6 Amazing Online Massage Therapy Certification Programs (Paid vs. Free)
Massage therapy is a great way to relax and rejuvenate your body. There are many benefits to getting a massage, including reducing stress, tension headaches, and improving circulation.
Massage therapy is typically performed by using hands and fingers to massage the skin and muscles. Oil or lotion may be used to help reduce friction on the skin. Massage therapy can be performed on any part of the body, but is most commonly used on the back, neck, shoulders, and legs.
There are many different types of massage, including Swedish, deep tissue, shiatsu, and reflexology. Each type of massage has its own benefits.
If performing massage therapy sounds like something you would be interested in, then you will be happy to know that there are many free online massage therapy certification programs available.
These programs will teach you the basics of massage therapy and provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform massage therapy safely and effectively.
In this article, we will be discussing ten free online massage therapy certification programs that are available.
So, if you are interested in becoming a certified massage therapist, then keep reading!
Working as a Massage Therapist — The Good and Bad
Before we get into the free online massage therapy certification programs, let’s first discuss what it is like to work as a massage therapist.
There are many advantages to working as a massage therapist. For starters, you can both work as an employee at a place like a SPA or massage clinic, or you can be self-employed and open your own salon. Or you could even become a mobile massage therapist and travel to your client’s homes or workplaces.
Another great thing about being a massage therapist is that you can set your own hours. If you are self-employed, then you can work as little or as much as you want. Working for someone else doesn’t come with the same benefits, but you get different perks, such as stability and a regular paycheck.
However, there are also some disadvantages to working as a massage therapist. One of the biggest drawbacks is that it can be physically demanding. You will be on your feet for long periods of time and using your hands to massage people. This can lead to fatigue and pain in your hands, wrists, arms, and shoulders.
Another downside to being a massage therapist is that you may have to deal with difficult clients. This could include people who are rude, aggressive, or have unrealistic expectations.
Lastly, working as a massage therapist can be emotionally draining. You will be dealing with people who are in pain and may be going through a tough time in their lives. This can be emotionally taxing and may take a toll on you over time.
Editor’s note: One thing worth nothing is that the demand for massage therapists is projected to grow by 32% by 2030. With our aging population, and more people looking for alternative methods of pain relief, there will be a growing need for massage therapists.
Now that we’ve gone over the pros and cons of the profession, let’s see how you could get started into the world of massage therapy.
The Path to Becoming a Massage Therapist
There are a few different paths you can take to become a massage therapist. The most common route is to complete a massage therapy program at a school or college.
These programs typically last anywhere from six months to two years and will teach you the basics of anatomy, physiology, and massage techniques.
Once you have completed a massage therapy program, you will then need to pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) in order to become a licensed massage therapist.
After you have passed the MBLEx, you will then be able to find employment as a massage therapist.
In order to become a certified massage therapist, you will need to complete a certification program in the specific type of massage therapy you are interested in.
For example, if you want to specialize in Swedish massage, then you will need to complete a certification program in Swedish massage. The same goes for other types of massage, such as deep tissue, sports massage, etc.
While there are many certification programs available, not all of them are free.
In the next section, we will be discussing the best online massage therapy certification programs that you can complete from the comfort of your own home. But don’t expect much in the way of certification from free ones, as they are typically not as comprehensive as the paid programs.
Paid vs. Free Online Massage Therapy Certification Programs
When it comes to online massage therapy certification programs, you have two main options: paid and free programs.
Paid programs will typically offer a more comprehensive education and will often come with additional perks, such as support from instructors, access to resources, and job placement assistance.
Free programs, on the other hand, are just that – free. While they may not be as comprehensive as paid programs, they can still provide you with the basic knowledge and skills you need to get started in the field of massage therapy.
So, which option is right for you? Ultimately, it depends on your budget and your goals. If you are looking for a more comprehensive education and want access to additional resources and support, then a paid program may be the better option.
However, if you are on a tight budget or are simply looking for the basics, then a free program may be all you need.
Now that we’ve gone over the pros and cons of the profession, as well as the different types of online massage therapy certification programs available, let’s take a look at some of the best programs out there.
3 Best Free Online Massage Therapy Certifications
It might sound weird to get an online certification for something that requires physical touch, but these days you can get certified for almost anything online. You don’t even have to leave your living room- which is great news for those of us who are self-isolating or social distancing.
Or for those of us who live in remote areas and don’t have access to massage schools. While nothing can replace in-person training, these online courses are a great way to get started in the field of massage therapy.
Here are the best free online massage therapy certification programs that we could find:
1. The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) Course
The first program on our list is the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB). This program offers a variety of different courses that you can take to become a certified massage therapist.
The NCBTMB offers both an online and offline program, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. The program is self-paced, so you can complete it at your own pace.
You will need to pass a written exam and a practical exam in order to become certified. The NCBTMB also offers a continuing education program for those who want to keep up with the latest massage therapy techniques.
2. The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) Course
The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) is another great option for those looking to get certified in massage therapy. Like the NCBTMB, the AMTA offers both an online and offline program. The AMTA’s online program is also self-paced. You will need to pass a written exam and a practical exam in order to become certified.
The AMTA also offers a variety of different courses that you can take to further your education. These courses cover topics such as malpractice protection, self-care, and marketing for massage therapist.
3. Q Academy’s Massage Courses
Finding good massage information online can feel daunting at times. There’s a lot of bad information out there, and it can be hard to find the good stuff. That’s why we’re happy to recommend Q Academy’s massage courses.
Q Academy is a well-respected authority on massage, and their courses are some of the best in the business. The lessons are divided into the various body parts to massage: hand and arm, face, and feet. However, these aren’t really part of a course, and are intended to be more of an introduction to the world of massage therapy.
The academy also offers additional short courses in Swedish massage, Thai massage, anatomy and physiology, and business practices. These courses are easily available online, but don’t come with a certificate.
If you want a certification, you will have to complete either Certificate IV In Massage Therapy Online or Diploma of Remedial Massage Online. These courses aren’t free though. In fact, they are quite expensive. But if you’re serious about becoming a massage therapist, they are definitely worth the investment.
3 Best Paid Online Massage Therapy Certifications
If you’re looking to get certified in massage therapy, you have a lot of different options to choose from. And while a lot of these programs offer free courses, the best ones are the paid courses.
A good online massage therapy program with certification will cost you a few thousand dollars. Not the worst, but not the best either. But if you’re serious about becoming a massage therapist, it’s worth the investment (in fact, it’s necessary).
Editor’s note: Financial assistance and grants/scholarships are likely to make these programs way more accessible than their price tag suggests.
The three best paid online massage therapy certification programs are:
Here are the three best paid online massage therapy certification programs:
1. U.S. Career Institute’s Massage Therapy Program
If you want to get a massage therapy certification from a well-known and respected institution, the U.S. Career Institute’s Massage Therapy Program is a great option. The program costs $4989, and it takes about six months to complete.
You will learn everything you need to know about massage therapy in this program, including anatomy and physiology, Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, and sports massage. The program also includes a externship, so you can get real-world experience before you start working.
2. Allied Health Career Institute’s Online Massage Therapy School
The Allied Health Career Institute’s Online Massage Therapy School is another great option for those looking to get a massage therapy certification.
The school offers 3 separate massage programs:
- Massage practitioner — This is a 500 hours program that costs around $5,200 to complete. It provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to get licensed and eventually work as a massage therapist. M
- Advanced massage practitioner — This is a 750 hours program that costs around $7,200 to attend. It provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to work as a massage therapist. It’s very similar to the Massage Practitioner program, but it goes into more detail and covers more topics.
- Massage therapy certificate program — This is a 700-hours course that focuses less on the practice of massage, and more on its theoretical aspects. It’s perfect for those who want to teach massage, or work in a research capacity. The program costs around $7,200 to attend.
Whichever program you choose, you’re sure to get a top-quality education that will prepare you for a successful career in massage therapy.
3. Northwest Academy: Massage Schools Seattle
The great part about this program is that the school has plenty of physical locations around the country, so you can easily get your practice hours in. Another great perk of attending Northwest Academy is how it helps you prepare for the MBLEx (Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination). Additionally, it will help you with career placement thanks to its job search assistance program.
The only downside to this program is that it’s quite expensive. The total cost of the program is $12,000, which isn’t surprising given how comprehensive it is.
Overall, these are three of the best paid online massage therapy certification programs. While they are all quite expensive, they are definitely worth the investment if you’re serious about becoming a massage therapist. So, do your research and decide which one is right for you.
The Most Popular Types of Massages
There are many different types of massages, and each has its own benefits. Usually, students pick one of these to specialize in during their studies.
Here’s a list of the most common types of massages:
- Swedish Massage — This is the most common type of massage, and it uses long, smooth strokes to relax the muscles. It can be used for full-body or targeted massages.
- Deep Tissue Massage — This type of massage is used to target deep muscle tissue. It uses slow, deep strokes to release tension in the muscles.
- Shiatsu Massage — This type of massage uses pressure and finger strokes on the acupuncture points of the body. It is said to help relieve pain and tension.
- Reflexology Massage — This type of massage focuses on the feet, hands, and ears. It is said to help relieve stress and tension in the body.
To get started in the field of massage therapy, you will need to find a program that suits your needs. There are many free online massage therapy certification programs available, so you should have no problem finding one that is right for you.
Conclusions
A career in massage therapy can be very rewarding, both financially and emotionally. If you are looking for a new career, or are simply interested in the field of massage therapy, then be sure to check out one of the free online massage therapy certification programs. With so many different types of massages available, there is sure to be one that is perfect for you.
The above three massage therapy certification programs are some of the best in the nation. Each offers a comprehensive education that will prepare you for a successful career in massage therapy. So if you’re serious about becoming a massage therapist, be sure to check out one of these paid online massage therapy certification programs.
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