How to Become a Massage Therapist for Canines
Many people decide to change careers so that they can pursue something that they are passionate about. In many cases, animal lovers want a job that requires bettering the quality of life for dogs. Canine massage is an avenue that enables you to heal ailing animals. The training necessary to obtain a certification is only six months to one year.
Instructions
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Check with your state board to get information on canine massage licensing and laws. Through the National Board of Certification for Animal Acupuncturists and Massage Therapists website, you can find a convenient state regulations list.
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Choose an education program. There are a number of online institutions that offer coursework in massage for canines. Local community and four year colleges as well as online offer programs pertaining to animal massage. This program will cover the benefits of massage on canines. You will learn the musculature of the canine and get hands-on experience in massage and bodywork. You will also get a little education on other alternative treatments for animals.
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Complete your required massage practice hours. In the case of human massage therapists, some of your hours may count toward the total canine massage hours required for canine massage certification. Depending on your state, education program and employer requirements, 100-200 hours of massage are required for certification.
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Take the test to get nationally certified. The National Board of Certification conducts a test to evaluate your preparedness to practice as a canine massage therapist. There are testing centers across the United States that offer this exam, but you must show proof of course completion and at least 200 hours of study. The cost of the exam ranges from $25-50.
Veterinarians can serve as proctors for this exam as long as they are the recipients of the log-in information for the online test. They must also supply their test taker with a computer, Internet connection and a quiet testing location that is monitored to deter cheating.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are currently working in the field of veterinary medicine, some of your coursework may satisfy prerequisites. Make sure to inform the education institution of all experience, education and volunteer work that are related to animal health. This can expedite your certification time.
When opting for Internet education, make sure that the school of choice is legitimate by seeking references and verifying its accreditation.
