Massage Therapist Programs in Amherst, New York
Becoming a Massage Therapist in Amherst, New York
Why Become a Massage Therapist in Amherst
Amherst, New York, is a vibrant town located in Erie County, known for its beautiful parks, thriving community, and proximity to Buffalo. With a growing demand for wellness services, becoming a massage therapist in Amherst offers a rewarding career path. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for massage therapists was $46,910 in 2021, with a projected job growth of 32% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Massage Therapy Training Programs in Amherst, New York
If you’re considering a career in massage therapy, Amherst has several reputable schools offering comprehensive programs:
- New York Institute of Massage
- Location: Williamsville, NY (a neighboring suburb of Amherst)
- Program: Offers a 1,000-hour program that includes courses in anatomy, physiology, and various massage techniques. The program is designed to prepare students for the New York State licensing exam.
- Website: New York Institute of Massage
- Trocaire College
- Location: Buffalo, NY (approximately 10 miles from Amherst)
- Program: Provides a Massage Therapy Certificate program with a curriculum that covers Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, and other modalities. The program includes both classroom instruction and hands-on training.
- Website: Trocaire College Massage Therapy Program
- Niagara County Community College
- Location: Sanborn, NY (about 20 miles from Amherst)
- Program: Offers an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Massage Therapy. The program includes extensive coursework in massage techniques, anatomy, and business practices.
- Website: Niagara County Community College Massage Therapy Program
Typical Program Curriculum
Massage therapy programs typically include a mix of theoretical and practical courses. Students can expect to study:
- Anatomy and Physiology: Understanding the human body and its systems.
- Kinesiology: The study of body movement.
- Pathology: Learning about diseases and conditions that can affect massage therapy.
- Massage Techniques: Training in various modalities such as Swedish, deep tissue, and sports massage.
- Business Practices: Courses on managing a massage therapy practice, including ethics and client communication.
Programs usually range from 500 to 1,000 hours and can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to complete, depending on whether you attend full-time or part-time. Specializations may include sports massage, prenatal massage, or medical massage.
Massage Therapy Employment Opportunities in Amherst
Amherst offers a variety of employment opportunities for massage therapists. Some notable employers include:
- Excuria Salon and Spa
- Location: Williamsville, NY
- Description: A full-service salon and spa offering a range of bodywork services. They frequently hire licensed massage therapists.
- Website: Excuria Salon and Spa
- The Woodhouse Day Spa
- Location: Buffalo, NY
- Description: A luxury day spa providing various massage therapies and wellness treatments.
- Website: The Woodhouse Day Spa
- Massage Envy
- Location: Amherst, NY
- Description: A well-known franchise offering therapeutic massage and skin care services.
- Website: Massage Envy Amherst
Massage Therapy Licensure Requirements in New York
To become a licensed massage therapist in Amherst, NY, you must meet the requirements set by the state of New York:
- Education and Training: Complete a minimum of 500 hours of massage therapy education from a New York State-approved school. The program must include coursework in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, pathology, and massage techniques.
- Certifications: Obtain certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and consider obtaining certification from a nationally recognized organization, such as the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB).
- Licensure: Obtain a Massage Therapy License from the New York State Education Department (NYSED) and pass the New York State Massage Therapy Licensing Examination. Apply for licensure through the NYSED Office of the Professions.
Licensure Reciprocity
New York does not have formal reciprocity agreements with other states for massage therapy licensure. However, if you are licensed in another state, you may apply for licensure in New York by endorsement, provided you meet the state’s education and examination requirements.
Get Started Today
Embarking on a career as a massage therapist in Amherst, New York, is a fulfilling and lucrative choice. With the right education and training, you can join the growing field of wellness professionals. 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 licensed massage therapist now!