Massage Therapist Programs in Orlando, Florida
Becoming a Massage Therapist in Orlando, Florida
Why Become a Massage Therapist in Orlando
Orlando, Florida, known for its vibrant tourism industry and world-famous attractions like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, offers a thriving environment for massage therapists. With a growing demand for wellness and bodywork services, Orlando is an ideal location to start your career in massage therapy. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for massage therapists is projected to grow 21% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. The average salary for a massage therapist in Orlando is around $45,000 per year, making it a lucrative career choice.
Massage Therapy Training Programs in Orlando, Florida
If you’re looking to become a massage therapist in Orlando, there are several reputable schools offering comprehensive massage therapy programs:
- Cortiva Institute – Orlando
- Location: Winter Park
- Program: The Massage Therapy program at Cortiva Institute offers a blend of hands-on training and theoretical coursework. The program covers various massage techniques, anatomy, and business practices.
- Cortiva Institute – Orlando Massage Therapy Program
- Florida College of Natural Health
- Location: Maitland
- Program: This school offers a Professional Massage Therapy program that includes courses in anatomy, physiology, and different massage modalities. The program is designed to prepare students for the MBLEx exam.
- Florida College of Natural Health Massage Therapy Program
- Central Florida School of Massage Therapy
- Location: Winter Park
- Program: The program at Central Florida School of Massage Therapy includes 600 hours of training, covering Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, and sports massage, among other techniques.
- Central Florida School of Massage Therapy Program
Typical Program Curriculum
Massage therapy programs typically include a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on training. Courses may cover:
– Anatomy and Physiology: Understanding the human body and its systems.
– Massage Techniques: Learning various massage modalities such as Swedish, deep tissue, and sports massage.
– Ethics and Business Practices: Preparing for the business aspects of running a massage therapy practice.
– Clinical Practice: Gaining practical experience through supervised clinical hours.
Programs usually take between 6 to 12 months to complete, depending on whether you attend full-time or part-time. Some programs may offer specializations in areas like sports massage or prenatal massage.
Massage Therapy Employment Opportunities in Orlando
Orlando offers numerous employment opportunities for massage therapists in various settings:
- The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Orlando
- Location: Grande Lakes
- Description: A luxury spa offering a range of wellness services, including massage therapy. They frequently hire skilled massage therapists.
- The Ritz-Carlton Spa Employment Opportunities
- Waldorf Astoria Spa, Orlando
- Location: Bonnet Creek
- Description: Known for its luxurious spa services, the Waldorf Astoria Spa is a great place for massage therapists to work.
- Waldorf Astoria Spa Employment Opportunities
- Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa
- Location: Multiple locations
- Description: A well-known chain offering massage and facial services. They have several locations in Orlando and are always looking for qualified massage therapists.
- Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa Employment Opportunities
Massage Therapy Licensure Requirements in Florida
To become a licensed massage therapist in Orlando, FL, you must meet the requirements set by the state of Florida:
State Requirements
– Licensure: Massage therapists in Florida must be licensed by the Florida Department of Health.
– Education: Complete a minimum of 500 hours of massage therapy education from a COMTA or NACMB accredited school.
– Examination: Pass the MBLEx or the NCBTMB certification exam.
– Background Screening: Undergo a background screening through the FDLE and the FBI.
Certifications
– National Certification: While not required, obtaining national certification through the NCBTMB can be beneficial for career advancement.
Local Requirements
– City of Orlando: No additional requirements or licenses are needed to practice massage therapy in the city of Orlando.
– Orange County: No additional requirements or licenses are needed to practice massage therapy in Orange County.
Other Requirements
– Liability Insurance: It is recommended that massage therapists maintain liability insurance.
– Continuing Education: Complete continuing education requirements as set by the Florida Department of Health to maintain licensure.
Get Started Today
Embarking on a career as a massage therapist in Orlando, Florida, is a rewarding and fulfilling journey. With the right education and training, you can join the ranks of skilled professionals in this growing field. Contact a local massage therapy school today to learn more about their programs and take the first step towards your new career. Don’t wait—start your journey to becoming a massage therapist today!