Portfolio Piece: How to Become a Massage Therapist by Becky Blanton

Big Ideas for Small Businesses

VE NITRR EGP RIENN EI UAR June 2016

How to Become a Massage Therapist in Virginia Do you have what it takes?

The

VIRGINIA ENTREPRENEUR Supplemental Books

PUBLISHER: Becky Blanton Becky@VirginiaEntrepreneur.com

The VIRGINIA ENTREPRENEUR, LLC is a web and print publication (Fall 2016) created to give small businesses and entrepreneurs the media coverage they deserve; and to provide a site where they can learn from other businesses and entrepreneurs as they grow their own business. We learn from failure, grow as a community and inspire others as we are inspired. For more information about The Virginia Entrepreneur and small business in Virginia, visit us at: www.VirginiaEntrepreneur.com Contact us at: Info@VirginiaEntrepreneur.com or call us: (434) 207-3715

About Virginia Entrepreneur Supplemental Books A lot of the information contained in this magazine/book can be found online, if you know where to look, and what to look for. Sometimes it’s hard to impossible if you “don’t know what you don’t know.” That’s where Virginia Entrepreneur Supplemental Magazines come in. We interview the experts, the people working in the field and get their first hand tips, knowledge and information. They tell us things you won’t find on the Internet because they’re personal, first hand accounts of what it’s like to work for, or be in a certain industry. Then we publish a story, a side-bar, tips and information on our website, http:// virginiaentrepreneur.com. Our readers have free access to 50-to-75 percent of what we’ve learned in interviewing the experts. Then we provide a link to these books so if a reader is serious about pursuing a career, or wants more information they can purchase it, usually for less than $10. This is how we keep our magazine running — by ensuring that we provide enough of a free service to help thousands, but also make enough money on the sales of

these books and sponsorships that we can pay our writers, photographers and production and sales people and still make enough of a profit to keep the website and magazines alive. We also offer our services (photography, writing, layout and other services) to businesses who want collateral material — such as brochures, fliers, magazines or books about their own service. Whether it’s real estate, cars, tools, candles or other products or services, we can help you promote your business with our books. Let us help you design, write, photograph and lay out anything from a brochure to a full-sized publication like this. We’re affordable and fast. If you’d like to speak with a salesperson about costs please email us at info@virginiaentrepreneur.com or call me directly. I hope you enjoy this book and your new career in massage therapy should you opt for that path! Becky Blanton, Publisher

SondraEpley Sondra is a regular contributor to The Virginia Entrepreneur. She also teaches graduate students online for a private college just outside Minneapolis. As the Office Manager for Richmond SCORE she’s the initial point of contact for more than 100 small business entrepreneurs each month and assigns about 75 of them to fellow certified SCORE mentors. A volunteer junkie, Sondra has done much of it on behalf of the Richmond Animal League, the city’s oldest no-kill animal shelter. Volunteering at a thrift store launched by the shelter in November 2010 enabled Sondra to learn retail. As the store’s third manager, she used that knowledge to convert it into a true revenue generator. In her off hours, Sondra passionately pursues off-the-beaten path adventures, some of which have included tree house camping, llama trekking, whitewater rafting, touring on a Segway and dog sledding. Connect with Sondra on LinkedIn at https:// www.linkedin.com/in/sondraepley.

KyleLaFerriere Kyle is a Richmond, Virginia based photographer who strives to tell a particular story through his camera. Whether it is a client promoting their product or in-house photos for a business, his goal is to work with others to create a visual story. When he is not working, he is usually outside hunting or fishing. Kyle has a knack for capturing real smiles, eliciting true emotions and knowing the exact instant that conveys the story of the moment, person, place or thing. His work includes banks, corporations, and magazines. You can connect with Kyle and view his extensive portfolio at his website: http://www.kylelaferriere.com/

BeckyBlanton Becky is the founder and publisher of The Virginia Entrepreneur. She spoke at TED Global in 2009 in Oxford England about her year of being homeless in 2006. She then returned to the USA to start her own business. She published The Homeless Entrepreneur in 2016 and launched The Virginia Entrepreneur in June 2016. She also pitched her business idea at Virginia’s TomTom Fest in 2016. She’s a new, but avid sailor, an ocean and flatwater Kayaker. In the early 90’s she graduated from The Virginia School of Massage and started a massage practice in Charlottesville, VA while waiting to take her exams. She has worked for a physical therapy clinic doing medical and rehab massage under the watchful eyes of various doctors and physical therapists. You can connect with Becky on http:// virginiaentrepreneur.com, or at Becky@VirginiaEntrepreneur.com.

TABLE OF CONTENTS MASSAGE THERAPY IS ONE OF FASTEST GROWING BUSINESSES IN VIRGINIA

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN SELECTING A MASSAGE SCHOOL

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PAGE 28

7 VIRGINIA MASSAGE THERAPISTS SHARE THEIR TIPS AND EXPERIENCE

REGULATIONS CONCERNING CERTIFICATIONS IN VIRGINIA

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ACCREDITED MASSAGE SCHOOLS IN THE STATE OF VIRGINIA

TAKE AWAY TIPS FOR OTHER MASSAGE PRACTITIONERS

PAGE 38-39*

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HOW TO BECOME A MASSAGE THERAPIST IN VIRGINIA

TIPS FOR CREATING A GREAT MASSAGE PRACTICE

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SHOULD YOU BECOME A MASSAGE THERAPIST?

TECHNOLOGY FOR MASSAGE THERAPISTS

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YOUR MASSAGE THERAPY CAREER CHECK LIST

DARE TO BE DIFFERENT

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Massage Therapy Is One of the Fastest Growing Businesses In Virginia By Sondra Epley

By 7 a.m., the biggest thing some people pick up is their baby or a backpack. Melissa Harris grabs a folding table half her height and one-‐arms it like it’s no more than a big portfolio. Harris belongs to one of the fastest-‐ growing, if not always universally understood, service industries: mobile massage. She opened Brick City Spa the same month she moved to Richmond, Va., in March 2015. Not knowing a soul, she had to chat up her business.

day for a good six months. Now everyone knows me,” she said.

R O F T O N N T O F I A T R A D C I L B U P

Social media precedes her reputation to an extent. The choices are endless and, for Harris, it came down to committing to several sites or sticking with one or two. She chose the latter, including a killer website she made launch-‐ worthy just prior to opening her business. While she admits watching her Facebook “likes” go up is addictive, she attributes maybe 1 percent of her client base to the popular site. Yelp “The Bureau of Labor about 40 percent of Statistics projects massage nabs her devotees due to her therapist employment gently pushing them to post reviews. Mail Chimp growth of 22 percent helps her keep up with between 2014 and 2024, clients, which includes adding 36,500 more asking how an important professionals to this field.” event of theirs went.

“No matter how much money you pump into advertising, people aren’t going to try out your services unless they know someone. So, I did a lot of going out, networking, talking about myself, smiling, you know, going to the right events. Paying for workshops and … bringing my business cards and just yapping my little day away. I did that every 6

Still a one-‐woman show, reserving Brick City Spa’s services should be harried,

RICHMOND, VA — [Right, Melissa Harris] Making an entry into the mobile market requires good service and a navigable website. Harris’ social media cues come from diligent study of her demographic: very active clients in their mid-20s to late-40s. Photographer Kyle LaFerriere

but utilizing a cell phone, tablet, computer and a reliable online scheduling service help her get it done. Harris’ scheduling calendar syncs with Google Calendar, which also tracks her personal life. If she needs to run errands, she creates a No Event, which blocks clients from booking during that timeframe. This same service lets her set scheduling limits to 15 minutes into the hour, so if a client wants a 2 p.m. appointment, he has until 1:15 p.m. to reserve it. There’s also a 45-‐minute buffer after appointments, giving Harris ample time to do take down, chat with the client, drive, park and repeat. Mileage and parking, both tax-‐deductible expenses, are recorded in a logbook on the dashboard. Besides insurance for the car and the business itself (Harris carries standard liability for both), a business license and a license in massage therapy are required. Becoming accredited by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) is respected.

Hiring more help is desirable, too, but for now it remains a dream. It’s also dictated one of several business tweaks such as abandoning a tiered price structure in which more seasoned therapists would command a higher price. Adopting a flat rate as a single therapist proved to be a blessing in disguise as more clients have upgraded from single sessions to memberships. One popular perk for members is a massage table of their own at home. It encourages rebooking and lightens the load. Early on, Harris jettisoned her in-‐home massage table—a 50 pounder. It came with its own cart, but stairs, gravel and wheels don’t mix. And then there was all the rest of it: sheets, table topper, pillows, bolsters, candles, aromatherapy and the like. She must have resembled a bag lady then, balancing a heavy table on a cart while pushing a rolling suitcase and hefting an across-‐the-‐body bag. Setup and take down for a one-‐hour massage took one hour, 45 minutes. Now, she arrives, works and leaves within the same amount of time. Streamlining the process leaves time for more appointments, so a day at Brick City Spa that was 7 in the morning until 7 at night now goes until 10 p.m. Nine-‐to-‐fivers appreciate the convenience and so do laborers who keep odd hours. The same is true of travelers who need a pick-‐me-‐up before a mid-‐morning flight and workaholics who need to unwind late in the evening. Memberships yield at least 12 regular clients a month; sporadic booking can add another 20 to 40 sessions. Every now and then, the session location is where the client works. 8

“Work appropriateness” isn’t a concern since mobile massage is now a professional service, and clients who hire her for on-‐site sessions tend to have their own private offices. For cubicle dwellers, corporate chair massage is popular during lunch breaks and employee appreciation days. Celebrity clients can’t get a massage just anywhere without drawing attention so they welcome a service where the masseuse comes to them. Harris says they’re no fussier than anyone else; in fact, they go out of their way to be kind. One lead actor’s endorsement netted her eight sessions on a Sunday. “I extended my hours and they were fighting over sessions because the [movie] wrap was the next day. I had assistants asking to pay like four times as much as anyone else. So, they can be very persistent, but I don’t bump clients. Maybe I should have, though.” She laughs at the thought. As in any job, lighter moments have a buoying effect. When it’s just you, it’s hard not to dwell on the non-‐stop nature of small business ownership. Worse are the barriers. Harris’ petite 5’2” frame and visage that could easily let her pass for a college freshman didn’t do her many favors. “I faced a decent amount of discrimination, which I was not expecting at all. People wouldn’t introduce themselves to me. People would assume I was someone’s daughter. I’d go to networking events and people would be shocked that I said I was a business owner. They don’t take you seriously,” she said.

The “mobile” aspect of mobile massage therapy doesn’t always help, either.

These days, she’s got a new gig at a shelter for battered women.

“I’ve learned by now that massage therapy is still kind of like an archaic thing out here, so facing that and figuring out how to talk to people about it in a way that doesn’t make them feel uncomfortable, in a way that doesn’t elicit jokes, in a way that makes them interested in what I’m talking about instead of boxing me up in a little container that says ‘Crystal Loving Hippie.’ It’s an important thing to face, and I’m glad I had the strength and the ability to see that and overcome that.”

“I’m not there to just promote my business,” she explained. “I really believe in the healing power of massage therapy, but also the healing power of empowerment. A lot of times, we’ll start with just the hands. We’ll start with the neck and then we’ll just take it from there.”

Harris just might have the last laugh. Before her business took off, she told jokes behind a microphone at a local comedy club. She still writes them and vows to get back onstage when she feels less intimidated by talented comics who’ve become good friends.

There’s a progression, too, that Harris has in mind for her young business. “People will start to come to me for different things as time goes on, and I’m hoping three years down the road I’ll … do more maintenance running the actual business here and there. I want to build it so it essentially runs itself.”

Take Aways for Other Massage Therapists and Want-to-be Therapists: •

Until you can convince someone how physically skilled you are, your personality is your greatest asset. Learn to engage and interact with people everywhere you go. Be friendly, professional and appropriately persistent.

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Always have business cards with you and hand them out generously and frequently. People need to know who you are and how to contact you. Help them!

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Keep your promises. Even if you can make more money or better connections by “bumping” another client, don’t do it. Your reputation is everything. It can take a lifetime to build, and a few minutes to destroy. Treat your clients the way you would want to be treated — honestly, fairly and with respect.

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Don’t let people’s judgment get you down. Friends, and even family may try to discourage you from pursuing YOUR dream. Don’t let them. This is your life, any decisions you make, or don’t make, will only impact you. Think positive and find supportive friends.

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Adapt, flex and change. Your rates and times and boundaries will change as you learn what works best for you. Don’t be afraid to change. Communicate your changes clearly.

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Before embarking on a massage therapy career, get a massage if you’ve never had one. Talk to several massage therapists to get a realistic idea of what their day is like.

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Massage is hard work, learn to protect your body. A good school will teach you how to use your body weight, angles and other tricks to protect your joints and hands while still giving a great massage, but it is still a physically demanding profession. If you are going to be carrying the tools of your trade (a table or massage chair) around, make sure you are physically capable of carrying the equipment or consider keeping a permanent office rather than a mobile practice.

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If you aren’t on social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Yelp) consider being social media savvy a part of becoming a massage therapist. There are many free online sites and articles to teach you about how to use social media to promote your business.

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Create, or pay someone to create a professional looking website for you. The image you project online is the first impression many clients will have of you before they even call.

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Automate your business where possible. Use applications, website scheduling, online forms, and Paypal, Square or other forms of online payment to make scheduling and paying for a massage easier for you and your clients. You can take care of this “business end” of setting up a bank account and an LLC before you graduate.

TECHNOLOGY FOR MASSAGE THERAPISTS By Becky Blanton

Massage may be an all natural, hands-on profession, but technology is a critical part of the success of any practice. From a professional looking website to client management software, SOAP Notes and scheduling applications that let clients schedule and pay online, smart business owners are as good with a computer as they are with their hands. The top five technologies your practice should include are: Tablet or iPad. A tablet not only lets you process credit and debit card payments, it’s a great tool for showing clients illustrations of the muscles you’re working on, or explaining medical issues or questions they may have. Tablets are lightweight, easy to mount on your desk, or your table, and can be used to play a client’s favorite music as well. You’ll have internet acess, and can type up your SOAP notes quickly. The bonus is you don’t have to carry a heavy laptop around, or have it out on your desk. Smart Phone. Hard to believe in this day and age there are so many people without smart phones — phones that have Internet capability, among other things. Smart phones let you schedule clients, email and do all the things you’d do on a tablet, but in a smaller, faster device. Web Site. We know it can be expensive, costing twice what your table and set up does, but it doesn’t have to. A professional looking website with a scheduling application is the often the first impression someone will have of you. Having a

site with photos of you, and your office, can often mean the difference in a client booking or not booking with you. Use a professional photographer or friend who has the right equipment and talent to make your photos rock. Make sure to list your policies, costs and other information about your practice that will put your future clients at ease. Incorporate a scheduling plug-in or application that lets clients schedule and pay in advance. Application Software. There’s an app for that. Seriously. Places like Appcrawlr.com and other sites have thousands of applications that help massage therapists do everything from learn their muscles, insertion points and medical terms to soothing music and relaxation sounds. One particularly useful app is GoCanvas. Available for Apple products, Android and Windows, this app helps with SOAP Charting Notes and intake forms. Devices. Once restricted to Physical Therapists and available only by prescription, TENS Units are now over-the-counter devices that you can also use to help clients with pain issues. Light therapy, hot stones and other techniques, devices and tools all fall under the name “technology.” Some are popular, but not useful, others are not known, but incredibly effective. You’ll learn about many as you complete your classes. Never be afraid to ask your instructors or others about their experience with different technologies or devices. 11

“Massage therapy changes people. Become part of a profession that makes the world a better place.”

Melissa Harris, certified massage therapist. Owner of Brick City Spa in Richmond, VA Photo by Kyle LeFerreire 14

Tips for Creating a Great Massage Practice By Sondra Epley

Tell clients what to expect, preferably before they are undressed and on the table. You can do this at your first session (add on an extra 20-30 minutes to collect information, medical history or other forms). Include (FAQ’s) Frequently Asked Questions on your website. If the client hasn’t had a massage before, tell her she can customize the pressure, music level, aromatherapy, etc. and is in total control of her session.

R O F T O N N T O F I A T R A D C I L B U P

Protect yourself. Develop a professional website and an intake form that asks real questions about medical history. Include a lengthy consent form. State clearly that sexual misconduct will not be tolerated. Harris requires the client to sign his/her name and upload a current photo ID. If any client fails to do this or she can’t read what’s submitted, the appointment is cancelled. If something doesn’t feel right upon arrival, trust your gut. Don’t go inside. Leave a calendar in your office or with a virtual assistant or friend that gives dates, time, names, numbers and all info needed so that if something does happen, police can find you. Not all community involvement is created equal. Raffle prize hopefuls are sometimes more interested in prizes than your services. Invest instead in your brand and show interest in what other people are doing. Athletic events pull better for business than most others. Volunteer with local high schools or community groups at their events doing something like leg massage for runners etc. Check with different groups. Most have other massage therapists who also volunteer. It’s a great networking opportunity. Work with nonprofits (think silent auctions). Do lots of demos (think massage parties) and invite attendees to write Yelp reviews. Pay me now or pay me later. Harris’ clients can either pay online or signify through a link in her email that they’ll pay after by card, which they supply in order to book. Charge what your time is worth. If you have clients who can’t afford you, and still want a massage, it’s up to you to determine if you will offer a sliding scale rate, or do a limited number of free massages. Many therapists, like Melissa, opt to volunteer for an organization to give back to their community. Cancer survivors, domestic violence survivors, single moms and others often benefit from volunteer work. Some massage therapists offer incentives — giving clients a free 15 minutes for every person they refer who books an appointment. If you have a no show, contact the client every way you can. Give it 15 minutes. If you hear nothing, the client can be charged 100 percent of the service cost since you can’t book anyone else during that appointment. Extenuating circumstances may lower the charge. Let your clients know, and sign an acknowledgement when you do your first intake so they’re aware of the consequences of a no-show. Don’t book future time until they clear their past no-show fees. 15

If you can’t make the appointment, contact the client, explain the situation and offer incentives to gain a rebook. Make sure the next appointment is perfection. Offer a free session or at least a big discount. After all, you may have ruined their day’s plans as much as they ruined yours when they didn’t show. If you can contact them far enough in advance to reschedule, still offer an incentive and thank you. Get help. Harris contacted Richmond SCORE for business plan and social media assistance. Find the chapter nearest you at www.score.org. Score will help you understand and apply the business practices and principles you’ll need to operate a financially successful business. And, as much fun and enjoyable as it is to make people feel better, you need to be able to pay taxes, to pay rent, to buy supplies, pay insurance and a dozen other things necessary to stay certified and in business. Have strong boundaries and enforce them. As icky as it can be the first time a client, usually male, asks for or expects more than just a massage, having and enforcing clear boundaries about what you will and won’t provide is critical to a having a good experience for both you and your client. Boundaries can include things like payment, finances and your work schedule as well. Learn your limits and respect them. Not everyone benefits from massage. Pregnant women, diabetics, cancer survivors, people with recent heart or other surgeries may have enjoyed massage before their illness, but may not be cleared medically after their injury, illness or surgery. Learn when and where massage is contraindicated (not approved medically) and explain to your client why you can’t do certain 16

techniques, or can’t do massage at all. Most of them will have cleared their sessions with a doctor, but always ask for a written letter for their files just to protect yourself. Use SOAP notes. SOAP is an acronym for Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan. Not all massage therapists use them, but the good ones do. Taking notes about a session is not only a great way to keep track of your clients’ progress, they‘re actually required if you’re considering doing any insurance billing. These notes can also help you show your clients how they’ve progressed since they’ve seen you last. SOAP notes help you remember what areas to work on when you see them again. This helps them feel connected and shows them you do care about their well-being. A Massage Therapy Practice is a Business, treat it like one. Many people who get into massage therapy do so because they enjoy helping people. They like making people feel good, less stressed and happy. But once the client has left there are still bills to pay, appointments to schedule, taxes to save for and marketing, social media and yes, cleaning the office, changing the sheets and tending to the other aspects of the business. If you don’t know anything about running a business, getting licenses, paying taxes or insurance, contact your local S.C.O.R.E office. If you’re in the Charlottesville or Richmond area you can also take classes through the Community Investment Collaborative (CIC). Launched in 2012, their 17week program takes new entrepreneurs through an intensive experience where, no matter what their business, entrepreneurs learn the basics of running their own business. Many community colleges offer business classes as well.

Should You Become A Massage Therapist? Do you have what it takes to become a massage therapist? It’s not for everyone. What people think massage therapy is can be a lot different than the reality. You’ll be spending your days with people from all walks of life. Some will be young and in shape, others will be old. Some will be obese, some will be sick, or disfigured. People know in an instant if you’re judgmental of them. You must learn to either love people in whatever shape, form or personality they have, or learn to hide your feelings about them. It’s harder to hide, easier to learn to accept people for who they are. •

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Are you in good physical shape? Massage therapy, even when you do it right, is physically demanding. How’s your hygiene? You must be clean, organized and have a clean, fresh smelling office to attract and keep clients. Your hygiene must be excellent as you will be in close proximity to your clients and body odors are usually highly offensive. Sheets and tables and everything that you or a client touches must be clean. If they’re not your client probably won’t say anything but they probably won’t book another session. Are you a good listener? Not every client wants to talk, but many do. First time clients will often talk through the entire session. Many will not want you to talk at all during their session. They came in to feel good, not listen to you chatter. Do you have good communication skills and good boundaries? Massage is an intimate act — and no, we don’t mean sexual intimacy. You are touching

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people’s stomachs, backs legs and even bare buttocks (you’ll learn the appropriate areas to touch in school!) while they’re naked under a towel or sheet. You must have excellent boundaries and learn to be professional. People who aren’t professional are quickly discovered during most programs and are kicked out of school. Do you want to be a business owner? You don’t have to have your own practice. You can work for doctors, clinics, hospitals, athletic programs and cruise ships and leave the headaches of marketing, bills, taxes and insurance to someone else while you just do massage. Are you disciplined enough to stick to a schedule? The freedom of owning a business can be wonderful, but running a business is something that demands consistent attention. You can still be a massage therapist and work for someone else, but you won’t make as much money. There are trade-offs to everything! Can you say “no,” and mean it? Being a business owner (or anyone really) means being able to say no without caving to pressure to say yes. It means knowing what you want and knowing that being able to say no to some things means you can say yes to other things you DO want to do. Do you have good to great people skills? Massage therapy, like real estate, is a profession that favors the socially confident person who enjoys being around people. 17

DARE TO BE DIFFERENT With more than a dozen massage schools in Virginia, you’ll face a lot of competition with each graduating class. You can be the best massage therapist in your region, but if you want to charge the highest rates and get the best clients, you’ll have to stand out from the crowd in ways other than just massage. Your customer service will have to be outstanding, plus you’ll need something that sets you apart: Think about:

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What services do you offer? Are you willing to be mobile? Do you prefer to work out of an office, but offer other perks — like couples massage? Are you willing to accommodate client’s pets? Can you give pet massages? May you just have a yard or quiet area where the animals can wait while their owner gets a massage. Can you cater to a special population such as cancer survivors, heart or heart surgery patients, diabetics, domestic abuse survivors? Maybe you just work with children or teens or women. Do you offer couples massages? Find a partner and dominate the mobile couple’s massage market. Religious Specialties. Many people of faith (Jewish, Christian, Muslim, have faith issues around who can touch them. Find out what those beliefs are and learn how to work with them. Chemical and odor free? While many people enjoy scented sessions, more and more people are chemically sensitive to the most natural odors. Some have asthma or allergies. Make your office a chemical and allergen free office. Migraine and headache specialist. Find out what it takes to focus on relieving headaches and office stress (back and shoulder tension) and you’ll have a waiting list of clients. There’s no cure for migraines or headaches, but research shows massage reduces the severity and frequency of headaches. Lymph node drainage. This is a certification program that many massage therapists find helpful for all their clients.

Seven Virginia Massage Therapists Share Their Experience and Career Tips We asked hundreds of massage therapists around the state about their experience, schooling and tips for creating a successful practice. Here are seven of the top therapists and their tips. We strongly suggest you seek out friends and family who have had a massage, or who are massage therapists and ask them about their experience. Visit a massage school student clinic — every massage school has one. Reading about massage, watching videos and thinking about what it might be like for you is a great way to start your career search, but remember, this is at least a $10,000 investment in you, so make sure it’s something you want to do before you do it. You may already be giving your friends and family massages, but you’re about to make that a profession and a career. So take time to explore, ask questions and decide which school is right for you. To find certified and licensed massage therapists in your area, check: http:// www.massagetherapy.com/get-a-massage/massage_therapy_in_virginia_VA

ESSENTIALS MASSAGE THERAPY

Owner, Abbie Feigle, is a CMT, LMP, RYT in Roanoke, Virginia who specializes Sports & Medical Massage with an emphasis on Structural Alignment & pain management. She is Appalachia's only LIFT Practitioner and has extensive training in orthopedic and medical massage. Abby focuses on athletes, chronic pain, and compensation patterns. Abbie is insured, nationally certified, and licensed/certified in the states of Washington and Virginia. Her website is: http://essentialsmassagetherapy.com/ Phone: 540.344.8411 20

CRYSTAL’S HEALING HANDS MASSAGE, LLC

Owner, Crystal Stoots, is a CMT, Medical Massage Practitioner, Advance Sports massage, Reflexologist, Certified Cupping Practitioner, and Reiki Master in Roanoke, Virginia. She works with a team of therapists, educators and practitioners. Her practice provide smassage oil combinations put together in house as well as Hydraulic massage tables in every room for comfort and convenience as well as for our wheelchair bound clients. Her website is: http://www.crystalshealinghands.com Phone: 540-776-2274

MONTEREY HARRIS - STARKEY MEDICAL AESTHETICS

Monterey Harris is not only a CMT, R-MT, she’s an experienced paralegal with 16 years experience in civil and criminal litigation. She’s worked in personal injury and juvenile domestics as well. She’s presently a registered medication technician, and as of August 20th of 2015 she has been certified as a registered massage therapist. She performs Swedish massage as well as clinical and therapeutic massage for injury related musculoskeletal problems as well as working with individuals who suffer from chronic illness and disability, such as arthritis, complex regional pain syndrome; fibromyalgia & various forms of neuropathy through Carillion Family Medicine, and Starkey Medical Esthetics. She’s currently working towards her PsyD in Clinical Applied Behavioral Analysis/Psychology

OLD TOWNE MAN CAVE

Owners, “Tricia” a Navy physician and (Mo) a retired (Class 126) Navy™ SEAL, have created a unique spa experience in Manassas, Virginia solely for men who want to be spoiled with the same ammenities women do — haircuts, pedicures, manicures and of course, massage. Website: http:// www.oldtownmancave.com Phone: 571. 379.4312

KATHY

CHANTAL OWEN - RELAXATION4HEALTH

Owner Chantal Owen is a CMT from France. She founded Relaxation4health in 2009, three years before getting her citizenship. She started her business with a strong desire and an even stronger commitment to educate and help people who have been physically and emotionally traumatized. She focuses on massage for autoimmune disorders, MS, fibromyalgia, diabetes, severe pain and neuralgia, chronic msucular and skeletal problems, end of life needs, migraines, and high blood pressure. Website: http:// relaxation4health.com. Phone: 757. 343.3902.

JAMES PARK — INOVA PHYSICAL THERAPY CENTER

Owner James Park is a CMT, ND, and OMD — a doctor of Naturopathy in Chantilly, Virgina. He practices a combination of Eastern and Western treatment. Currently serving four clinics at INOVA and specializes in fat and belly control. Website: http://

“One of the great things about having your own massage practice is that your office becomes your painting, a pallette where you get to express yourself and your personal style. You can use orchids, candles, incense or scented candles; or not. You can go with flannel and bold, manly man colors, patterns, fabrics and scents like cedar, or cinnamon or even vanilla — which apparently most men really like. It’s all up to you!” ~ Martha D.

“I don’t know a lot of men who feel comfortable with touching or being touched outside of sexual intimacy. I grew up in a family that hugged and touched freely in a non-sexual way, so I love being part of a profession where touch is not only okay, but healthy, and healing touch is encouraged.” 24

~ John

“Alternative medicine is the original medicine.”

“One of my clients told me that she was surrounded by her children, their toys and smells all week and that the hour she spent in my office with nice sheets, smells and flowers rejuvinated her and made it possible for her to be a better mom. I like to think all my clients feel that in some small way.” ~ Sara B.

Photo courtesy of Massage Warehouse.

Starter Kits for New Massage Therapists Many massage equipment suppliers offer “starter kits,” such as the one above from Massage Warehouse. Starter kits generally provide the basic equipment and supplies most therapists need to start their practice. Kits vary, so ask your representative for a list, or see if they’ll exchange one item for a similar one. Some will, some won’t, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.

DON’T BE AFRAID TO FAIL. BE AFRAID NOT TO TRY.

What to Look for When Choosing A Massage SChool Once you’ve decided to attend massage school, your next major decision is which school to attend. Many students actually move to the city where they plan to attend. For financial reasons most students choose the school closest to them. It’s up to you. If you plan to work for a specific company or organization, it’s helpful to attend a school where they recruit from. Being a graduate of a well respected school has its perks too. The people you will meet at school will become your peers, friends and mentors, so choose carefully. A school whose instructors are hard to contact, or who don’t engage with students outside of class (no office hours) may not give you the best education possible. Here are the things you should look for or ask about when selecting a school. Not all schools will have all things, but they should have the majority of them. Schedule at least a 30-‐to-‐hour long appointment with the school’s director to find out what you need to know. If they don’t have time for you, you shouldn’t make time for them. EXPERIENCE AND CREDENTIALS OF INSTRUCTORS The people you learn your skills from are the most important people you’ll meet in school, so review their experience and credentials wisely. Schedule a massage (paid) with them if they have their own practice — most do. Do you like the way they interact with you? Do they give a good massage and seem to know what they’re doing? Are they friendly? Accessible? Professional? Do they care about their students and their education? Ask them. Listen to their answers, but trust your gut on this too. Do they feel or seem genuine? What kind of ongoing education do the instructors have? What kind of training are they given before being hired as an instructor? Does the school just hire good massage therapists and hope they can teach, or must instructors complete a training program themselves that prepares them for teaching? Do they keep training even after becoming an instructor? STUDENT/TEACHER RATIO The national standards for student to teacher ratios is 16:1 or 20:1. This means that in a 16:1 ratio class there are 16 students per each instructor. This insures that the teacher can provide the most personal attention and supervision to each student. Much more than 20 students per 28

instructior means you’re not going to get the attention you need to learn well. Some classes have an instructor and an assistant, aide or junior level instructor who helps under the guidance of the instructor. Trust me, you don’t want to be standing around for 20 minutes waiting to learn how to properly execute a procedure. Ask what the ratio is and get it in writing before you sign. Although the national average is what many schools offer, look for a school that has an 8:1 or 10:1 ratio. The lower the ratio, the better your education. Do not attend a school with a higher than 20:1 ratio. You will not learn enough to make you an effective massage therapist. WHO’S THE BOSS? Who directs the school and what are their credentials? How long have they been in their position with the school? Do they have massage experience and accreditation themselves? Have they worked in the health field long? DROP OUT RATE Yes, massage school is hard, but a good school won’t have a 50% drop out rate. A rate of 80% or less is acceptable. Most vocational and speciality programs have a drop-‐out rate of 20-‐50%, while most massage schools have a 10-‐20% dropout rate. Many people just decide it’s not for them once they start. Be suspicious of a 100% success rate too. That might mean the school is too easy. The more important statistic is how many graduates pass their national exam the first time? Look for schools with a better than 90% pass rate on the nationals exams. Ask how many graduates actually get jobs or start practices after graduation. How many are still in practice in 3 years, 5 years etc. The schools do track these numbers, so ask to see their reports. PROMOTION Does the school promote massage in the community? Do they participate in volunteer programs at the local hospitals or schools? Do they have a presence at fairs, farmer’s markets or community fun runs, events and athletic arenas? Do they require students to participate in at least one community event during their enrollment, or after? Do they educate the community about the benefits of massage? Do they hold open houses and invite the public in? Their promotion of massage in the community is part of the marketing that will benefit your practice. People who understand massage and get massage will seek out new therapists. ACCREDITATION The number one item on your list should be the school’s accreditation. Without it you can’t get licensed. Attending a non-‐accredited school is not an option -‐ period. If a school tells you they’re “working” on their accreditation, run. Don’t attend unless the accreditation is in place and current. You can learn massage, but you can’t take the test to get your license without those 500-‐700 hours of accredited classes. Don’t just take the school’s word for their status. Check with the United States Department of Education or the Virginia State Licensing Board to find out if a school is accredited. We have a list of accredited schools in the back of this book and their contact information.

APPROACH Ask the school what their philosophy and approach to education, training and massage is. There are a number of different treatment paradigms or approaches that schools teach and massage therapists practice. These include: wellness/relaxation/stress reduction; corrective and rehabilitative treatment; performance optimization; body/mind integration and somatic awareness; energy balancing. A lot of the terms and definitions won’t mean much to you until you research them, or ask about them. A good school will explain them to you and tell you which approach they use. Good schools will offer a solid foundation in all the modalities. REPUTATION AND NUMBER OF YEARS IN BUSINESS How long has the school been in business? The longer the time in business the more likely it is to offer a quality massage education. Check to see if the school has changed hands or owners during the time they have been in business. See what kind of reputation a school has by talking to its graduates. Also talk to doctors, chiropractors and local spas and gyms which school they hire graduates from, or what they think of the school. Talk to the massage therapists working at the places you’re considering applying to which schools they graduated from. Every massage school has a reputation among professionals, graduates and students. Ask around enough and you’ll find out soon enough if it’s a good reputation or not. Check reviews on Yelp and do a Google search on the school’s name and the words “reputation.” Do they have a social media account, Facebook page or other social media account? Check them all to find out what people are saying. Every business will have bad reviews and unhappy customers, but it’s when the bad outweighs the good that you need to think twice about attending. FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID If you are going to need financial help attending school, ask if the school offers Federal Financial Aid. Some schools may finance their own programs, but do the math. What will their loans cost you over receiving financial aid? Remember, you’re going to need books, lab costs and other items. Compare the cost before you sign. If you’re not good with math or costs, ask a friend, or find someone in the financial field, a bank loan officer or book keeper to explain it to you. SCHEDULES Unless you’re still living at home or independently wealthy, or able to get enough loan money to live on while attending school, you will probably continue to work at least part-‐time while you attend school. Make sure the school has classes and a student clinic that accomodate your work schedule. Most schools have day and evening classes, but some also offer weekend classes. Some have the option of full-‐time classes, while others only offer part-‐time. Make sure the school you choose offers what you need. Do you need to finish school in a year? Six months? Make sure your graduation date and time frame is right for you too.

CAREER SERVICES Whether you plan to work for a company or organization as a massage therapist, or start your own practice, a career service center is a critical part of your education. Career service offices work with businesses, medical practices, clinics and people in the community who are always looking to hire good massage therapists. The career office can help you get interviews and know how to prepare for them. When you talk to the Career Services representatives, ask them how many job listings they have for their students? What will the school do to help you find a job? Another critical question to ask is, how long will you get the support you need? The best massage schools offer job placement assistance to their graduates throughout their careers. Many schools will call a bulletin board in the hallway with posted job listings a “Career Service” but it’s not. You need to have a real person in that position who networks, meets with and actively engages in helping graduates find jobs. Don’t fall for the job board excuse. That’s nice, but it’s not career services. CULTURE The culture of a school is important. It means that the people there share your values, beliefs and personality. You feel like you “fit in.” Pick a school that will provide the kind of training, intention, and schedule you have. Avoid a school that teaches “everything” to do with health careers — like skin care and spa related programs, nail care etc. unless that’s what you want. Find a school that just teaches massage and massage related programs. The more “modalities” (types) of massage a school teaches, the better. Look for things like Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, cranioscral therapy, energy balancing, myofscial techniques, on-‐site chair massage, reflexology, Russian Sport Massage, Trigger point therapy, Acupressure and others. While most schools will touch on these modalities, the best schools will teach them. Make sure the school teaches the modalities you intend to use most. For instance, if you plan to work for a college or sports team, or a physical therapy clinic, or you plan to focus on those kinds of clients, go to a massage school who focuses on that kind of massage training. If you see yourself working in a spa setting, look for a school that teaches hydrotherapy, and Swedish massage. If you aren’t sure what kind of practice you want to have, ask the schools about what they reccommend or what their emphasis is on. You may change your mind after you attend school, and there are new modalities to explore as you go. But be aware of what each offers. RESOURCES Request information about student services the school offers. Do they do post-‐graduate job placement, tutoring, continuing education and financial aid? Do they offer mentoring after graduation? Can you come back or contact the school after you graduate for additional seminars and classes? Great schools help their graduates throughout their careers. They support their alumni just as any college would and stay in touch through newsletters, social media and annual updates about their program. 31

MASSAGE TABLES How many tables does the school have and how many are set up for use? A typical classroom fr hands-‐on instruction will have at least half of the number of tables as they do students. Why? Because one student will be on the table while another is working on the student. So, a class of 20 students means the room will have 10 or more tables set up. Unless there is an uneven number of students, you should never have to share a table with more than one student. Are the tables clean and in good repair? There shouldn’t be ripped, stained or dirty tables in a classroom. Broken tables should be in a back room or storage area so they aren’t accidently used. The tables should have face/head rests. SHEETS Sheets and towels and face rest covers should be professionally cleaned. Most schools have a professional linen service that does this. These are sheets that will be covering naked bodies, and put you at risk for catching various diseases if they are not clean. Some schools will ask you to bring your own sheets each day. Look for a school that provides sheets to its students. COMPUTER ACCESS The best schools have computers and/or computer access for their students. Classrooms which utilize computer labs for study, research and student use are excellent, but not all schools are there yet. You should at least have access to free Wi-‐Fi. STUDENTS Who will you be attending school with? Does the school screen its students, or just take anyone who can write them a check? I attended classes where there were two sexually inappropriate male students. I complained about them but the school did nothing until one of them groped an instructor who was on a table, under a sheet and who then made a formal complaint. The fact is, as a student you will be required to disrobe and to be naked, or nearly naked (underwear/bra allowed) under no more than a sheet or towel while strangers touch your body. You want to know who is going to be in your class and what their background is. The school should screen for sexual offenders and those with a criminal background that would impact their career choice. So ask, does the school screen and what do they screen for? Not everyone who applies to massage school is a candidate for the career. There is a physical, mental and emotional component students must or should meet to make this a career. Ask the school what they look for in a student. Is there an inteview process? Are people accepted and rejected from the program? Even in state and Ivy league college applications not everyone is accepted. There are criteria for students in college, as there should be in massage schools.

What is the average age, educational level and experience of the students you’ll be taking classes with? If you’re in your 40s or older, and the majority of the class is in their 20s, you might be more comfortable with students closer to your age, education and experience level simply because younger students typically associate with their peers. Do your research well and you’ll be glad you did. The foundation of your success is built upon what, where and how you learn. Get the best start you can by picking the best school you can. You may have to move to be able to attend the best school for you, but that’s an investment in your future. See it that way!

CAN YOU BILL INSURANCE COMPANIES? According to the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) massage has gone mainstream. That means corporations, and companies both large and small are offering massage to their employees. With the new Affordable Care Act and 2706, it is now the law that health insurance companies must cover massage. But you have to meet their standards and know how to bill to collect. Healthcare and insurance companies must and do accept insurance claims from massage therapists for car accident and work related injuries. Learning the very basic concepts of how insurance companies work and start taking insurance clients in your massage business in this easy to read book. Once you understand the basic concepts and the process, you will be able to start asking the right questions to the right people and learn what you need to do to bill correctly and get paid by insurance companies! Working with people who are injured and in pain usually means that clients will come in once or twice a week for a few sessions or for many months depending on the severity of the injury or condition. That means regular weekly/monthly clients until they are better and usually a regular weekly/monthly client after they are better and the case is settled. Before you decide if you want to get involved in billing insurance for massage, you really have to analyze your business model and your financial status to see if taking insurance will help your bottom line and help your business become more profitable! You can do that by figuring out your cost per client and then assessing what your earnings potential will look like if you take a few cases or even decide to have a full medical massage practice/clinic! Even if you choose not to bill, it is important to know what is going on in the world of insurance billing. Massage therapist and insurance billing expert Julie Onofrio has written a book called Massage Insurance Billing 101 that covers all the basics of billing for massage therapists and has great deal of information about building a massage practice on her website as well. She has some excellent, and controversial, blog posts on her site about massage therapy that will help new students, and existing massage therapists as well, make smart decisions about their future and about massage. As we’ve said, massage is not for everyone, and it’s better to realize that BEFORE you spend $10,000 to $15,000 and discover it’s not what you expected. It’s always better to go in with your eyes wide open. 33

How to Become

a Massage Therapist in Virginia All massage therapists must be licensed within the state of Virginia to practice massage as a business. Starting or transferring a massage business or a license from another state is stringent, but not impossible.

Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards. There are additional costs to apply for and test with these organizations. The FSMTB governs and administers the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx).

Massage Practice Licensing in Virginia

The MBLEx serves the massage therapy and regulatory communities as the most appropriate and lone entry-level licensure examination. Currently, the MBLEx is utilized for licensure in 42 of the 45 regulated states, the District of Columbia, and the territories of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Remember, passing the MBLEx is only one of the steps necessary for licensure in your state. Please check with your state licensing board or agency about the requirements for licensure in the state you reside. Contact information for the MBLEx and other organizations and schools is located at the end of this publication.

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Virginia’s massage therapy licensing is regulated and overseen by the Virginia Board of Nursing. You can get all the information, forms and certification requirements by visiting the Virginia Board of Nursing website. [http:// www.dhp.virginia.gov/Nursing/ nursing_forms.htm#MassageTherapist]

The Basic Requirements

Virginia residents wanting to become a massage therapist must go to a state accredited school with an approved program, then graduate and pass a stringent national and state examination and apply to the state for a license. You’ll need both a minimum number of classroom and hands on clinical experience. You must also have current CPR certification. After graduation from an accredited school, you must pass the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork and the

Licensure Qualifying Programs As a student pursuing your massage therapy certification, you must graduate from a certified massage therapy program. A partial list of approved programs that you may want to check into is located in the resources chapter at the end of this book.

TIPS: When calling various schools, or just one school, have pen and paper ready to take notes. Get the first and last name and title of the people you speak with. Make sure you have the correct phone number and extension in case you want to call them back. Have a calendar in front of you so you can check the day/date of open houses and see if you have a conflict. Never be afraid to ask questions. You are hiring THEM to TEACH you, so you are the consumer!

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Licensing/Certification Requirements

Per the Virginia Board of Nursing, applications for any and all massage therapists cannot be faxed; the original copy must be mailed, simply because the board requires the application to be notarized.

To learn more about health professions and massage therapy in Virginia, visit the state’s website. [http://www.dhp.virginia.gov/ ]To become fully licensed in the state of Virginia, you must also pass the National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork,, the Licensing Examination of the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards OR an exam deemed acceptable by the Virginia Board of Nursing. You will need: • • • •

Passing score on the Board Certification (BCETMB) Exam, 750-hours of total education, 250-hours of professional, hands-on experience, Current CPR certification through American Red Cross, American Heart

• • • •

Association, or American Safety and Health Institute, Pass a national background check, Agree to uphold NCBTMB’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, and Agree to oppose Human Trafficking. You must be at least 18 years old to apply for a massage therapy license.

Once certified, you must include 25 continuing education hours (CE Credits) every two years. To better understand what continuing education hours are required of you, please visit the Virginia Board of Nursing’s Laws and Regulations webpage and select “Regulations Governing the Certification of Massage Therapists” link. After submitting your application, the board will then perform a background check to ensure that you are clean of any offenses or crimes. If you are found guilty, the Virginia Board of Nursing will then decline your application.

Key Agencies/Boards involved and their contact information

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The massage therapist industry in the state of Virginia is regulated and controlled by the Virginia Board of Nursing. If you would like to contact them for any questions or concerns, then please feel free to contact them by the following information: Department of Health Professions – Board of Nursing Perimeter Center, 9960 Maryland Drive #300, Henrico, VA 23233-1463

Phone: 804-367-4515, Fax: 804-527-4455 and Email: nursebd@dhp.virginia.gov

Requirements To Start A Massage Business in Virginia (Massage Establishment License) If you have filed a completed application with the Virginia Board of Nursing, then you may begin working as a massage therapist for 90 days or less upon written authorization from the board. If you were to fail the exam that you wish to take for certification, then your provisional certification will be withdrawn and you will no longer be eligible for massage therapy certification until you successfully complete and pass one of the approved exams relating to the massage therapy industry. These exams include the following: • • • •

The National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork The National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage The Licensing Examination of the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards Or an exam deemed acceptable by the Virginia Board of Nursing

Massage License Renewal Process You must renew your massage therapy license every two years after receiving your initial license. The cost for renewal in the state of Virginia is that of $95. Additionally, each application for renewal must include 24 continuing education credits/hours with one hour in the professional ethics course and at least 12 hours provided by an NCBTMB-approved provider. A perk to being a first time renewal applicant is that you are exempt from the continuing education credit requirement. As you pursue your continuing education hours, be aware that you must keep full documentation for at least 4 years, in case of the event of a random audit.

Massage License Reciprocity If you are a licensed massage therapist in another state, you must still meet requirements to practice in the state of Virginia: • • • •

Meet equivalent requirements to those who seek certification in the state of Virginia Be in good standing with your current state board Submit a completed application to the Virginia board Pay the required fees and any associated taxes and licenses for your county of business

If you are a licensed massage therapist from another country, then you must meet certain requirements before you can become a certified practicing Virginia massage therapist. •

Approved educational requirements. Regardless of your certification elsewhere, you must still meet the guidelines set by the Virginia Board of Nursing. • Pass the required examinations. • Submit a completed application. • Pay the required fee(s). Note: Specific personnel information, office addresses, fees, payments etc. may change over time. Contact the Virginia state board to obtain the most recent information at the time of your application.

FINANCIAL AID Every year millions of students graduate and face hundreds of thousands of dollars in student loan debt. But massage school graduates are often able to pay off their schooling the first six months to a year after graduation. Why? Because almost all massage schools offer both day and night classes, allowing students to continue to work while they pursue their education. A degree in massage therapy can cost anywhere from $6,000 to $10,000. The equipment, supplies and office setup to get started in your own practice can cost between $2,000 or less if you can find good used equipment, or a starter kit — which many massage suppliers offer. Your school will generally have discounts from equipment reps who visit the graduating class as well. Schools have representatives that can generally take your application online, or over the phone and tell you immediately if you qualify for financial aid. All schools offer payment plans as well. If you consider the fact that you’ll invest 500 to 700 hours of class time, plus another 250 clinic hours where you practice massage on real clients under the supervision of certified instructors or practicing massage therapists, plus $6,000 to $12,000 to start a career that will average $37,000 a year, massage therapy is a good investment! Yes, you’ll have to work hard, but the opportunity is there for anyone who applies themselves and is good with people and willing to do what it takes to get the word out about their business. 37

Accredited Massage Schools in Virginia The list of accredited massage schools in Virginia (below) was as complete as possible at the time of publication in June 2016. If you are an accredited school and are not on the list, please contact us for inclusion.

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NOVA- Northern Virginia Community College Phone: 703.878.5617 4001 Wakefield Chapel Rd. Annandale, VA 22003 Email: ncrippen@nvcc.edu Virginia School of Massage Phone: 434.293.4031 153 Zan Rd. Charlottesville, VA 22901 Email:

Dabney's Lancaster Community College Phone: 540.261.1211 1000 Dabney Dr. Clifton Forge, VA 24422 Email:

Northern Virginia School of Therapeutic Massage Phone: 703.533.3113 200 Little Falls St. #303 Falls Church, VA 22046 Email: mtramonte@nvschoolofmassage.com Le Arai Beauty & Barber Academy Phone: 703.204.1166 8630 J Lee Hwy Fairfax, VA 22031 Email: Avi Career Training Phone: 703.759.2200 10130 Colvin Run Rd. #A&B Great Falls, VA 22066 Email: Education@AviCareerTraining.com

Piedmont School of Professional Massage Phone: 703.497.4437 1690 Bridge Rd. #200 Lake Ridge, VA 22192 Email:

Miller-Motte Technical College Phone: 888.419.4508 1011 Creekside Lane Lynchburg, VA 24502 Email:

Patrick Henry Community College Phone: 276.638.8777 645 Patriot Ave. Martinsville, VA 24115 Email: SpaRelief Vocational Training Phone: 703.448.6088 1487 Chain Bridge Rd. #200 McLean, VA 22101 Email: info@spareliefvt.com Medical Careers Institute Phone: 866.708.6174 1001 Omni Blvd. #200 Newport News, VA 23606 Email: Fortis Phone: 757.499.5447 6300 Center Dr. #100 Norfolk, VA 23502 Email:

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Fortis Phone: 804.323.1020 2000 Westmoreland St. Ste. A Richmond, VA 23230

Advanced Fuller School of Massage Phone: 757.340.7132 195 South Rosemont Rd. #105 Virginia Beach, VA 23452

Miller-Motte Technical College Phone: 540.597.1010 4444 Electric Road Roanoke, VA 24018 Email:

Cayce/Reilly School of Massotherapy Phone: 757.457.7270 215 67th St. Virginia Beach, VA 23451 Email: Cayceschool@edgarcayce.org

Contact Information for the Department of Health Professions and The Massage & Bodywork Licensing and Examination Office

Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination Office 150 4th Avenue North, Ste. 800 Nashville, TN 37219 Phone: 866.962.3926 Email: mblex@fsmtb.org

Department of Health Professions Board of Nursing Perimeter Center 9960 Mayland Drive #300 Henrico, VA 23233-1463 Phone: 804-367-4515 Fax: 804-527-4455 Email: nursebd@dhp.virginia.gov

Your

Massage Therapy Career Checklist

Contact several massage therapy schools near you and ask for materials and information about the school

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Schedule a tour and/or meeting of the school with the head of enrollment. Tour the school.

Book a student massage (usually costs from $15 to $35)

Talk to the student who gives you your massage and ask them what their experience has been like. Talk to close friends and family, or supportive people about your decision to attend massage school. Some will be supportive, some won’t, but listen carefully to their concerns. Apply to the massage school of your choice.

Once you’re accepted, and if you need it, ask about financial aid. Attend and focus, study hard.

Find a mentor. This can be one of your instructors, or another student with business experience. You can have more than one mentor. Learn as much as you can from them about what you’re about to embark on. Mentors can teach you everything from time management, to boundary setting skills, to massage. Don’t think just in terms of a massage mentor. Think about the things about business, personal relationships and social skills too. You can also think about a social media mentor who can help you understand how to promote yourself on social media. Graduate. Celebrate. Refocus.

Several weeks or a month before graduation ask your instructors for letters of recommendation if you plan to work for a business or organization. Now is the time to be writing, interviewing and lining up job interviews with doctors, clubs, gyms, and cruise lines. Avoid the post graduation rush and apply early.

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Plan your life after graduation before you graduate. Start thinking about what you’ll do while you’re waiting and studying to take the national exams. This is a good time to take some business and/or accounting classes or attend a weekend seminar on some aspect of starting and running a business. The Virginia Entrepreneur website regularly posts seminars across the state that can help here. So does the SCORE.org website. Make a list of supplies and items you’ll need to start your new career. This includes a massage table, cremes, sheets, towels, cleaning supplies and comfortable clothing. Start looking for office space or thinking about where you will conduct your business.Your instructors will cover this in class, but now is the time to start looking for bargains on equipment, and to get your other paperwork, license, insurance and taxes in order. You will need to pay property taxes on any equipment you buy for your business. Consider registering your business as an LLC. This not only helps you with taxes, it protects you in case a client is injured and sues you. Some schools have speakers come into the school to discuss issues like sexual harassment, insurance and how to create and run a business. If the school you select does not do this find one that does, or check online to see if there are seminars you can take to learn how to do so. SCORE offers dozen of free or low cost classes and your SCORE representative can often find a mentor for you who has massage therapy experience. Your teachers are there to help you succeed. Utilize them while you’re there. Ask questions. When touring any massage school ask about the availability of the instructors. Do they have office hours? Are they open to meeting with students or do they rush off once class is over? Do they have their own practice? If so, book an hour with them. You’ll be paying for it, but it’s a chance to get uninterrupted time one-on-one with them and to see how a professional does it. If you can afford it and have the time, make sure to do this several times with different instructors throughout the course of your school. You will get better with time and practice, so make friends in school that you feel comfortable swapping massages with. Not only will you have someone you can work on who can give you good feedback, but you’ll learn from each other as well.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS! ...............................................2 Part I. General Provisions.! ....................................3 18VAC90-50-10. Definitions.! ................................3 18VAC90-50-20. Operational requirements.!..................3 18VAC90-50-30. Fees.!......................................3 Part II. Requirements for Certification.! .......................4 18VAC90-50-40. Initial certification.! ......................4 18VAC90-50-50. Certification by endorsement.!..............4 18VAC90-50-60. Provisional certification.! ..................5 Part III. Renewal and Reinstatement.! ...........................5 18VAC90-50-70. Renewal of certification.!..................5 18VAC90-50-75. Continuing competency requirements.!........5 18VAC90-50-80. Reinstatement of certificates.!.............6 Part IV. Disciplinary Provisions.!.............................7 18VAC90-50-90. Disciplinary provisions.!...................7

Part I. General Provisions. 18VAC90-50-10. Definitions. The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise: "Board" means the Board of Nursing. "Certified massage therapist" means a person who meets the qualifications specified in this chapter and who is currently certified by the board. Only someone who is certified by the board as a massage

therapist may use any designation tending to imply that he is a certified massage therapist or massage therapist. "Massage therapy" means the treatment of soft tissues for therapeutic purposes by the application of massage and bodywork techniques based on the manipulation or application of pressure to the muscular structure or soft tissues of the human body. The terms "massage therapy" and "therapeutic massage" do not include the diagnosis or treatment of illness or disease or any service or procedure for which a license to practice medicine, nursing, chiropractic therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, acupuncture, or podiatry is required by law. "NCBTMB" means the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. 18VAC90-50-20. Operational requirements. A. Requirements for current mailing address. 1. Each applicant or certificate holder shall maintain a current address of record with the board. Any change in the address of record or the public address, if different from the address of record, shall be submitted electronically or in writing to the board within 30 days of such change. 2. All required notices mailed by the board to any applicant or certificate holder shall be validly given when mailed to the latest address of record on file with the board. B. A certificate holder who has had a change of name shall submit as legal proof to the board a copy of the marriage certificate, a certificate of naturalization or a court order evidencing the change. A duplicate certificate shall be issued by the board upon receipt of such evidence and the required fee. C. Each certified massage therapist shall conspicuously post his current Virginia certificate in a public area at his practice location. 18VAC90-50-30. Fees. A. Fees listed in this section shall be payable to the Treasurer of Virginia and shall not be refunded unless otherwise provided. B. Fees required by the board are:

Part II. Requirements for Certification. 18VAC90-50-40. Initial certification. A. An applicant seeking initial certification shall submit a completed application and required fee and verification of meeting the requirements of §54.1-3029 A of the Code of Virginia as follows: 1. Is at least 18 years old;

2. Has successfully completed a minimum of 500 hours of training from a massage therapy program, certified or approved by the State Council of Higher Education; or an agency in another state, the District of Columbia or a United States territory that approves educational programs, notwithstanding the provisions of §22.1-320 of the Code of Virginia; 3. Has passed the National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, the National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage, the Licensing Examination of the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards, or an exam deemed acceptable to the board; and 4. Has not committed any acts or omissions that would be grounds for disciplinary action or denial of certification as set forth in §54.1-3007 of the Code of Virginia and 18VAC90-50-90. B. No application for certification under provisions of §54.1-3029 B of the Code of Virginia shall be considered unless submitted prior to July 1, 1998. C. An applicant who has been licensed or certified in another country and who, in the opinion of the board, meets the educational requirements shall take and pass an examination as required in subsection A of this section in order to become certified. 18VAC90-50-50. Certification by endorsement. A. A massage therapist who has been licensed or certified in another U.S. jurisdiction with requirements substantially equivalent to those stated in 18VAC90-50-40, and who is in good standing or is eligible for reinstatement, if lapsed, shall be eligible to apply for certification by endorsement in Virginia. B. An applicant for certification by endorsement shall submit a completed application and required fee to the board and shall submit the required form to the appropriate credentialing agency in the state of original licensure or certification for verification. 18VAC90-50-60. Provisional certification. A. An eligible candidate who has filed completed application for certification in Virginia may engage in the provisional practice of massage therapy in Virginia for a period not to exceed 90 days upon written authorization from the board. B. The designation of "massage therapist" or "certified massage therapist" shall not be used by the applicant during the 90 days of provisional certification. C. An applicant who fails the certifying examination shall have his provisional certification withdrawn upon the receipt of the examination results and shall not be eligible for certification until he passes such examination.

Part III. Renewal and Reinstatement. 18VAC90-50-70. Renewal of certification.

A. Certificate holders born in even-numbered years shall renew their certificates by the last day of the birth month in even-numbered years. Certificate holders born in odd-numbered years shall renew their certificates by the last day of the birth month in odd-numbered years. B. The certificate holder shall complete the renewal form and submit it with the required fee and attest that he has complied with continuing competency requirements of 18VAC90-50-75. C. Failure to receive the application for renewal shall not relieve the certified massage therapist of the responsibility for renewing the certificate by the expiration date. D. The certificate shall automatically lapse by the last day of the birth month if not renewed; and use of the title "massage therapist" or "certified massage therapist" is prohibited. 18VAC90-50-75. Continuing competency requirements. A. In order to renew a certificate biennially, a certified massage therapist shall: 1. Hold current certification by the NCBTMB; or 2. Complete at least 24 hours of continuing education or learning activities with at least one hour in professional ethics. Hours chosen shall be those that enhance and expand the skills and knowledge related to the clinical practice of massage therapy and may be distributed as follows: a. A minimum of 12 of the 24 hours shall be in activities or courses provided by an NCBTMB-approved provider and may include seminars, workshops, home study courses, and continuing education courses. b. No more than 12 of the 24 hours may be activities or courses that may include consultation, independent reading or research, preparation for a presentation, a course in cardiopulmonary resuscitation or other such experiences that promote continued learning. B. A massage therapist shall be exempt from the continuing competency requirements for the first biennial renewal following the date of initial certification in Virginia. C. The massage therapist shall retain in his records the completed form with all supporting documentation for a period of four years following the renewal of an active certificate. D. The board shall periodically conduct a random audit of certificate holders to determine compliance. The persons selected for the audit shall provide evidence of current NCBTMB certification or the completed continued competency form provided by the board and all supporting documentation within 30 days of receiving notification of the audit. E. Failure to comply with these requirements may subject the massage therapist to disciplinary action by the board.

F. The board may grant an extension of the deadline for continuing competency requirements, for up to one year, for good cause shown upon a written request from the certificate holder prior to the renewal date. G. The board may grant an exemption for all or part of the requirements for circumstances beyond the control of the certificate holder, such as temporary disability, mandatory military service, or officially declared disasters. 18VAC90-50-80. Reinstatement of certificates. A. A massage therapist whose certificate has lapsed may reinstate his certification within one renewal period by attesting to completion of continuing competency requirements for the period and payment of the current renewal fee and the late renewal fee. B. A massage therapist whose certificate has lapsed for more than one renewal period shall file a reinstatement application, attest to completion of continuing competency requirements for the period in which the certificate has been lapsed, not to exceed four years, and pay the reinstatement fee. C. A massage therapist whose certificate has been suspended or revoked may apply for reinstatement by filing a reinstatement application, meeting the requirements of subsection B, and paying the fee for reinstatement after suspension or revocation. D. The board may require evidence that the massage therapist is prepared to resume practice in a competent manner.

Part IV. Disciplinary Provisions. 18VAC90-50-90. Disciplinary provisions. The board has the authority to deny, revoke or suspend a certificate issued by it or to otherwise discipline a certificate holder upon proof that the practitioner has violated any of the provisions of §54.1-3007 of the Code of Virginia or of this chapter or has engaged in the following: 1. Fraud or deceit which shall mean, but shall not be limited to: a. Filing false credentials; b. Falsely representing facts on an application for initial certification, or reinstatement or renewal of a certificate; or c. Misrepresenting one's qualifications including scope of practice. 2. Unprofessional conduct which shall mean, but shall not be limited to: a. Performing acts which constitute the practice of any other health care profession for which a license or a certificate is required or acts which are beyond the limits of the practice of massage therapy as defined in §54.1-3000 of the Code of Virginia; 47

b. Assuming duties and responsibilities within the practice of massage therapy without adequate training or when competency has not been maintained; c. Failing to acknowledge the limitations of and contraindications for massage and bodywork or failing to refer patients to appropriate health care professionals when indicated; d. Entering into a relationship with a patient or client that constitutes a professional boundary violation in which the massage therapist uses his professional position to take advantage of the vulnerability of a patient, a client or his family, to include but not limited to actions that result in personal gain at the expense of the patient or client, a nontherapeutic personal involvement or sexual conduct with a patient or client; e. Falsifying or otherwise altering patient or employer records; f. Violating the privacy of patients or the confidentiality of patient information unless required to do so by law; g. Employing or assigning unqualified persons to practice under the title of "massage therapist" or "certified massage therapist"; h. Engaging in any material misrepresentation in the course of one's practice as a massage therapist; or i. Failing to practice in a manner consistent with the code of ethics of the NCBTMB, as incorporated by reference into this chapter with the exception of the requirement to follow all policies, procedures, guidelines, regulations, codes, and requirements promulgated by the NCBTMB.

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