Massage Therapist Programs in Kent, Washington
Becoming a Massage Therapist in Kent, Washington
Why Become a Massage Therapist in Kent
Kent, Washington, located in King County, is a vibrant city known for its diverse community and thriving economy. With its close proximity to Seattle and Tacoma, Kent offers a unique blend of suburban comfort and urban amenities. The city boasts beautiful parks, such as Lake Meridian Park, and a rich cultural scene, making it an attractive place to live and work.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for massage therapists is expected to grow by 21% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. In Washington state, the average annual salary for a massage therapist is approximately $55,000, making it a lucrative career choice.
Massage Therapy Training Programs in Kent, Washington
If you’re considering a career in massage therapy in Kent, Washington, you’ll be pleased to know that there are several reputable schools offering comprehensive programs. Here are three local options:
- Evergreen Beauty College – Massage Therapy Program
- Located in Renton, just a short drive from Kent, Evergreen Beauty College offers a robust massage therapy program that covers various techniques and modalities. The program includes both theoretical and hands-on training to ensure students are well-prepared for their careers.
- Cortiva Institute – Massage Therapy Program
- Situated in Seattle, Cortiva Institute provides a comprehensive massage therapy curriculum that includes anatomy, physiology, and different massage techniques. The school is known for its experienced instructors and strong job placement support.
- Bellevue Massage School – Massage Therapy Program
- Located in Bellevue, this school offers a detailed massage therapy program that focuses on both Eastern and Western techniques. The curriculum is designed to meet the state requirements and prepare students for the MBLEx exam.
Typical Program Curriculum
A typical massage therapy program in Kent, Washington, includes a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on training. Students can expect to cover the following topics:
- Anatomy and Physiology: Understanding the human body’s structure and function.
- Swedish Massage: Learning the foundational techniques of massage therapy.
- Deep Tissue Massage: Techniques for addressing deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue.
- Ethics and Business Practices: Preparing for the professional and business aspects of a massage therapy career.
- Clinical Practicum: Gaining real-world experience through supervised practice.
Most programs require around 500 hours of training, which can typically be completed in 6-12 months, depending on whether you attend full-time or part-time.
Massage Therapy Employment Opportunities in Kent
Kent offers a variety of employment opportunities for massage therapists. Here are some of the top employers in the area:
- Elements Massage – Employment Opportunities
- Located in the Kent Station neighborhood, Elements Massage is a popular wellness center known for its personalized massage services. They frequently hire licensed massage therapists to join their team.
- Massage Envy – Employment Opportunities
- Situated in the East Hill neighborhood, Massage Envy is a well-known chain offering various massage and skincare services. They provide competitive salaries and benefits for their therapists.
- Kent Meridian Chiropractic and Massage – Employment Opportunities
- Located near Lake Meridian, this facility offers chiropractic and massage therapy services. They often seek skilled massage therapists to support their holistic health approach.
Massage Therapy Licensure Requirements in Washington
To become a licensed massage therapist in Kent, WA, you must meet the requirements set by the state of Washington, King County, and the city of Kent.
State Requirements
– Washington State Massage Therapy License: Required by the Washington State Department of Health
– Complete a minimum of 500 hours of training from an approved massage therapy school.
– Pass the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx).
– Apply for licensure through the Department of Health.
– National Certification: Optional, but recommended.
– National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB)
– Board Certification in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (BCTMB)
King County Requirements
– King County Business License: Required for all businesses operating in King County, including massage therapy practices.
– King County Business License
City of Kent Requirements
– City of Kent Business License: Required for all businesses operating within the city limits of Kent.
– City of Kent Business License
– Zoning and Land Use Permits: May be required depending on the location and type of massage therapy practice.
– City of Kent Zoning and Land Use
Insurance and Liability
– Liability Insurance: Recommended, but not required.
– American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) Insurance
– National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) Insurance
Other Requirements
– CPR/First Aid Certification: Recommended, but not required.
– American Red Cross CPR/First Aid Certification
– Background Check: May be required for certain employers or clients.
– Washington State Patrol Background Check
Get Started Today
Becoming a massage therapist in Kent, Washington, is a rewarding and fulfilling career choice. With the right training and licensure, you can join the growing field of massage therapy and make a positive impact on people’s lives. Contact a local massage therapy school today to learn more about their programs and take the first step towards your new career. Start your journey now and embrace the opportunity to help others through the healing power of touch.