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Tennessee Massage Therapy Schools - TN
By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: February 19th, 2010
Just a few years ago, Americans spent $6 to $11 billion a year on massages, according to the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). There are 90,000 massage therapists certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB), but AMTA suggests there might be up to another 200,000 practicing in the country.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics only cites 630 massage therapists Tennessee (which, by the way, has a law defining reflexology as pertaining only to hands and feet), but does not count the numerous self-employed ones. And once you have your Tennessee license, the barriers to running your own business are small, so the number of massage therapists in the state is undoubtedly much higher. In fact, if you have a portable table, you need not even own or rent your own office space, and can advertise yourself as offering massage therapy in the comfort of your clients’ homes.
Before you decide on an online program or Tennessee massage school, enjoy a variety of massages yourself. Shiatsu and Swedish massages are only the beginning. Reiki, Raynor, Thai, stone and trigger point are among the huge variety of styles you can experience, learn, and share with clients.
Find a Tennessee massage school that is convenient, affordable and accredited. Don’t forget to explore online schools as a very convenient and viable option. The Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation has developed a set of standards by which massage schools can seek accreditation.
Since 1995, the state has required massage therapists to earn a license before practicing. The Tennessee Massage Licensure Board will grant you a license if you:
- Pass a criminal background check
- Attend 500 hours of education at a massage school that has been approved by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission or the Tennessee Board of Regents and
- Earn certification from the NCBTMB.