By Courtney Slivka, LMT

So you are enrolled in massage school, and counting down the days until graduation. Sure, you have enjoyed your academic journey, your time in the massage lab, and getting to know your classmates and instructors. But you are feeling more confident by the day, and you are ready to get out into the field. You are ready to say goodbye to school, and make the transition to working professional. Congratulations! But do not get too comfortable outside of the classroom because chances are, you will be returning to the world of academia sometime within the next two years.

Depending on the state in which you are looking to obtain your massage therapy license, you may be required to take continuing education classes on a regular basis. The requirements regarding the continuing education for massage therapists vary greatly from state to state. Some states, like Arizona, may require a set number of hours to be completed every two years. Yet other states, like Nevada, may require a yearly continuing education requirement. It is important to inform yourself of your state’s rules, and to stay up to date on any changes in the rules over the years

Even if you happen to reside in a state that does not require massage therapists to enroll in continuing education classes, it is in your best interest to take an extra class here and there. The classes will be able to help you stay fresh in your skills. You will also be able to network with other massage therapists, which can be beneficial to your career path and make your life more fulfilling.

Luckily most of the continuing education requirements are flexible, and you are able to choose specific classes that appeal to your interests. It is a great idea to look into potential  continuing education massage classes even before graduation, so that you can prepare and make plans for your future in massage therapy.

Tagged as: continuing education, massage career, massage licensing