Massage therapy continuing education is not only a good idea for maintaining a career in massage therapy; in many states, it is the law. Likewise, massage therapy continuing education is a requirement of membership in the American Massage Therapy Association (the premier governing body for the field) and certification by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB); certification by the NCBTMB is the standard for high quality care, and is the law in a number of states regulating massage therapy.

National Requirements For Massage Therapy Continuing Education

Regulatory requirements for massage therapists vary by state in the U.S.; up to 13 states do not regulate massage therapy, but in those states some local ordinances might apply.

It is best for students to gain an understanding of their local requirements for continuing education as it applies to massage therapy to ensure that they are practicing legally.

In states that do regulate massage therapy practices (37 states and the District of Columbia) the standard that is used is often the standard for licensure set by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA); in fact, certification by the AMTA (in the form of the NCBTMB) is the licensing requirement in a number of states. Practically speaking, the best course for massage therapists to follow is to meet the educational standards of the AMTA, which will ensure that their practice is a quality practice with the versatility to practice throughout the United States.

What The AMTA Requires For Continuing Education In Massage Therapy

The AMTA requires students to complete at least 48 hours of massage therapy continuing education every four years; this requirement begins with the first full year a therapist holds Professional Active Membership in the association. Continuing education programs must meet the standards of the AMTA or be approved by the NCBTMB. The AMTA accepts trainings of a hands-on, experiential manner, trainings in theory, and research education as fulfillment of the requirement.

The AMTA does not approve courses themselves, but relies on the student to make the determination as to whether a course in massage therapy continuing education fits the description of a qualified program (the description can be found through the AMTA). Alternatively, students can choose a course approved by the NCBTMB.

Once coursework is completed, therapists will also need to know where to submit proof of the work in massage therapy continuing education; some states may be satisfied with submission to the AMTA, but others may require submission to the governing state body as well.

The AMTA requires proof upon membership renewal (every 4 years), but does accept submissions prior to filing as courses are taken (submission is a matter of filing a simple form, available online).

Continuing education in massage therapy is never a waste of time, as it can only further a massage therapy career. Understanding requirements for completion and submission of massage therapy continuing education is an important part of maintaining a professional massage therapy career.

Good massage therapy relies on the use of a number of massage therapy supplies. New massage therapists will need to invest in a good stock of basic massage therapy supplies to get their practice started.

Massage therapists may be self-employed or find employment as part of a larger massage therapy business; additionally, a masseuse may be employed as part of a larger establishment such as a gym, fitness center, or sports team or facility. In some of these arrangements the new massage therapist’s supplies will be provided by the business they are working for, but in many instances massage therapy supplies are the responsibility of the masseuse. Even in situations where supplies are provided by the parent organization, many therapists choose to purchase their own stock of supplies to be able to operate on their own outside the facility.

By and large, most massage therapists find a need for a base of supplies and massage therapy equipment; though basic massage therapy supplies and equipment are enough to get a new therapy business started, there are several essential supplies any new massage therapist will need.

* Massage therapy table
A massage table is the most basic and most important piece of equipment. There are many options for new massage therapists, but often the most versatile choice is a portable table that can be folded and carried from office to office or client home.

The benefit of a portable table (besides being able to make ‘house calls’) is that the table can easily be moved to a new office if the therapist decides to move on-as is often the case in the beginning.

* Oils
Massage oils serve a number of different purposes in massage therapy; some are used mainly for aromatherapy to relax and rejuvenate the client; others are used to treat certain conditions or relieve muscle tensions, and still others are used to reduce friction and enhance the experience. A basic set of massage therapy oils often includes almond oil, grapeseed oil, apricot oil, avocado, jojoba, wheat germ, hazelnut, and holy oil.

Other creams and lotions may be preferable depending on the service offering and type of massage.

* Carrying/Display Case
Of course, a therapist will need a way to transport those oils if they are offering traveling services; a sturdy case that allows for secure transport is needed. If therapy services are offered only in an office, a display case is needed for access and for sales of oils offered to clients.

* Towels and Sheets
Comfortable towels and sheets are necessary for client privacy and hygiene. An investment into a good stock is one of the most essential massage therapy supplies.

The hands being the most important tool for a new massage therapist, only relatively few massage therapy supplies are needed to get a new business rolling.

The massage therapy supplies suggested here provide a fairly comprehensive base that can be built upon as the business grows.