[bobgota]

Iam looking into attending the American Spirit Institue in Virginia for massage therapy. The program is 500 hours (270 needed for massage and 220 electives). It is certified but not accreditated, does this make a difference?
I work in the ICU at a local hospital which is a planetree facility. I am hoping to combine my certification in aromatherapy with massage when I am done. Can anyone recommend the book "Hospital Based Massage Programs in Review?"
Has anyone been successful in getting a massage program going within a hospital system or how I would find out about such programs.
Having worked as a nurse for almost 28 years I am looking for a change. Have others been happy with the transition from bedside nurse to massage therapist?
Appreciate any input

[nightingale]

I have seen Massage incorporated in the programs at hospitals. I have not started any but have been a part of the Volunteer Program at a local hospital for some time now. I massage patients on the Rehab Floor and I work on Nurses directly on the various floors. There is also a Nurse, through Occupational Health at the Hospital, that works on the Staff; you sign up on a sheet and "go to her office" for the appointment.

I hope someone writes in about their direct work with patients in ICU. Your work there will be very rewarding and beneficial. I hope we get to hear about your progress.

Certification is what you will have when you get your hours and sit for the Boards for Massage Therapy. You will be a Certified Massage Therapy (CMT). The states vary with their requirements. I am in a state where I am not required to have a license. As a Nurse, I can provide services that I have special training in. Here is the link for the National Certification:

NCBTMB

I am not a member to the above; I have not gone to school for verfiable hours totaling 500 hours. I have taken multiple classes in massage. I was searching for, and could not find a link I used to have that listed the states who had to have specific lisensure. I will look more and post later, hopefully, in the week.

I have often thought of researching for grants and loans for massage in the Community. I am particularly interested in the elderly for massage.

[bobgota]

thanks I appreciate your thoughts. Look forward to talking again

[Fibril_late]

Rn-Massage therapist to be: I too, am in a similar boat. As an injury-retired Critical Care Nurse (of 23 years), I am currently enrolled in a Massage Therapy, 500 hour program in California. I fully intend to "capitalize" on my RN "history" when I enter the practice arena of massage. Lymphedema Therapy holds some interest, but I really am attracted to the whole bodywork aspect as well. Don't have a worry; whatever you do, this will certainly widen your scope of practice...........it's just the marketing of "you or me" that is the hard part!