[syringeslinger]

Massage liscensing varies greatly from state to state in the U.S. Check with the state you are interested in for required credentials. Liscensed Massage Therapists (LMT) in Ohio are required to complete approx. 800 hours of massage technique and anatomy and physiology. Liscensing is regulated by the State MEDICAL Board, you must pass a board exam just like Nursing boards, and complete CEU's q 2yrs.
In other states,all you need a weekend workshop.
In Canada, you need over 2000 hours of training to be considered a massage therapist.

[LateBloomingRN2B]

In Florida, when I was licensed in 2000 we had to have 500 hours and six months, plus pass the NCBTMB exam. For info on each state's regulations you can go to www.ncbtmb.org (It's the National Board for Massage Therapy). I think Texas is 1000 hours, but won't swear to it. Some states do not regulate massage therapy, you can hang your shingle and be open for business with little regulation. States such as California specifically are governed broadly and each city regulates the practice even further. However, this may have changed I haven't looked into these things in a couple years. ABMP (Associated Bodywork/Massage Professionals) keeps a running tally of who, what, when and how much on its website, which is very informative as well at: www.abmp.com

Also, there is a Nurse Massage Therapist organization at www.nanmt.org

Hope this helps.

[cosmetic tattooist]

tanya
in my state of colorado it is clearly stated on the boards website that masage is within scope of practice. there is also an algorythm to follow. Find someone to train you one on one in the field of massage you desire. With further clinical hands on there is no reason for you to take a long drawn out course. That's the beauty of nursing we have had our formal training during school. It is now time to flourish a seek out what really turns us on and follow that path. Helping people and helping ourselves is a beautiful thing.

[charebec65]

I don't know about this but when I was in the ER for a relentless migraine and severe back pain, one of the RT's, whom is also a massage therapist, gave me a migraine relieving massage. While it didn't take all of it away, it did help quite a bit. I wouldn't let him do anything to my back. Maybe I should have let him.

My daughter's fiancee' is from S. Korea and he a LMP there. He's not taken the exams here yet so he can't practice but boy can he give a massage!

[island40]

Simple massage, like the back massage nurses used to give to all patients at HS, is sanctioned under an RN license in most states so long as you are not charging for the massage alone- that is where the massage therapist cert. comes in. If you are being paid for other RN services and want to "throw it in" then you should be able to. Ask your BON.

[cosmetic tattooist]

I really wish that nurses would act like nurses!! Please look at the FAQ section of the colorado board of nursing. It will clearly say that it is within scope of practice and and independant act. Therefore please charge for your services. We were taught basic massage and if you take it further and receive training in massage that interests you and you clearly help people then DO IT!!!
We tend to over think everything. Don't let other stand in your way from making a great living and doing what you like. Have some backbone (just a pun). Just make sure that in your state it is legal, sometimes that is very vague. If so proceed with caution but follow your heart.