Massage Therapist Programs in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Becoming a Massage Therapist in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Why Become a Massage Therapist in Milwaukee
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, known for its vibrant arts scene, beautiful lakefront, and historic neighborhoods, is a fantastic place to start a career in massage therapy. The city offers a blend of urban excitement and Midwestern charm, making it an attractive location for aspiring massage therapists. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for massage therapists in Wisconsin is competitive, and the job growth rate is projected to be faster than average, making it a promising career choice.
Massage Therapy Training Programs in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
If you’re looking to become a massage therapist in Milwaukee, you’ll find several reputable schools offering comprehensive massage therapy programs:
- Blue Sky School of Professional Massage & Therapeutic Bodywork
- Location: Glendale, WI (just north of Milwaukee)
- Program: Blue Sky offers a 750-hour massage therapy program that includes courses in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and hands-on massage techniques. The program is designed to prepare students for the MBLEx exam.
- Website: Blue Sky School of Professional Massage & Therapeutic Bodywork
- Lakeside School of Massage Therapy
- Location: Milwaukee, WI (East Side)
- Program: Lakeside offers a 600-hour program that covers various massage techniques, including Swedish, deep tissue, and sports massage. The curriculum also includes business and ethics courses.
- Website: Lakeside School of Massage Therapy
- Herzing University
- Location: Brookfield, WI (a suburb of Milwaukee)
- Program: Herzing University offers an Associate of Science in Therapeutic Massage, which includes 750 hours of training. The program covers a wide range of massage techniques and prepares students for the MBLEx exam.
- Website: Herzing University
Typical Program Curriculum
Massage therapy programs typically include a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on training. Courses often cover:
- Anatomy and Physiology: Understanding the human body and how it functions.
- Kinesiology: The study of body movement.
- Massage Techniques: Training in various massage styles such as Swedish, deep tissue, sports, and prenatal massage.
- Business and Ethics: Courses on running a massage therapy business and maintaining professional standards.
- Clinical Practice: Hands-on experience in a supervised setting.
Programs usually take between 6 months to 2 years to complete, depending on whether you are pursuing a certificate or an associate degree. Specializations may include sports massage, medical massage, or spa therapies.
Massage Therapy Employment Opportunities in Milwaukee
Milwaukee offers numerous employment opportunities for massage therapists in various settings:
- Well Spa + Salon
- Location: Downtown Milwaukee
- Description: A luxurious spa located in the Pfister Hotel, offering a range of services including massage therapy.
- Website: Well Spa + Salon
- Knockout Beauty & Wellness
- Location: Bay View
- Description: A wellness center that offers massage therapy, skincare, and other wellness services.
- Website: Knockout Beauty & Wellness
- Aurora Health Care
- Location: Multiple locations throughout Milwaukee
- Description: A major healthcare provider offering integrative health services, including massage therapy.
- Website: Aurora Health Care
Massage Therapy Licensure Requirements in Wisconsin
To become a licensed massage therapist in Milwaukee, WI, you’ll need to meet the following state and local requirements:
State Requirements
– Wisconsin Massage Therapy License: The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) requires massage therapists to be licensed. More information can be found on the DSPS website.
– Education: Graduate from a massage therapy school approved by the Wisconsin Educational Approval Board (EAB) or the National Accrediting Commission for Massage Therapy and Bodywork (NACMB).
– Exam: Pass the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) or the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) certification exam.
– Application: Submit an application to the DSPS, including a $141 fee and proof of liability insurance.
Local Requirements
– City of Milwaukee Business License: The City of Milwaukee requires a business license to operate a massage therapy business within the city limits. More information can be found on the City of Milwaukee Business Licenses page.
– Application: Submit an application to the City of Milwaukee Licenses Division, including a $25 fee.
– Milwaukee County Health Department Permit: The Milwaukee County Health Department requires a permit to operate a massage therapy business in the county. More information can be found on the Milwaukee County Health Department page.
– Application: Submit an application to the Milwaukee County Health Department, including a $100 fee.
Certifications
– National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) Certification: While not required, NCBTMB certification is highly recommended and may be preferred by employers or clients. More information can be found on the NCBTMB website.
– Education: Meet the NCBTMB’s education requirements, which include graduating from an accredited massage therapy program.
– Exam: Pass the NCBTMB certification exam.
Insurance and Background Checks
– Liability Insurance: The Wisconsin DSPS requires massage therapists to maintain liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $1 million per occurrence and $3 million aggregate.
– Background Checks: Some employers or clients may require massage therapists to undergo background checks, although this is not a state or local requirement.
Get Started Today
Embarking on a career as a massage therapist in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a rewarding and fulfilling journey. With a variety of excellent training programs and a growing job market, now is the perfect time to pursue your passion. Contact one of the local schools today to learn more about their programs and take the first step towards a new and exciting career in massage therapy. Your future as a skilled and compassionate massage therapist awaits!