Massage Therapy Frequently Asked Questions

What is massage therapy?
How does a person become a massage therapist?
How much money does a massage therapist make?
What are the requirements for massage therapy license renewal?
What are the job opportunities in the massage field?
Would you recommend this as a career choice?
What is the difference between massage certification and massage licensure?
What schedules are offered for the massage therapy program?
What massage instructor qualifications does SOLEX require?

What is massage therapy?

Since the beginning of recorded medical history, massage therapy has been used for a variety of reasons. The approach in massage therapy of treating soft tissues of the body can be used for relaxing tense muscles, alleviating pain stemming from the body's dysfunction and even increasing athletic performance and productivity.

How does a person become a massage therapist?

A state license is required to practice massage in Illinois under the Illinois Massage Licensing Act. There are three ways for the applicant to meet qualifications for licensing:

• Graduate from an approved program and successfully pass a competency exam; OR
• Be currently licensed in another jurisdiction (state or province) that has licensing requirements that meet or exceed the Illinois requirements; OR
• Move to Illinois from someplace that had no licensing requirement, but have passed the national certification exam

The applicant has to pay the required fees and provide whatever documentation is required for the licensing category under which he/she is applying.

How much money does a massage therapist make?

The pay rate for a massage therapist can vary, depending on experience, location, whether he/she works for an employer, or is self-employed or working as an independent contractor. Hourly wages can range anywhere from $20.00 to $70.00 per hour.

What are the requirements for massage therapy license renewal?

Every 2 years (all Illinois massage therapy licenses expire on December 31 of even-number years) a license will have to be renewed. The law also requires 24 hours of continuing education (CE credits) during each renewal period starting with the licensees second renewal. The 24 continuing education hours must be earned in the current renewal period, and excess hours cannot be used to meet the next renewal period requirement.

What are the job opportunities in the massage field?

The job outlook for a Massage Therapist is excellent. Within a metropolitan area, there are usually a large number of spas, health centers, clinics, medical practices and independent offices available for entry-level positions. Also, there are always opportunities for experienced therapists to open their own massage businesses.

Would you recommend massage therapy as a career choice?

Yes. The Massage Therapy profession as a career is an outstanding choice, particularly if you have a deep commitment to the health and wellness service of others, and see a person as a whole and integrated human being having not just a body, but a mind and spirit as well.

What is the difference between massage certification and massage licensure?

Licensure refers to the laws which regulate a given occupation. Its purpose is essentially twofold: (1) title protection, i.e. the prevention of unqualified individuals utilizing the given title, and (2) scope of practice, i.e. defining the specific tasks that constitute the practice of the given occupation. Certification, on the other hand, is a nonstatutory process whereby an accrediting body grants recognition to an individual for having met predetermined professional qualifications.

What schedules are offered for the massage therapy program?

Typically our classes are held in the evenings. However, in a better effort to accommodate busy schedules different lifestyles, we will be offering two additional schedule options for our Fall starts.  One will be an accelerated schedule that will allow our full comprehensive program to be completed in as little as 7 months.  This schedule includes three eight-hour days each week.  The second schedule will offer the flexible option of studying two evenings and a Saturday each week which means the program will be completed in 11 months time.

What massage instructor qualifications does SOLEX require?

Massage instructor qualifications at SOLEX College include a valid Illinois Massage Therapist license and completion of an accredited Massage Therapy program. In addition, all massage instructor credentials need to include a Bachelors of Science degree, 6,000 hours of experience, or a combination of 4,000 hours of related education and experience. Instructors must also have received approval from the Illinois State Board of Education to teach Massage Therapy. Every Massage Therapy instructor is required to participate in continuing education activities to maintain their massage instructor credentials.