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How to Become a Massage Therapist Instructor in Washington State

Massage therapists teach the art using touch to massage the muscles of the body to relieve stress, pain and for injury rehabilitation .The field of massage therapy was projected to grow faster than average from 2008 through 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Opportunities in the field for instructors will also increase. In order to become a massage instructor in Washington state, you must acquire a license after going to school and earning certifications.

Instructions

    • 1

      Graduate from a massage school or apprenticeship program approved by Washington state. A list of approved schools is on the state Department of Health website, including institutions in other states. Programs for massage therapists include classes in anatomy, kinesiology, pathology and physiology. Practical coursework include classes in massage techniques, body mechanics, medical terminology and business-related topics like bookkeeping, ethics and management.

    • 2

      Take classes in first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and HIV/AIDS education. The state requires massage therapists to obtain certification in American Red Cross first aid and American Heart Association CPR. The state also requires massage therapists to complete four hours of state-approved AIDS education. Community colleges in Washington provide these classes.

    • 3

      Take the massage therapists exam administered by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. You cannot apply for a massage therapist license in Washington without passing this exam. You can contact the NCBTMB online or via phone to receive study guides and schedule an exam at a test site in Washington. Pearson Vue, a national testing service, also provides the NCBTMB exam. You can contact Pearson Vue online to schedule a test date and to find a site.

    • 4

      Take the Washington State Jurisprudence Exam. This exam is available online and must be passed with a score of 100 percent. Once you complete the online exam, print out your score to submit with your license application.

    • 5

      Apply for a massage practitioner license from the state of Washington. The application booklet is a PDF file available online. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and undergo a criminal background check. The application requires you to submit proof of education, test scores, CPR and first aid certifications and a detailed outline of your experience.

    • 6

      Acquire supplemental training to enhance your chances of employability as an instructor. Teachers at massage schools in Washington not only have years of experience but have earned certificates and degrees in areas such as aromatherapy, reflexology, orthopedic medical massage, physical therapy, ayurvedic wellness and other topics related to holistic health and medicine.

    • 7

      Apply for a massage therapist instruction position after you have acquired your licensing from the state. Massage schools hire instructors who have extensive experience. Many instructors have also run their own private practices before becoming instructors.

    • 8

      Look for job openings on the websites of massage schools and industry groups. The Washington Chapter of the American Massage Therapy Association maintains an online jobs listing page.

    • 9

      Take continuing education (CE) classes each year in order to renew your license. Even if you teach massage therapy, you are still required to renew your license every two years. CE requirements are a prerequisite to renewing. Current requirements are listed on the state’s health department website.

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