Frequently Asked Questions

In this section we provide answers to the most commonly asked questions about physical therapy. We hope you enjoy the information and share it with others. If you do not find what you are looking for, don't hesitate to get in touch.

 

What is the typical work schedule for an L.M.P.?
Some therapists will choose to have a five day work week.  Others will choose this profession because it provides an opportunity to bring in a great monthly income working part time hours, allowing more time to be spent raising a family or having more free time.

 

What are some common places to have a practice?
Chiropractic Office     Health Spa         Beauty Salon
Vacation Resort        Medical Office     Cruise Ship
In-Home                   Holistic Center    On-Site Massage Clinic 

Retirement Center    Resort

 

What can I expect my out-of-pocket expenses to be?
Our school strives to have no “hidden costs” or unexpected expenses for the student.  All your books, note packets and massage supplies are included in the tuition cost.  The expenses that are not included in the tuition are:

 

* Massage table:  You will eventually need to purchase a massage table to use at home and for your future practice.  We advise students to wait until they are in class for at least a month so they can better know which type of table to get and what table will fit their budget.  There are many resources for purchasing tables. Table costs can range between $200 and $600.

 

* Student Liability Insurance:   You will need to purchase liability insurance while you are attending school as well as when you are licensed.  The cost of student liability insurance is about $80, and the cost of professional liability insurance is about $200 per year.

 

* National Exam Fee:  Once you graduate you will need to register to take the National Certification Exam.  The fee for this exam is currently $225.

 

Is the Northwest School of Massage accredited for Financial Aid?
We are approved by the Washington State Board of Massage, the Washington State Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board, the Worker Retraining Program, the Department of Veteran Affairs and the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.  We do not, however, accept Title IV financial aid or grants.

 

About Our Location
The Northwest School of Massage is located in the Bridle Trails Shopping Center in offices next to Tech City Bowl.  Our school prides itself on providing a soothing, relaxing atmosphere to facilitate the learning experience.  Our students have access to the facility’s large classroom, three spacious student clinic/treatment rooms, a kitchen and ample free parking.

 

How do I become licensed after I graduate?
In Washington State, massage practitioners (LMP’s) are licensed as health care providers.  In order to become licensed, applicants must complete a state approved massage licensing program of at least 500 hours and pass and exam given by either The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork or the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards.  Both boards conduct a licensing examination consisting of a written multiple-choice test. (For more information about the exams visit www.ncbtmb.com or www.fsmtb.org).

 

After passing the exam, you apply to the State of Washington for a license to practice Massage Therapy.  (For more information about Washington State licensing visit the Washington State Department of Health Board of Massage website at: www.doh.wa.gov//hsqa/Professions/Massage_Therapy/faq.htm)

 

FYI: According to feedback from our graduates, more than 95% pass the exam on the first attempt.  The same is true of graduates finding employment in the field, either as independent contractors or employees.

 

How do you cover so much material in 500 hours, where many other schools take longer?
Our small classes and individual attention allow us to effectively cover the material in a shorter time period.  Additionally, unlike many other schools, we do not count student clinic hours or elective hours in our totals.

 

What is the average income for a Massage Therapist?
Most therapists charge between $50 and $120 an hour depending on the type of practice they choose to have.  You can expect to treat an average of four to six clients (one hour sessions) a day.

 

Credit Transfer
Therapists requesting transfer of credits for the purpose of licensing as a massage therapist in Washington will be evaluated as follows:

1.  Existing transcripts, diplomas, certificates, etc. will be evaluated for their applicability to Washington licensing requirements.  The issuing institution will be called to verify validity of these documents.  Previous education must, at minimum, meet in content our curriculum.  Specialty courses may be replaced with other specialty courses of study and will be accepted upon amount of hours.

 

2.  Should the applicant not meet these curriculum requirements, they will need to attend the classes lacking in their previous education.

 

3.  An official of the school staff will review the Washington State Law as it relates to massage therapy and apply that to the information provided to us by the applicant.

 

4.  Fees:  Transfer fee is $750.00
     Additional class hours are $25.00/ hr

 

5.  Upon completion:   A Certificate of Completion will be awarded to the therapist/student.  Transfers are considered graduates of the school and are entitled to all graduate benefits.