QuestionHi,
I'm a 54 year old adventurer, in excellent, physical condition and am considering massage as a "next" career.
Wondering about training and what type. I live in Vancouver, WA, which is basically Portland, OR.
Ashmead is here, but just wondering if you have any advice on where to go for good training and what areas are best to explore.
Thanks
AnswerThanks for the question(s), George, and one which I am "fairly" familiar with, considering that I explored the same idea as a hobby when I was 37 and practiced it part-time until about 7 years ago when I turned it fulltime at the age of 49.
Your question(s) are very appropriate for your own researching of the field. I cannot answer the question about "Wondering about training and what type", other than to say that you WILL NEED Anatomy & Physiology and a basic Swedish massage course as a foundation for your second career. Beyond that it is mostly up to you and whatever other (elective) courses you yourself choose to add/specialize in.
My suggestion is that you investigate within the jurisdiction you want to work what minimum hours & documents are legally required to be licensed & the costs involved. Then research thru either www.amtamassage.org or www.abmp.com as to which Massage Therapy schools you might consider to investigate for your schooling. Consider the programs each offers and what courses they teach to meet your career objectives.
Hope that helps you.
Good Luck with your new second career.
Michael, LMT
