Student Resources

| Massage Links | The Licensing Process | Massage Tables |

Here you will find several websites online that I find useful to Massage Therapists and Students alike

  • Bodywork Online Forums - This is a great place to find information about EVERYTHING. There are some great therapists on here who have been practicing for a long time and collectively they have a lot of experience to draw from. Make sure you SEARCH about your topic/question before you post. Many things have been covered before.

  • Massage Warehouse - Online retailer for massage supplies

  • Bodywork Mall - Another online retailer. They usually have free shipping on oils and creams 1/2 gallon and larger.

  • Best Massage - Great oils, accessories and tables, all at great prices.

  • SacredStoneHealing.com - Center for distance and on-site education for massage therapists and other healers specializing in Ayurvedic Spa Therapist and Stone Massage

  • ABMP - Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals. A professional organization offering insurance, resources, and "Massage & Bodywork" Magazine.

  • FSMTB - Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards. This is a relatively new organization that is offering another test comparable to the NCBTMB

  • NCBTMB - National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. The original "National Exam"

  • State Board - The New Mexico Massage Therapy Board. Find New Mexico laws and regulations here.

  • Texas Board - The Texas State Massage Board

  • MMMS Pre-Orientation - Our own free 3 hour seminar will be a helpful resource for those unfamiliar with massage or who are just unprepared for what massage school will be like. Please come and join us to learn more about our program!

The Licensing Process

 What you need to know...

The procress of becoming licensed to practice Massage Therapy in your state, whichever state that may be, is fraught with paperwork and tests. They are relatively easy, but do take some attention to detail and perseverance on your part. Just going to school does not qualify you to practice massage therapy AND charge for it.

First you must attend and graduate from a massage school approved of by the state it is in. If you intend to practice massage in a different state, make sure you check your own state's laws and regulations to be certain that the school you attend meets the standards of your state. Your school must meet those standards in order for you to apply for licensure in your state.

Once you've gone to school, graduated and got your certificate (that's what you get from schooling: a certificate. NOT a license), you must apply to take the exam your state specifies: usually one of the above, or a special state exam. Then you take that exam, wait for the results. Once you get your positive results, you are then eligible to apply for licensure in your state. Yes, that means: MORE PAPERWORK. Each of these steps also has a fee associated with it. Here it is broken down:

  1. Finish Massage School, receive your certificate
  2. Apply to take a test (paperwork + fee)
  3. Take the test, wait for results (time)
  4. Get results, apply for state licensure (paperwork + fee)
  5. Wait for license (time)
  6. Practice Massage Therapy as a Licensed Therapist!

Once you graduate from massage school, this process can take up to several months to complete. If you are not prepared to take your test immediately and need more time to study, this can delay your licensure even further.

This process can be a pain, but once you are doing what you love and getting paid for it, it will be well worth it! Always start your paperwork earlier than you think you should, and keep copies of everything for yourself. Good luck!

Choosing a Massage Table

You will need a massage table by the halfway point in our massage program. However, you may want to get one even sooner so you can be practicing on your friends and family as soon as possible. Practice practice practice is what will give you "great hands" and you will need a massage table to do that. Working on the floor or bed will quickly lose it's novelty.

Bodyworkmall has a great article about Choosing a Massage Table. It's definitely worth a read. You'll also want to budget accordingly, so that you can afford to buy the table you want.

Even if funds are low, you can still get a great table. Mountain Meadow Massage school will have brand new Earthlite tables for sale at discounted prices, ranging from inexpensive models to top of the line. Then when you can afford a fancy table, your starter table can become your "travel" table that stays in your trunk for out-calls or events.

If you are very resourceful you could even build your own massage table. The simplest thing would be to use a "banquet table" and lay some foam on top, then cover with sheets. This would be very "bare essentials" and not height adjustable, but could work for those willing to be flexible. If you search online for "build massage table" you'll find that several people have plans available for those willing to do some carpentry. Craigslist may be another option as far as looking for used tables goes.

Please feel free to email or call the school if you have any questions regarding massage tables, or anything! 575-202-8010 or Email us.