Kansas Massage Therapy Programs

A career in massage therapy can be a rewarding way to work directly with clients in a healthcare setting. Massage therapists are often self-employed and enjoy the benefit of working autonomously in a dynamic work environment that may vary from day to day or even from appointment to appointment. In Kansas, most people who wish to become a massage therapist begin to work toward their goal by enrolling in a state-approved massage therapy school. An approved massage therapy curriculum will generally consist of a combination of theoretical learning in a traditional classroom setting as well as practical, hands on learning in a more clinical setting. Massage therapy schools often offer flexible scheduling that may suit nontraditional students who have work or family obligations.

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Massage Therapy Licensing Requirements in Kansas

Upon graduating from a massage therapy school and obtaining a degree or diploma, those who wish to practice massage therapy professionally must complete state licensing requirements. The State of Kansas requires a minimum of 500 hours of coursework, which is typically fulfilled by graduating from a massage therapy school. Next applicants must pass the MBLEx exam or the NCETMB/NCETM exam. After passing the exam of choice, applicants must pay the initial state licensing cost of $75 and an additional $75 every two years to renew the license. Students should also inquire within the cities in which they wish the practice as individual cities may also have separate licensing requirements. Licensed massage therapists are required to complete a minimum of 12 hours of continuing education every two years.

Employment Outlook for Massage Therapists in Kansas

Massage therapists who practice professionally in Kansas earn an average annual salary of slightly less than $35,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Industries that report the highest concentration of massage therapists include personal care services, recreation and amusement businesses, traveler accommodation, physicians’ office, and offices of other healthcare practitioners. Massage therapists who earn the highest salaries tend to work in certain specialty hospitals, technical and trade schools, nursing care facilities, physicians’ offices, and ambulatory healthcare settings.

Traditional students who are interested in studying massage and adults who simply want a career change and have an interest in hands on healthcare work may find that massage therapy is an excellent option. With a greater acceptance of massage therapy into the modern Western lifestyle, opportunities for massage therapists are expected to continue to grow.