How do RN's become massage therapists?

In order to maintain my license in the state of Illinois as a massage therapist we need 48 CEU'S per 2 years, while nursing is only required to have 20 per 2 years....Hmmmm extreme you might think for "just a massage therapist" so I also make myself very much in demand with continuing education. Not only am I a Certified Childbirth Educator and NALS certified, I'm also certified in perinatal massage, infant massage and an instructor, bamboo massage certified, oncology massage certified and a certified breast massage therapist for our breast cancer patients. I have a lot of modalities to offer. So no David for once you are right! pursuing further education especially in nursing is a must but you have to gear it to your interest or specialty. I believe some states have what is called Advance Practice Nurses who are masters prepared. I'm not interested! I went with my heart and soul and was not interested in this area. Believe me I was not prepared for the expense of this license as compared to my nursing license upkeep. The cost is absurd to say the least. National certification 200.00/ 2yrs, the license alone for the state is 175.00/ 2yrs. plus all the continuing ed classes which are intensive and average 450.00 to 650.00 each for the above ones I took. Needless to say I was a tiny bit taken aback so thank you for bringing this up. For those of you interested please look into what it will cost you to maintain your license as each state is different. Thanks David for your input.

Hi!

Just wanted to point out regarding the above post about costs: as a licensed or certified massage therapist, ALL costs for maintaining certifications, licensing renewals, personal liability insurance, background checks, fingerprinting, and all continuing educations (after meeting the minimum standards for your state) are TAX WRITE-OFFS as long as you document, keep receipts, and file properly. Even the cost of massage oils, essential oils, and mileage on your care driving to a clients house is a deduction. My favorite deduction is the cost of receiving a massage from other therapists (this is considered "Research and Development.") We learned all about this in our "Business for Bodyworkers" class, and it was absolutely fantastic to find out!!! If you're working as an RN, you would have to file separate return (1099 MISC) for your massage business as an independent contractor. SO worth it. All those costs are completely and legally neutralized.

A word of caution: I'm certain the above information applies for massage therapists in California. It might be a good idea to hire an accountant who specialized in small business management to help you get your deductions sorted specific to your states laws about massage therapy. (The costs of the accountant would be a tax write-off too)