Continuing education (CE) is a concept you’ll often encounter in the medical field for nurses and doctors. Even with their extensive education, it is important to stay up to date on techniques, keep sharp on the information learned in school, comprehend new concepts, and better your practice. Massage therapists are no different—they play important role in their client’s mental and physical health, and CE is vital to their continued professional growth.
Why CE is a Vital Requirement
The general requirement for licensure in the majority of states is 500 hours of training. This is not an adequate amount of time to approach every technique, study every massage style, and ensure that each massage therapist has a comprehensive understanding of each joint, muscle, tension point, and medical condition. As a result, CE must fill in the gaps to ensure each client is getting a safe, expertly executed, specialized massage.
How CE Protects the Public
To develop therapeutic competence, a massage therapist must invest time in CE to learn advanced techniques, broaden medical knowledge, and develop the mindset required to make the best possible therapy decisions for each client. However, without CE requirements, the incentive to learn and create a safe environment is lessened substantially. To avoid large skill gaps, injuries, poor technique, and unsafe conditions that can all cause harm to clients, continuing education must remain.
How CE Benefits Massage Therapists
Massage therapists who continue their education can use their new knowledge to their benefit. For starters, CE can be a marketing opportunity. By staying on top of industry requirements and certifications, massage therapists can show their clients that they take pride in their work, and they can promote their advanced skill set to bring in new clientele. With CE, they set themselves apart, grow their business, and stay up to date on the best techniques.
CE also allows massage therapists to reinvigorate their passion for their work by perfecting their massage form and looking at their field in new, industry-changing ways. It can be exciting to break through the monotony of the same massage techniques by learning new methods and inspiring growth.
