tip #70: Keep in mind how many massages you are willing to do each day.
Tip #71: Block out enough time for each appointment.
Tip #72: Fill out your SOAP notes after each appointment.
Tip #73: Develop a routine for your sessions.
Marketing
Tip #74: You need to put your name out there a lot if you want a lot of clients.
Tip #75: Focus on how you can help your clients.
Tip #76: Use a few channels of advertising instead of just one.
Tip #77: Be prepared to give out free massages.
Networking
Tip #78: Network with healthcare providers and other professionals in your area.
Tip #79: Network with other massage