Massage Therapist Programs in Huntington, New York

Becoming a Massage Therapist in Huntington, New York

Why Become a Massage Therapist in Huntington

Huntington, New York, located on the north shore of Long Island, is a vibrant town known for its rich history, beautiful parks, and bustling downtown area. With landmarks such as Heckscher Park and the Paramount Theater, Huntington offers a unique blend of cultural and recreational activities. The town’s proximity to New York City also provides ample opportunities for career growth in the wellness industry.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for massage therapists in New York is around $47,180 annually, with a projected job growth rate of 21% from 2021 to 2031. For more detailed information, you can visit the BLS job outlook page.

Massage Therapy Training Programs in Huntington, New York

If you’re considering a career in massage therapy, several local schools offer comprehensive programs to help you get started. Here are three notable options:

  1. New York College of Health Professions
    • Location: Syosset, NY (approximately 10 miles from Huntington)
    • Program: The Massage Therapy program at New York College of Health Professions offers a robust curriculum that includes both theoretical and practical training. The program is designed to meet the New York State Education Department requirements.
    • Website: New York College of Health Professions
  2. Swedish Institute
    • Location: New York, NY (approximately 40 miles from Huntington)
    • Program: The Swedish Institute offers an Associate in Occupational Studies (AOS) in Massage Therapy. The program includes courses in anatomy, physiology, and various massage techniques.
    • Website: Swedish Institute
  3. Finger Lakes School of Massage
    • Location: Mount Kisco, NY (approximately 50 miles from Huntington)
    • Program: This school offers a comprehensive Massage Therapy program that covers a wide range of massage techniques and prepares students for the New York State licensure exam.
    • Website: Finger Lakes School of Massage

Typical Program Curriculum

Massage Therapy programs generally include a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on training. Courses often cover:

  • Anatomy and Physiology: Understanding the human body and its systems.
  • Massage Techniques: Learning various styles such as Swedish, deep tissue, and sports massage.
  • Ethics and Business Practices: Preparing for the professional and business aspects of a massage therapy career.
  • Clinical Practice: Gaining real-world experience through supervised clinical hours.

Programs typically range from 500 to 1,000 hours of training, depending on the school and any specializations you choose to pursue.

Massage Therapy Employment Opportunities in Huntington

Huntington offers a variety of employment opportunities for massage therapists. Here are some notable establishments:

  1. Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa
    • Location: Huntington Station, NY
    • Description: A well-known spa offering a range of massage and facial services. They frequently hire licensed massage therapists.
    • Website: Hand & Stone
  2. Elements Massage
    • Location: Greenlawn, NY
    • Description: This wellness center focuses on personalized massage therapy sessions tailored to individual client needs.
    • Website: Elements Massage
  3. Cure Urgent Care
    • Location: Huntington, NY
    • Description: A healthcare facility that offers various wellness services, including massage therapy.
    • Website: Cure Urgent Care

Massage Therapy Licensure Requirements in New York

To become a licensed massage therapist in Huntington, NY, you must meet the following requirements:

New York State Requirements
License: Obtain a license from the New York State Education Department (NYSED). NYSED Massage Therapy
Education: Complete a minimum of 500 hours of massage therapy education from a NYSED-approved school. NYSED Education
Exam: Pass the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) certification exam or the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx). NCBTMB Certification
Age: Be at least 18 years old.
Background Check: Undergo a criminal background check through the NYSED. NYSED Background Check

Suffolk County Requirements
Permit: Obtain a permit from the Suffolk County Department of Health Services. Suffolk County Permit
Inspection: Pass an inspection of your massage therapy establishment by the Suffolk County Department of Health Services. Suffolk County Inspection

City of Huntington Requirements
Business License: Obtain a business license from the City of Huntington. Huntington Business License
Zoning Approval: Obtain zoning approval from the City of Huntington Planning Department. Huntington Zoning Approval

Certifications
National Certification: Obtain certification from the NCBTMB or the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). AMTA Certification
Specialized Certifications: Obtain specialized certifications in areas like sports massage, prenatal massage, or myofascial release, if desired.

Insurance and Liability
Liability Insurance: Maintain professional liability insurance to protect yourself and your business. AMTA Insurance

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career as a massage therapist in Huntington, New York, is a rewarding and fulfilling journey. With a variety of educational programs and employment opportunities, you have everything you need to succeed. Contact a local massage therapy school today to get started on your path to becoming a licensed massage therapist. Take the first step towards a rewarding career in massage therapy!