Why Do You Need A Massage Certificate? By Emma Hardy At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

With the incredible demands for masseuse and other health care specialists today, it isn’t a wonder there are also an increase in schools offering these classes. People want to have a job, and these are great opportunities for anyone interested.

But having finished the course doesn’t necessarily mean you can go about in the business. One should apply for a certification to prove one’s capabilities and receive a license to practice. But is a certificate really that necessary?

A license is what is usually required to practice in a particular jurisdiction. Licenses are provided by your local jurisdiction, like in a state or a city. You must contact your local jurisdiction to learn more about licensing requirements. Candidates must first show that they have met the eligibility requirements to sit for one of the National Certification Examinations. Candidates must have completed at least 125 hours of Anatomy and Physiology, 200 hours of massage and/or bodywork theory and application, 40 hours of pathology, 10 hours of business and ethics and at least 125 hours of related coursework.

To keep your NCBTMB status you will need 50 hours of CEU’s during the four year certification period – 2 of those hours must include professional ethics, plus 200 therapeutic sessions of massage and bodywork. And you are not required to pass the National Certification Examination every four years, although that is an option

Here are some good reasons why: Represents the highest professional credential in the field: It denotes the mark of a true professional committed to safe and ethical practice thus giving recognition, visibility, and credibility. It increases your employment opportunities and mobility between states and allows reimbursement by various insurance companies, and also connects you to locator services for employers and consumers. Most importantly, it provides reassurance to the consumer, the profession and the employer, so that you establish rapport and good costumer loyalty.

If a candidate fails the exam, he or she has the opportunity to re-take the exam three times before he or she must re-apply. After the third time there will be a three month waiting period before one can re-apply. A new application and documentation will be required. The candidate must send in a copy of the failed score report and the current examination fee. This information must be received within 60 days of the original examination date. If this information is not received within that time frame a new application and supporting documentation will be required.

Lastly, all practitioners must understand that “massage therapists and body workers shall act in a manner that justifies public trust and competence, enhances the reputation of the profession and safeguards the interests of individual clients." After certification then additional continuing education credits must be earned every couple years to maintain certification status. If you do intend to practice professionally then it is highly encouraged to attend a massage school.

Massages today are not only considered a luxury, but a necessity due to its health benefits. And to fully trust one’s health to another person, a certification is very helpful.

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