HOW TO BE A LICENSED MASSAGE THERAPIST IN THE PHILIPPINES

How to be a Licensed Massage Therapist in the Philippines How to be a Licensed Massage Therapist in the Philippines HTU

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By Eunice [email protected] So what is the technical difference between someone who just practices massage and someone who is Licensed? bakit mo pa kailangang magka-license? meron ba nun? pati ba naman massage may lisensiya? These are just some of the questions that might be bugging you right now. I can only answer the basics- and yes, my professional advice is, if you really want to advance your career and be able to earn more, you need to have a license. But having a license is just the beginning. Nearly a decade ago, I was at our oath taking held at the Department of Health in Sta. Cruz, Manila, at the time of this writing, the newly inducted 2011 LMT oath takers have been held at the Manila Grand Opera Hotel- a great leap in boosting the morale of new massage therapists. Thanks to people who paved the way for this to happen and that includes the Committee of Examiners for Massage Therapy headed by the Chairperson, Dr. Kenneth Ronquillo (yes I can still remember Dr. Kenneth from way during our oath taking, he is a great pillar in the massage industry) with the collaboration of the Philippine Association of Licensed Massage Therapists headed by its President, Mr. Jevren Sibug and Vice-President Mr. Pedro Vasquez II (or Sir Pete as we fondly call him) both of whom are inspiring people in the field of massage therapy in the Philippines and the Continuing Massage Therapy Education Council (CMTEC), Massage Therapy Assessors, together with all the Training instructors nationwide, whom I dearly admire- indeed the massage profession has gone a long way. Last June 17, 2011, during their oath taking and induction, as a guest speaker, I cannot help but reminisce about the past and how the profession has evolved and helped me find my rainbow in the industry. Indeed massage therapy is a viable career as the year’s current theme states. Kudos to all of you who makes a difference in the world of massage therapy, hats off to all of you and God bless you in your endeavor to be an instrument in the progress of massage therapy profession in the Philippines.

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How to be a Licensed Massage Therapist in the Philippines Technically speaking, according to Section 9.1.1 of PD 856 (Chapter XIII) of the Republic of the Philippines, no person is authorized to practice massage therapy in the Philippines without a valid certificate of registration issued by the Committee of Examiners for Masseurs. Yun ay kung gusto mong maging practitioner (or magpratice ng massage as a profession sa Philippines) which means this is just the first step. Hindi dito nagtatapos. Kasi siyempre pag gusto mong maging spa therapist- iba rin yun and with different requirements and regulations. Massage therapy lang ang paguusapan muna natin dito. And before I proceed, when we say LMT or Licensed Massage Therapist we generally mean you are Licensed to perform Swedish Massage- dahil different massage types or modalities will have different regulations and criteria too. In the recently concluded examination of June 2011, out of the 225 massage therapy examinees, only 100 people passed- a meager 44% of the batch. Being a Licensed Massage Therapist means you are legally acknowledged by law to practice massage therapy as a profession. Not without, of course, some liability on your part. First, you have to consider if you are eligible to apply for Licensure in the Philippines. As of the time of this writing (July 2011), the application requirements for licensure in massage therapy (based on Administrative Order 2010-0034) and IRR PD 856 are the following: 1.

You have to be a Filipino citizen (irregardless of gender and marital status. Still, no

foreign national is allowed to take or apply for the Licensure examination) 2.

No less than 21 years old and no more than 60 years old. In the recent years (since

2010), the Committee of Examiners for Massage Therapist allowed those who are below the age bracket (18-20 years old) and above the bracket (61 and above) as long as they have been professionally trained. Those who have passed the licensure but are still under-age (1820 years old) can claim their license on their 21st birthday. Those who are 60 years old and are already in their senior years- can still apply as long as they are still able to practice and perform professional massage therapy. This is a great change from the restrictions in age before. 7/12/2011 Updated Last

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How to be a Licensed Massage Therapist in the Philippines 3.

Certificate of good moral character issued by your Barangay.

4.

With a medical certificate issued by a government physician (government physician ha? hindi family physician or private practitioner). In Metro Manila, you can get this either at the Philippine General Hospital, your city health doctor or East Avenue Medical Hospital in Quezon City or the nearest government health clinic at your locality. This is different from a health certificate. You need a medical certificate NOT a health certificate.

5.

With an NBI clearance or police clearance (sa city hall ito nakukuha or sa NBI central

office in Taft Avenue, Manila or NBI kiosks in certain locality or NBI sub-office at Megamall if you will be renewing na lang) 6.

With a certificate of training from any Department of Health accredited training institution

certifying that you have received basic instructions in the following subjects/course: Anatomy and Physiology

General Anatomy and Physiology

Physiology

General and Organ System Physiology

Pathology/Microbiology

General Pathology and Microbiology

Massage Therapy I

Introduction to Massage Therapy/ Fundamental Concepts

Massage Therapy II

Massage Therapy Application

Massage Therapy III

Practice of Massage Therapy

During our time, it was Anatomy and Physiology; Microbiology, Parasitology, Virology and Bacteriology; Ethics and Jurisprudence; Hygiene and Sanitation. If you want to know more, The Spa, Massage Therapy and Wellness Resource Book and Career Guide by yours truly, Eunice Estipona is available at all National Bookstores, Powerbooks and Fullybooked 7/12/2011 Updated Last

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How to be a Licensed Massage Therapist in the Philippines nationwide. It covers the most comprehensive list of training centers both here in the Philippines and abroad. 7.

With a certificate that he/she has taken practical massage from any Department of

Health Accredited Training provider for at least 60 hours (I think some training institutions starting way back in 2009, the 135 or 500 hours has been their benchmark na). A lot of people are asking me how much is the tuition fees for these review and training institutions- prepare no less than 10,000 to 15,000 pesos for your review. Of course, you have to budget your food and transportation allowance- which is not included in this figure. 8.

At least a high school graduate. Only true and authenticated copy of your diploma from

high school or Transcript of Records from college or university you graduated from will be accepted. 9.

ID Pictures (3 pieces of passport size photos taken within the last six months)

10.

Minimal payment (no more than 500 pesos)

Pag nakumpleto mo na yung mga requirements mo: you have to submit and apply through your training institution not unlike before that we have to go directly to the Department of Health Office, Quiricada st. beside Jose Reyes hospital Santa Cruz, Manila and they will help you submit your complete requirements at least two weeks before the date of the examination. If you are located in the province you have to go to your nearest regional DOH office and inquire from there. Upon completion of requirements and payment of fee/s, they will give you an examination pass with your seat number. The Scope of the Massage Therapy Licensure Examination: There will be a theoretical (written examination of 200 items) and those who passed with an average rating of 75% in all subjects and afterwards if you passed, you will be asked to take a practical exam to demonstrate the skills learned. Malalaman mo na pasado ka kasi i-po-post 7/12/2011 Updated Last 4

How to be a Licensed Massage Therapist in the Philippines nila yung list of examinees na pumasa after a few days together with the schedule ng oral/practical exam. The theoretical examination is computer checked so it’s wise to have several sharpened pencils at hand so you do not have to sharpen your pencils and thus shorten the time you answer the exam. Do not crumple or dirty the paper. After passing the theoretical examination, you need to take your oral/practical examination within one month after official advice, otherwise your theoretical examination will be considered cancelled. You need to pass both oral and practical examination with a general weighted average of 75% on each of these exams. Also, you have to pay the practical examination fee of Php 500.00 which will cover all the materials needed during the examination including the services of the individual posing as examination subjects/clients/dummies. Bring your own towels or pillows/bolster. Since the December 2008 batch, the DOH already provided materials and the model so mas maganda dahil you do not have to bring tons of materials, eh dati yung iba may dala pang CD, cassette, banig, candles, atbp. Tips during the oral or practical examination: 1.

Do not be nervous and relax (alam ko nakaka tense ihi nga ako ng ihi eh before I had my turn sa sobrang nerbiyos- but you will do just fine. Remember, ang brain cells natin mas less ang oxygen pag takot at stressed so inhale deeply at wag nerbiyosin para makasagot ng maigi)

2.

Answer politely but straight to the point as much as possible

3.

Know the subsequent steps (yung pagkaka sunod sunod na steps dapat you know it by heart)

4.

Be able to explain while you are working with your client (multi-tasking baga...)

5.

Be able to know yung purpose ng techniques na ginagawa mo example, ano ba ang purpose ng tapping?

6.

Huwag kang mag massage lang ng mag-massage, be able to articulate or explain what you are doing parang kunyari nag de-demo ka (this is a good exercise regarding your oral abilities kasi sa mga job interviews ganyan din ang gagawin mo mag-de-demo ka especially if you are going abroad or applying for other certifications)

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How to be a Licensed Massage Therapist in the Philippines 7.

Be prepared for side questions (like, under the law, how many people can an LMT supervise?)

8.

Dapat marunong kang mag take ng client history like asking about their blood pressure (at marunong ka dapat kumuha ng blood pressure and vital signs), ask also if they have allergies at may dala ka ring client intake form. Do not forget to fill-up the client intake form and ask questions relevant to your case.

9.

Introduce yourself first before you start your massage. Example, “Good morning sir/ma’am, I am ______ and I will be your massage therapist for this morning/afternoon. You will have a session of Swedish massage and we will start with you lying on your belly/stomach.”

10.

Know how to handle cases for clients such as those with scoliosis, pediatric, geriatric or pregnant clients- the accredited training institution will provide you with the necessary information and knowledge on this aspect.

12.

After your time is up, generally in 30 minutes, assist your client in his/her position in sitting up, draping, after-care or after-massage questions and concerns of your client. Those who passed these two exams will be taking an oath (at a scheduled date) and will be designated with an L.M.T. (Licensed Massage Therapist) after their name. Every year (normally) June and December are the months that these exams are taking place. For more information and other concerns: call me at +639184745685 or email me at [email protected] HTU

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To join our online community for massage therapists for FREE visit www.meetup.com/philippinemassagetherapy HTU

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==================================================================================== The first informational blog regarding spa, massage therapy, beauty and wellness with a focus on the Philippines. Eunice’s blog and updates are found in this link www.yunesa.blogspot.com

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How to be a Licensed Massage Therapist in the Philippines

Some articles written by Eunice, which you can view, read, download and print for FREE. Just click on the links: What term should really be used? Client, Patient, Customer, At Iba Pa Masseur, Massagist, Massage Therapist, At Iba Pa http://yunesa.blogspot.com/2009/03/client-patient-customer-at-iba-pa.html

Is the spa, massage therapy and wellness industry included in the Top Businesses to start in these times of global financial challenges? Find out in this article so you can adopt and perhaps change your business into profitable ones: Top Businesses to Start in Uncertain Times/Sluggish Economy http://yunesa.blogspot.com/2009/02/top-businesses-to-start-in-uncertain.html If you are an employer these are the things you should ask, or if you are a prospective applicant, job seeker or someone who interviews people, this article can help you answer and ask/probe questions: http://yunesa.blogspot.com/2009/02/suggested-interview-questions-and.html Are you a smart boss, staff or employee? This article will give secrets on how to become a Smartest Spa, Massage Therapist/Practitioner. http://yunesa.blogspot.com/2009/02/smartest-spa-massage-therapist-ang.html Do you want to know the right type of massage for you? Do you you want to know the common types of massage and how it is practiced? This article will give you the glimpse of massage therapies locally and abroad: The Basics of Massage Therapy (Massage 101) http://yunesa.blogspot.com/2009/02/basics-of-massage-therapy-massage.html Do you want to know how much capital you need to start your own spa, massage clinic or wellness center? Do you want to know what it is like being a spa owner? Do you want to be (really) prepared before you shell out money into putting up your own spa, massage clinic or wellness center? Do you want to know what steps you have to take before putting up your own business in this field? How to Start, Begin or Open a Spa, Massage Clinic or Wellness Center http://yunesa.blogspot.com/2009/02/organizing-opening-starting-putting-up.html

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How to be a Licensed Massage Therapist in the Philippines

Are you tired of putting up with sexually charged clients? Do you know how to handle sexual harassment in the spa and massage therapy setting? Then this article will definitely help you: Preventing/ Avoiding Sexual Advances during a Spa or Massage session50 ways of Handling Client Advances http://yunesa.blogspot.com/2009/02/preventing-or-avoiding-sexual-advances.html Do you want to know about Hilot, Dagdagay and other indigenous therapies of the Philippines? If yes, then read on! A Wee-bit of Philippine Indigenous Therapies with a Focus on Hilot http://yunesa.blogspot.com/2009/02/wee-bit-of-philippine-indigenous.html Rules and Regulations on How to Become a Licensed Massage Therapist in the Philippines through the help of the Department of Health, here is the new update: How to Be a Licensed Massage Therapist in the Philippines http://yunesa.blogspot.com/2009/02/how-to-be-licensed-massage-therapist.html Licensure, Accreditation, Certification and Assessment http://yunesa.blogspot.com/2009/02/licensure-certification-accreditation.html On anti-aging and Physical Appearances http://yunesa.blogspot.com/2009/02/on-anti-aging-and-physical-appearances.html How to renew a Massage Therapy License in the Philippines: http://yunesa.blogspot.com/2009/05/license-renewal-for-massage-therapy-in.html If you want to be updated of spa, massage and wellness activities and events or be a part of a support group What is Meetup all about? http://yunesa.blogspot.com/2009/06/everybodys-meetup-dito-po-sa-atin.html

The most comprehensive resource and information guide on the list of training centers, magazines, publications, books and literatures both local and international are all available in the book, “The Spa, Massage and Wellness Resource Guide and Career Book”. The First Book on Spa, Massage and Wellness Resource Book and Career Guide http://www.scribd.com/doc/6425282/About-the-Book-Spa-Massage-and-Wellness-Resource-Guide-and-

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How to be a Licensed Massage Therapist in the Philippines Career-Book (this has the most comprehensive list of training centers in the Philippines and abroad with tips from professionals and employment opportunities, legal laws and regulations, list of employment agencies, how to choose a trainer, and information that you need in order to succeed in this industry and before you shell out money for your tuition or training, there are a lot of ways you can grab a copy of this valuable information para hindi ka mag sayang ng time and money enrolling in trainings you do not even need. This book will give you the information to start right in the industry with secrets you should know and being able to find your rainbow in the wonderful world of massage, spa and wellness. 1. You can order it online via www.Amazon.com at 34.95$ 2. You can order it via a Kindle device at $7.99 3. You can order an e-book copy through my blog at www.yunesa.blogspot.com at $19.95 4. You can also get a copy from National Bookstores nationwide at P799Pesos 5. For locals only, you can order it from me at local discounted rates with free delivery at 900Pesos (via LBC or FEDEX Air 21. Anywhere in the Philippines. Please allow 1-5 working days If you are looking for a career opportunity, not just a job in the spa, massage therapy and wellness industry, this book is a must read. Also, CD's included in the kit for spa management, practice and operations available: The Spa and Wellness Business- Understanding the Basics (PowerPoint format) Seven Deadly Mistakes to Avoid as a Spa Owner and Practitioner in the Spa Wellness Business (PowerPoint format) Spa, Massage and Facial Therapies 101 (The Basics) (PowerPoint format) Business Worksheets for Spa and Massage Business in the Philippines (Excel and Word format/program includes all the financial worksheets you need in computing for your operational cost, etc.) This article is written by: Eunice Estipona a spa consultant, mentor, advisor, speaker and lecturer. One of her advocacies is to make healing and information regarding the field of spa, massage and wellness accessible and affordable to everyone. If you are serious about turning your business or practice around, making the right decisions, getting an unbiased opinion and knowing where to get help, for lectures and other concerns she can be contacted at [email protected] or +639184745685. To find out how she can help you take your business to the next level, visit her site at http://www.meetup.com/philippinemassagetherapy These along with hundreds of resources found locally and abroad are contained in “The Spa, Massage and Wellness Resource and Career Book”, the first book of resource information to know more about the Spa, Massage and Wellness Industry in the Philippines and other countries including the United States, Australia and other Asian countries. You can view, read, download and print for FREE the book’s summary at this link

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How to be a Licensed Massage Therapist in the Philippines http://www.scribd.com/doc/6425282/About-the-Book-Spa-Massage-and-Wellness-Resource-Guide-andCareer-Book If you are a spa, massage therapy and wellness information seeker the resources contained in the book for you. This book is a collection of data and valuable information regarding the spa and massage industry in a global perspective with a focus on the Philippines. Her advocacy in writing the book is to make “unbiased” information regarding the field of spa, massage and wellness resources and career, accessible and affordable for everyone. If you are considering a career in the massage, spa and wellness industry, this book will prepare you and give you a glimpse of what it is like, the preparation you need to take: emotionally, intellectually and financially. In this book, you will learn more details in the spa and massage field and the possible paths you can take. You will also learn about local and international training programs offered and numerous employment possibilities. Giving you much needed information at your fingertips. You can order it from www.Amazon.com or for local Philippine residents, you can email and get in touch with Eunice at [email protected]. TERMS OF REPRINT You can freely distribute a copy of this article provided, that you follow the terms of reprint. Be certain to read our TERMS OF REPRINT and honor our TERMS OF REPRINT when you use this article. Thank you. Helpful Link: The Digital Millennium Copyright Act – Overview http://www.gseis.ucla.edu/iclp/dmca1.htm Our TERMS OF REPRINT are fully enforcible under the terms of: The Digital Millennium Copyright Act http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c105:H.R.2281.ENR: *** Digital Reprint Rights *** * If you publish this article in a website/forum/ blog, etc. You Must Set All URL's or Mailto Addresses in the body of the article AND in the Author's Resource Box as Hyperlinks (clickable links). * Links must remain in the form that we published them. Clean links should point to the Author's links without redirects having been inserted into the copy. * You are not allowed to Change or Delete any Words or Links in the Article or Resource Box. Paragraph breaks must be retained with articles. You can change where the paragraph breaks fall, but you cannot eliminate all paragraph breaks as some have chosen to do.

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How to be a Licensed Massage Therapist in the Philippines

* Email Distribution of this article must be done through Opt-in Email Only. No Unsolicited Commercial Email. * You are allowed to format the layout of the article for proper display of the article in your website or in your ezine, so long as you can maintain the author's interests within the article. * You may not use sentences from this article as an input for any software that steals sentences from others in order to build an article with software. The copyright on this article applies to the "WHOLE" article. *** Author Notification *** we ask that you notify the author of publication of her work. Eunice can be reached at: [email protected] *** Print Publication Reprint Rights *** If you desire to publish this article in a PRINT publication, you must contact the author directly for Print Permission at: mailto:[email protected] ============ ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= The content of this article is solely the property and opinion of its author, Eunice

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