~ Opinions please? ~

[danceswithwolves]

Hello!


I would really value the opinions of the members here.

I am a licensed esthetician, with many years of experience doing a wide variety of facial and full body treatments. I have a pretty good working knowledge of a lot of full body massages (Swedish, Shiatsu, Hot Stone), but would like to become a full fledged MT in addition to my esthetics licensing, and work as a dual professional.

I live in a state with no regulations whatsoever on MT, but I want the training and National certification to present myself professionally, and this way if they ever do regulate I will be more than ready. Even though I can legally work as a MT without formal training (I have researched this thoroughly, and spoke with my local city hall), and even though I am confident in my abilities with what I already know I am hesitant to do so without formal certification because of my desire to be as professional as possible.

The cost of going to school is too high for me right now, because unfortunately none of the local schools offer financial aid, plus I couldn't take the time off from working as an esty and having young children etc to do so anyway.

So...I am considering this: taking hours through an accredited distance learning course, which is 400 clock hours and a fraction of the cost of a local MT school. This would cover all of the basic A+P knowledge, as well as a lot of technique (they have a video series as well that is included) and I could do this at home in my 'spare time'. Their program also has an additional 200 hours of 'intensive hands-on training' if I choose to take it (it is a long distance from me - 2 states away and takes 4 full weeks to do this but I could swing it if I felt in necessary).

When I called them to get all the info I was told I didn't have to do the hands on, I can do just the 400 hours with them and then elect to take various hands-on courses locally in a variety of modalities equalling 100+ hours in order to qualify for the National Exam (which is what I want more than a diploma from this school anyway!), plus some of my esty hours may apply as well since I learned a lot of facial massage and other techniques.

I have an experienced MT locally who is willing to work with me and teach me advanced techniques in exchange for facials, etc. as well, plus I am looking at purchasing a variety of professional MT videos/books to supplement my learning, some can earn CE credits for the National board.

I guess my question is, does this sound reasonable? I just want to do what is best.

 

[Benz5567]

I think taking a course to become is really important. Your state could become regulated leaving you in a heap of a mess. Also, what if you move. Different states require different standards for this profession. I think you should cover your bases. Besides I'm sure you want to offer your clients the very best and becoming a certified MT is gonna help you do that, IMHO.

I really don't know much about the long distance certification, maybe someone here has experience with it? There is a personal trainer at my work that is very good, he has the most clients. He recieved his certification (or whatever it is) through an at-home course. By the way, what state are you in?

Steph!

 

[I Hate Pia Mellody]

I think taking a course to become is really important. Your state could become regulated leaving you in a heap of a mess. Also, what if you move. Different states require different standards for this profession. I think you should cover your bases. Besides I'm sure you want to offer your clients the very best and becoming a certified MT is gonna help you do that, IMHO.

Absolutely, which is why I plan to take the training to get Nationally Certified. I live in Montana, and plan to stay here forever but one never knows of course.

I just wonder if it matters so much in how I obtain my theory portion of the training, as long as it is adequate to passing the NCBTMB test. The difference in cost is substantial, thousands of dollars, and the ease of doing the coursework fits my lifestyle if I combine the theory from the distance learning and 100+ hours of practical, hands on education locally.

 

[Datukgong Bean Laden]

the only thing i would tell you to be careful of is for the national certification. make sure that what you would be taking is enough to fill the requirements (which i don't think that it is). they require at least 300 of the 500 hours to be "supervised, in class clock hours". i'm not sure that program would fit that. if you have any questions about that, absolutely do not hesitate to call them. i'm sure they'd be very helpful.

however, there are a couple of ways you can get nationally certified. maybe yours could fall under the "portfolio review". i'd call and ask before you pay the money just to be sure.

 

[ANNIE M]

I am thinking of another potential issue. Malpractice insurance might not be available and would not cover a practitioner if not nationally certified. So maybe that is another reason to look into National Certification. As of schooling there might be an option to substitude supervised hours with experience in related field (definitely check with National Board). On the whole I find it a great idea for professional growth if there is a wider range of services offered. Best of luck.