Becoming a Registered Massage Therapist in Canada
Massage therapy is one of the most popular jobs on the market today, especially in Canada. This is because, unlike the United States, a Registered Massage Therapist can work across provinces with very little additional training. Today, massage therapy can be a great field to work in for the right person who desires to offer such healing services. In fact, to add on to such training, most individuals work through an online course and testing in order to do so.
Also, one of the newer organizations which identifies as the National Massage Therapy Alliance has replaced an older alliance. In addition, as each alliance requires their therapists to complete coursework through one of the affiliated programs in the area, with the right training and additional testing one can provide such services in all Canadian provinces. In order to become registered and do so, one must be a successful graduate from an accredited massage school which is recognized by the Canadian province in which one intends to provide such services.
Although, as many individuals who have ever attended any form of massage training can tell you, especially in Canada, one must continue completing coursework over time. In addition, if one wishes to work in relation to different styles of massage and techniques, one can do so by completing additional coursework over time. At which time, one can hold on their registration while attempting to learn and work with different massage techniques.
With regards as to where to obtain such coursework, there are a variety of programs offered in several styles of massage all across Canada. So, if one can pinpoint an area in which one is interested in providing services, even if only until one completes additional coursework, one can have more flexibility in doing so.
Although, massage therapy can definitely be an excellent field in which to work which offers a great deal of independence as well as monetary support if one is good at the process. As in Ontario, requirements are that individuals complete 2200 hours of coursework before becoming a registered massage therapist. However, as one is generally working as an apprentice, one can learn a great deal about massage styles and techniques by doing so.
As of the first of April, 2009, Canadian Ministers stated that those working in such a field may now cross-train and work in a number of Canadian provinces with the right training. Also, if one has excellent history and training, doing so can land one many jobs.
Therefore, if one plans to become a therapist in Ontario and is already registered, additional coursework is required periodically to keep both a license and registration in tact. Therefore, as long as one has no grievances against others, is professional in demeanor and has permission, there are a number of ways in which one can make money at the same time as training to become a registered massage therapist.
As for costs, while nowhere near expensive as the United States, going to school in Canada for massage can be less expensive. However, federal funding is only allowed to those on the Canadian council. Therefore, one may want to save and study the different forms of massage to decide which one is most interested in before beginning such training.
Whereas, if one can attend a school that is operated on a not-for-profit basis, one can pay as little as $500 to $700 in order to become a registered massage therapist. Still, whether one has paid training or is paying a reduced amount of tuition, massage therapy can be a great field. For, while one is assisting one to relax, one may also be helping the healing process of body, mind and soul, whether with or without the client’s knowledge.
Therefore, although one may have to spend a great deal of time in training to become a massage therapist in Canada, it is something many decide to do. As, by becoming a massage therapist, one can retain their independence, work the hours which one desires to work and can help people in the process. Something, not a lot of other jobs available today seem to offer, especially with the recent economic downturn.
