What is the highest level of massage therapist?

Asked by: Cordie Kris  |  Last update: February 15, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (66 votes)

Board certification can be obtained from the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) and indicates that a massage therapist has attained a higher level of achievement beyond entry level licensure. Board certification is the highest voluntary credential available to massage therapists.

What is the highest certification for a massage therapist?

Board Certification in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (BCTMB®) is the highest credential within the massage and bodywork profession. Choosing to become Board Certified demonstrates your advanced assessment and critical thinking abilities and provides credibility to current and prospective clients and employers.

What is the difference between a CMT and a LMT?

CMTs are certified through an educational body such as a massage therapy program or school, whereas LMTs are licensed through the state government. LMTs often engage in the most rigorous training and must fulfill certain continuing education credits throughout their time in practice to maintain their license.

What is the highest level of massage?

The Level 5 Certificate in Sports Massage Therapy (ITEC) course provides the highest level of training in sports massage. It is designed for experienced practitioners including osteopaths, physiotherapists and sports massage therapists who have already achieved the Level 4 Diploma in Sports Massage qualification.

What is the highest paid massage therapist?

Highest paying cities for Massage Therapists near United States
  • New York, NY. $50.62 per hour. 424 salaries reported.
  • Boulder, CO. $47.89 per hour. 61 salaries reported.
  • Chicago, IL. $43.05 per hour. 329 salaries reported.
  • Los Angeles, CA. $42.58 per hour. 244 salaries reported.
  • Colorado Springs, CO. $40.49 per hour.

Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting Massage School

45 related questions found

What is a Level 6 massage therapist?

This 3 year part-time BTEC Level 6 Professional Diploma will allow you to become an unparalleled expert in the arena of injury and pain management. This award-winning course is divided into 3 sections: Bodywork Beginnings (Massage qualifying course)

Can a massage therapist make 6 figures?

The average massage therapist salary in the United States is around $47,180 annually. However, by implementing targeted strategies, you can double this figure to achieve a massage therapist salary well into the six-figure range and join the ranks of top earners in the industry.

What is the hardest type of massage?

The most requested massage, The Swedish Massage, offers gentle strokes for relaxation, while the deepest, hardest type of massage–deep tissue massage– works well with chiropractic treatments to relieve chronic pain or muscle tension.

How long is massage therapy school?

What to Expect From a Massage Therapy Program. A question we often receive from prospective students is, “Why does massage therapy school take so long?” While you can complete your program in just 11 months at Healthcare Career College in Orange County, CA, you're packing a lot of learning into those few months.

Can you be a CMT without being a CNA?

You have to have a high school diploma or a GED in order to be a certified med tech, so focus on getting one of those first. As you do that, begin to research CMTs in your state. In most places, you must first become a certified nursing assistant, or CNA, before you can apply to be a med tech.

What does CMT mean for a massage therapist?

Certified Massage Therapists

Commonly known as CMTs, they have received a certification from a non-governmental agency, such as an educational institute or professional organization, such as National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage (NCTMB).

What is the difference between CMA and CMT?

While the CMAs and ACMs are voted on by members (much like the GRAMMYs, Oscars, etc.) The CMT Awards are fan voted. The CMAs are usually at the end of the year while the CMT's fall during CMA fest in June, and the ACMs are typically in the Spring.

Can a massage therapist make 100k a year?

One of the highest-paying services is sports massage. The average salary for sports massage therapists is around $66,138, but many make over $100,000 annually.

What is a Level 3 massage therapist?

The Level 3 Diploma in Body Massage (ITEC) course is designed to provide training for giving safe massage treatments that are both commercially acceptable and performed in accordance with legislation and establishment rules.

What does MMP stand for in massage therapy?

This class is a part of the Medical Massage Practitioner Program. It may be taken on its own or as part of a series of classes for a tuition discount. You may also take this class as part of the Professional Level Series and/or the Medical Massage Practitioner Program.

What is the most requested massage?

Swedish massage is arguably considered the most popular massage type, appearing on a majority of spa menus worldwide. This Western massage utilizes the following techniques—effleurage (stroking), friction (rubbing), petrissage (kneading) and tapotement (rhythmic choppings)—for a truly relaxing spa treatment experience.

Why is massage therapy so hard?

It's Hard On Your Body

Massage therapy is physically demanding. You must learn to manage your energy, leverage your bodyweight, use good body mechanics, and limit the number of clients you treat to prevent injury.

Can a massage be too deep?

Too little pressure can inhibit the rate of healing, while too much pressure is unnecessary and may even damage soft tissues. Every person has a different pain threshold, which makes it difficult to set a hard limit for how much pressure is too much. However, massage therapy should never feel acutely painful.

How many massages should a therapist do a day?

How many appointments you have in a day depends on your availability and scheduling preferences, but most full-time therapists will see around five clients a day with massage appointments typically lasting between 60 and 90 minutes.

Is massage therapy a stressful job?

Being a massage therapist is a relatively low-stress job. The goal of massage therapy is often to provide relaxation or healing for clients. Some massage therapists also find this atmosphere to be soothing as a work environment .

How much can you charge as a massage therapist?

On average, a massage typically ranges from $50 to $150 per hour. Specialty massages or add-on services can also affect the price. Here is a summary of the average cost of massage therapy based on the duration of the session: 30 minutes: $30 to $65.

What is the highest degree massage therapist?

Board certification can be obtained from the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) and indicates that a massage therapist has attained a higher level of achievement beyond entry level licensure. Board certification is the highest voluntary credential available to massage therapists.

What level is Swedish massage?

Swedish Massage (Level 3)

What is considered full time for a massage therapist?

Factors That Can Impact Massage Therapist Pay

A large factor is that massage therapy is not your typical 9-to-5 job, and the BLS calculates salaries based on a traditional workweek. “Fulltime for a massage therapist is technically less than 40 hours per week because of the nature of our job,” says Lisa McNeil, M.