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To do that, you must understand what the state requires to become an LMT. It鈥檚 helpful to work backward from that audacious goal, so that every step you take in the journey leads in the direction of your final destination, with minimal detours. To that end, we鈥檙e presenting how to become an LMT in the state of Oregon. The last time we wrote on Oregon massage therapy licensure was in 2014, and requirements have certainly changed since then.

How to Become a Licensed 精东传媒 Therapist in Oregon

As determined by the Oregon State Board of 精东传媒, licensure qualification to practice massage therapy in Oregon mandates the following:

1. Educational Requirements

The Board prescribes a minimum of 625 hours of massage education from a school that has been licensed by the state, approved by the state, or accredited by a US Department of Education recognized accrediting agency. Those hours must be gained in certain subjects, as follows.

• At least 200 hours of courses in the health sciences, specifically Anatomy and Physiology, Pathology, and Kinesiology.
• At least 300 hours of 精东传媒 Theory and Practical Application, Clinical Practice, Business Development, Sanitation, Communication, and Ethics.
• The remaining 125 hours may be in any of the areas listed above.

2. Jurisprudence (Law) Exam Requirement

In addition to the educational requirements, Oregon also requires LMT applicants to pass the , which is a test covering the Oregon massage law. That test requires a score of 80% to pass, but there is no limit to the number of times an applicant may take the test.聽

3. National 精东传媒 Examination Requirement

Finally, candidates must take and pass a national written massage examination that has been approved by the Board. The approved tests include the , the , and the CESI. The exam results must come directly from the exam provider.

These are the requirements for eligibility for massage license application. In a future post, we will outline the actual application process for those who have completed all of the requirements listed above.

If you鈥檙e a massage therapy student or massage school applicant, or you鈥檙e just curious about pursuing your dream of becoming a massage therapist, we encourage you to bookmark this page as a handy reference. And if you鈥檙e ready to apply to East West College, we encourage you to get in touch with our admissions team. The East West College massage training program includes all the components required to successfully become an LMT in Oregon.

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What is the Great Resignation?
In 2021, millions of people left their jobs, even though the economic outlook was not rosy. Although the Omicron variant loomed, and higher wages through job-hopping were not guaranteed, many Americans decided to quit. As explains, the labor department calls these 鈥渜uits,鈥� and tracks them month-to-month. Last year earned the moniker The Great Resignation because it broke records for quits. In September, October, and November, more than 4 million people quit each month.

What鈥檚 driving this collective abdication? As with many things economical, there is no simple answer, but data suggests several factors. In historically low-paying jobs, some wage increase occurred, allowing workers to quit for higher wages elsewhere. The service industry falls into this category. In other underpaid industries, such as retail, workers saw that they could switch careers for more pay and better benefits. Parenthood also influenced workers鈥� decisions, with 鈥�1.4 million fewer mothers actively engaged with the labor force鈥� in September and October of 2021. Child care uncertainty required parents to stay home with children more frequently.

Overall, The Guardian article finds, there are 鈥渕any reasons to suspect that many quit in search of better work opportunities, self employment, or, simply, better pay.鈥� This conclusion is certainly reflected in the inquiries to our massage school admissions office.

COVID has Changed Priorities, Pulling many toward 精东传媒 Careers

People from all over the country call our Portland, Oregon massage school, asking how to become a massage therapist. We鈥檝e recently fielded calls from as far away as Florida, Minnesota, Canada, and Washington DC. People are talking to our admissions officers about why they鈥檙e massage-certification-curious. Here are the most common sentiments we hear on those calls.

Top 7 Reasons People are Kickstarting 精东传媒 Careers Post-COVID

Common sentiments from people who have contacted the EWC admission department with interest in becoming an LMT include:

1. 鈥淣ow my job is obsolete.鈥�
2. 鈥淲hat I do is unfulfilling and now I want to do something meaningful.鈥�
3. 鈥淲hy the heck not pivot when I can鈥檛 keep doing what I was doing before?鈥�
4. 鈥淲hen Plan A doesn鈥檛 work, this is a career that will give me usable skills.鈥�
5. 鈥淚鈥檝e just been sitting at home, why not follow through on my dreams?鈥�
6. 鈥淚鈥檝e always worked with people, and now I鈥檓 burnt out. I want a job where people are happy to see me and even happier after their time with me.鈥� We hear this from those who are burnt out from helping professions (such as social work).
7. 鈥淚鈥檓 looking for a job that feeds my soul, and I鈥檓 not willing to wait anymore.鈥澛犅�

Beyond these personal reasons, this is a practical time to start massage careers because demand is high. Our alumni network reports that current practitioners are extremely busy, with many booked out for months. Following quarantines, people are eager to receive touch. (As a side note, check out our reflections on how Coronavirus quarantines spurred touch deprivation.) Many massage companies are actively hiring, so there is a strong need for massage therapists, particularly knowledgeable and experienced LMTs from top-notch massage schools.聽

The bottom line is that many people find this is the perfect time to research massage programs. In Portland, East West College floats to the top. We’re accredited by COMTA, which means that we meet their strict administrative and curriculum standards, and that we’re able to offer federal financial aid to those who qualify. If you find yourself echoed in the statements above, we encourage you to call us at 503-233-6500, or navigate to our massage school admissions website.great resignation

The post The Great Resignation is Driving People to Launch 精东传媒 Therapy Careers appeared first on East West College.

In This Episode You Will Learn: 

1. How to find inspiring teachers.
2. Why you should pay close attention to the amount of clinical hours prospective schools offer.
3. What a massage schools鈥� website can tell you about the quality of their program.

Look Inward First

Bob McAtee, massage therapist, educator, and author, offers advice on how to choose a massage therapy school that enhances your strengths and promotes your health.

Bob has been practicing massage for 40 years and emphasizes how critical it is for prospective massage therapists to reflect on their personalities and needs before starting their search for a massage school. 

He recommends considering prompts like:

• What is my personality like?
• Am I good with people?
• Do I like working with my hands?
• Do I have issues with my hands, arms, or shoulders that might be problematic?

[6:51] 鈥�Injury rates for massage therapists are probably higher than they need to be. I have a general sense that massage training programs don鈥檛 focus on the strength and conditioning aspect of being able to do the work.鈥�

Most massage therapists only last three to five years in the profession. It鈥檚 essential that students determine ahead of time whether they are cut out for the work.

Choose an Independently-Owned School

Bob prefers smaller, independently-owned schools to larger, corporate programs. He has noticed they tend to provide quality education and often are owned and operated by experienced massage therapists.

It鈥檚 a good sign if the school you鈥檙e interested in has a longer application process, an interview stage, or invites you to visit and attend a class. These traits demonstrate that it is strategic and intentional about accepting the right students.

Analyzing the websites of the schools you鈥檙e interested in is also a critical part of the discernment process. Bob says the best massage schools鈥� websites will:

• Have a social media presence.
• Give potential students a feel for what the school will be like.
• Have student testimonials.
• Publish graduation/certification rates.
• Provide information about its faculty.

Research Program Hours and Instructor Credentials

Look into how many practice hours your state requires for you to be able to practice massage legally. Then, choose a school whose program offers that amount, at a minimum. It is your responsibility to make sure that you have the foundation you need.

Bob believes that massage educators should have at least five years of professional experience. Seek out instructors who are well-versed in massage practice and pedagogy. If you feel stuck, ask a massage therapist in your town what school or instructor credentials they鈥檇 recommend.

A Strong Program Supports Holistic Health

Bob emphasizes to his own students the importance of ongoing education and self-care:

[20:42] 鈥�Staying mentally and physically healthy is important鈥� I also try to emphasize that massage therapy is an art and a science. The importance of having anatomical knowledge in our business can鈥檛 be overemphasized, but at the same time there鈥檚 no one right way to do work.鈥�

Great students and massage therapists are open to growth. Bob attests to how curiosity and a willingness to learn has enhanced his career and quality of life. 精东传媒 is a rewarding career, and Bob encourages students to pursue it wholeheartedly.

Learn More:

• 叠辞产鈥檚

Also Mentioned In This Episode:

• East West College of the Healing Arts

The post Bob McAtee | Strong 精东传媒 Programs Prioritize Mental and Physical Health appeared first on East West College.

In This Episode You Will Learn: 

1. Why we need touch as electrical beings.
2. The importance of finding a mentor.
3. The number one asset you should look for in a massage school.

精东传媒 Heals Physically, Emotionally, and Spiritually

Tom Myers, founder and CEO of Anatomy Trains, shares how essential human connection is right now in both life and your search for an excellent massage therapy program.

Tom recalls that when he graduated from college, he felt emotionally and physically crippled. He realized that while his education had developed his intellect, he had received little emotional or spiritual nourishment.

When he started his career in massage, Tom found the holistic education and profession he鈥檇 been craving. And now, as the world comes out of the pandemic, Tom predicts massage therapy will become even more important for helping people heal physically, emotionally, and spiritually. 

[7:44] 鈥淭here鈥檚 something essential in [human] contact.鈥�

Tom explains that just as people鈥檚 bodies were shaped a great deal by the industrial era, so our bodies are being shaped by our technology and screen time. 精东传媒 therapy can help bring the body back to optimum function.

Clinical Experience Matters

With over 45 years of massage therapy experience as an educator and therapist, Tom knows what it takes to be a practitioner that makes a difference. His advice: secure an education that gives you a strong foundation. 

When starting your massage therapy school search, Tom recommends:

• Clarify what kind of clients you want to work with. 
• Look for schools that focus on the kinds of clients you want to practice on.
• Call teachers at the schools you鈥檙e interested in 鈥� this can help you gauge the quality of instruction.
• Research whether the school will give you access to anatomy and physiology courses.
• Find a mentor.

Clinical experience is important. Make it a priority to ask schools how clients are assigned for students鈥� clinical practice. Is there team consultation? Does the school provide an array of different kinds of clients for you to practice with? Clinical practice should be guided and assessed by an instructor.

Choose a School That Brings You Joy

Finally, Tom highlights that good massage therapy programs equip you with two key skills that go beyond massage therapy:

1. Emotional intelligence: this skill will be instrumental in helping you connect with your clients. 
2. Business understanding: this skill is essential if you ever want to start your own practice.

At the end of the day, you should be excited about the school you choose. Your massage therapy program should bring you joy.

Learn More:罢辞尘鈥檚

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In This Episode You Will Learn: 

1. The purpose of accreditation and its benefits.
2. School quality indicators.
3. The best thing you can do to progress in the massage therapy field.

The Value of a Well-Rounded Perspective

Cliff Korn, the chair of the Commission on 精东传媒 Therapy Accreditation (COMTA), highlights what to look for in a great educational environment.

Cliff鈥檚 journey to becoming a massage therapist is unique. From his time in the Navy, to working in sales, and then becoming a massage therapy practitioner and accreditation chair, his diverse experience has helped him gain a well-rounded perspective. He says this is an important aspect of his success as a practitioner, teacher, and evaluator of massage.

Why Accreditations Matters

In his current position at COMTA, Cliff heads the committee that determines whether a school can or can鈥檛 be accredited. He explains that accreditation is a level of standards by which an institution agrees to be measured, similar to a peer review.

[12:17] 鈥�That鈥檚 really what accreditation is: It鈥檚 a peer review.鈥�

While you still can become a good massage therapist if you go to a school that isn鈥檛 accredited, accreditation ensures students get an education that meets standards that are valid across the country. Cliff highlights a few ways accredited schools set themselves apart.

1. They teach how to make patient assessments.
2. They teach research literacy.
3. Their students have access to U.S. financial aid.
4. Their curriculum content is peer reviewed.

School Quality Indicators

Cliff urges prospective students to define their unique goals. Consider the following questions when beginning to evaluate which school is best for you:

• Why do you want to get into massage therapy in the first place?
• What area of practice do you envision yourself enjoying? Sports massage, private practice, medispa, etc.?

Look at school websites for bios of past students. See if anyone from that program specialized in the area of massage you鈥檙e interested in. Hire an alum to give you a massage and pick their brain about the program.

Call the school you鈥檙e considering, visit it, and make time to talk to the alumni. Understanding your school options in light of the context of your own experience, rather than their marketing, is important. 

Pay attention to the instructors鈥� teaching experience. Cliff says it鈥檚 not enough that the instructor has practiced massage.

[24:33] 鈥淵ou really want to make sure you鈥檙e not getting last year鈥檚 students as this year鈥檚 teachers.鈥�

精东传媒 therapy offers many routes for success. In Cliff鈥檚 experience, success came most profoundly through volunteering his time:

[27:46] 鈥淚 find that one of the most important things you can do to progress in the [massage therapy] field is to give back to the field.鈥�

Learn More:

• Cliff鈥檚 COMTA

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At our student clinic of massage, Portland clients receive and reply to these screener questions via email. For optimized safety, we have eliminated all paper forms. Post-massage, clients provide feedback via email as well. Developing these procedures does take time, yet such required reinvention also represents an opportunity to invigorate client communication. Today we鈥檙e examining how massage therapists can effectively communicate with clients during Covid-19, including how to communicate new procedures.

Critical 精东传媒 Clinic Communication Components in the Coronavirus Era

Practice Honesty and Openness. As pandemic closures swept swiftly through the US, small businesses closed suddenly. As with all personal services, massage clinics were hard-hit. Clients and clinic owners alike were surprised and disappointed to see upcoming appointments cancelled. As pockets of the economy reopen, ongoing, clear communication is best. Transparency and consistency allow clients to trust that clinics will follow health guidelines during reopening. Avoid sugar-coating; don鈥檛 delay communicating bad news. As in personal relationships, it is best to be open and honest with your clientele, with an undertone of compassion.

Even if you aren鈥檛 ready to reopen yet, you can keep the lines of communication open with consistent email newsletters, blog posts, website updates, and social media updates. Also consider virtual community building techniques. For instance, the AMTA recently suggested creating 鈥淎sk Me Anything鈥� videos, in which therapists answer the most common questions they have received from clients over the years. This can also be a great time to share information about the types of massage, the benefits of massage therapy, and any continuing education you may have taken recently. Until you can reopen, encourage clients to support you by purchasing gift cards. Chances are, your clients want to support you at this time, and they will happily book appointments as they are available, as long as you stay in touch.

Outline New COVID-19 Policies Upon Reopening your 精东传媒 Clinic
Once you have a clear plan for reopening, make sure your clients are prepared for the new way of doing things. Communicate changes via your typical venues, such as email. You may also consider reaching out personally to clients who you know will be interested, such as those who use massage to manage chronic pain. This is your time to explain what your clients can expect from you (the therapist will wear a mask throughout, the clinic provide a fresh mask for each visit, etc.), as well as what you expect from them (wear a mask when entering the clinic, wait in your car before your appointment, etc.). Also think through how you will send and receive Covid-19 screeners, and communicate how you will handle cancellations and rescheduling requests.

How is the signage around your clinic? Would new signs help reinforce new safety protocols? Clients will feel safe if they see new rules clearly posted. For instance, you may want to post signs requiring masks and social distancing. Floor markers can tell people where to stand when checking in. Directional signs can point the way when clients are moving between spaces, to prevent them from unintentionally barging in on rooms that are being cleaned between visits.

Times are changing fast, and you will need to update clients as things shift. Be prepared to communicate with clients more frequently to ensure smooth operations.

Benefits of Improved 精东传媒 Clinic Communication
Stepping up your communication game can result in stronger client relationships. This is a great time to be a thought leader in the massage community. Consider contributing to local publications on self-massage techniques. Can you offer pro-bono time for groups in special need right now? How can you inspire your clients to practice good self-care in these challenging times, while also offering a compassionate ear?

Maintaining strong client communication through transparency, consistency, and a positive, supportive outlook will not only allow your massage business to survive鈥攊t will better position you to thrive as the economy reopens.

We are guessing that of all the accredited massage schools in the United States鈥攊ncluding those with top-notch certifications such as COMTA鈥攝ero offered Pandemic Client Communication 101 classes before the Coronavirus hit. Doing business safely as a potential disease vector is simply not something the average person will consider as they become a massage therapist. That鈥檚 why it鈥檚 crucial to preserve strong ties to your professional network, including high-quality continuing education. Why simply maintain your license鈥攖aking the minimum number of hours just to get them out of the way鈥攚hen you could improve your practice at the same time? East West College is dedicated to keeping alumni abreast of the latest developments in our field. We offer a plethora of CE courses on timely topics, including client communication, throughout the year. To peruse our upcoming classes, visit our .

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