The Value of a Dual License to a Massage Therapist

Who wants to go into a profession that has a high burn out factor? Yet the unfortunate fact is the burn out rate of massage therapists is steadily increasing. Let’s face it, its hard work. At some point in the career as a massage therapist – a look at returning to school to expand your scope of practice by getting a license in a complimentary field to massage may be the very ticket to a long and successful career implementing both, all in a day’s work.

One great advantage of such an endeavor would be to enhance the therapist’s marketability/profitability. For example: getting a second license in one the following fields makes the therapist more desirable in a spa or salon environment, and gives the therapist a chance to practice both every day.

1. Cosmetician – makeup artistry
2. Cosmologist – hair styling and coloring
3. Nail Technician –manicures, pedicures, and nail artistry
4. Esthetician – facials, waxing, skin care programs

For the more medical or holistic health directed therapist becoming licensed in one of the following might be more appealing:

1. Homeopathy – treatment of disease by use of natural substances
2. Chiropractic – manipulative treatment of misalignments of the joints
3. Naturopathy – the treatment through control of diet, exercise, and massage
4. Nutritionist – one who studies or is an expert in nutrition
5. Advanced Medical Aesthetics – aesthetics under the direction of a doctor
6. Acupuncture – traditional Chinese medicine using needles
7. Nursing – providing care for the sick and infirm

The important factor in dual licensure is that it benefits both the therapist and the client.

From my own experience, I followed an interest in massage therapy, and later an interest in esthetics. I’ve discovered that they blend and complement each other, which allows me to offer many different services and allows me to customize my work to fit the client’s needs and goals.

Mostly though, what I like about dual licensing is that whether a person comes in for a massage, a facial, or both, they leave feeling better, more relaxed, more radiant and happier than when they walked in.

It all adds up to rewarding job satisfaction.

By: Laura Gordon