A prospective student will want to make sure that the massage therapy schools in Kansas they are considering is legitimate. In Kansas, a good place to start is the Board of Regents
Massage therapy schools in Kansas offer curriculum in massage therapy theory, techniques, and hands-on experience.
Some massage therapy in Kansas schools offer student massage clinics where students can gain this experience and clients can take advantage of the reduced cost of massage therapy.
Are There Massage Therapy Schools In Kansas?
There are six massage therapy schools in Kansas, from cities in the east to smaller communities in the west.
Most degree programs offer certificates that take a year or less. Some schools offer specialist degrees in this field. Curricula include coursework and laboratory work, as well as practical experience in student clinics and community facilities.
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How Much Do Massage Therapy Schools Cost In Kansas?
The average tuition for a massage school—tuition only, not books, massage tables, equipment, etc.—was $13,605 in 2014, with the average cost of attending corporate and for-profit programs with a skew towards the higher end of the spectrum.
This was the last attempt to estimate the cost of a massage school and the most reliable study of its kind.The type of school can affect the overall cost, the length of the massage therapy program and the number of credit hours can also play a role.
More expensive programs may be longer and offer a wider range of coursework to allow students to learn more specialized techniques such as hydrotherapy, sports massage or trigger therapy.
On the other hand, less expensive programs may involve fewer hours of instruction and focus on the fundamentals of massage therapy.
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What Are The Requirements For Massage Therapy Schools In Kansas?
The American Massage Therapy Association requires member schools to offer programs of at least 500 hours.
Although the standards of membership are not as high as accreditation, or as valuable, AMTA membership carries with it the level of accountability associated with membership in a professional organization.
Member schools have access to valuable resources. AMTA can also be a good source of information about participating schools.
The National Certification Board for Massage and Bodywork Therapy is not an accreditor, but conducts a baseline assessment before assigning testing codes to schools.
Assignment is often seen as conferring status. A designated school may only have 500 hours, but a student who is actually aiming for a prestigious certification will need 750 hours.
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What Are The Best Massage Therapy Schools In Kansas?
If you want to study massage therapy, there are several massage therapy schools in Kansas to meet the educational requirements for licensure.
Below is a list of some of the best massage therapy schools in Kansas. You will find schools in all major cities such as Wichita, Overland Park, Kansas City, Olathe, Topeka, Lawrence and more.
WellSpring School of Allied Health-Lawrence
This private school’s massage therapy program is available at campuses in Kansas City, Lawrence, Springfield, and Wichita.
Students receive certificates in 11 months. They can attend day or evening classes. The course work covers the following types of massage: Swedish, sports, prenatal, neuromuscular, integrative, hot stone, as well as techniques for the elderly.
There are also classes in reflexology and hydrotherapy. In addition, students gain hands-on experience performing massage for the public at an on-campus clinic.
The school advertises small class sizes and job placement assistance. The program has a 90 percent pass rate, which is better than the national average of 74 percent.
Bellus Academy
The Manhattan campus of this award-winning beauty school offers an 840-hour massage therapy program that takes 24 weeks of full-time classes or 34 weeks of evening classes.
Students will learn about the history of massage, aromatherapy, nutrition, reflexology, shiatsu, hot stone massage, business, ethics, safety and sanitation, products and equipment.
They will also learn anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, pathology, indications and contraindications, effects and benefits of massage, counseling, care for the sick home clients and clients with special needs, business and marketing practices, etc.
At the stage of the “Mock Clinic” program, students receive practical training by performing massage on clients.
Colby Community College
The 31-hour massage therapy program here consists of fall and spring semesters. Successful completion of the Medical Terminology course is a prerequisite for admission.
Courses: Structural Anatomy, Basic Massage Techniques, Ethics and Business Practices, Anatomy and Physiology, Fundamentals of Pathology, Advanced Massage Techniques, and Kinesiology. There are two laboratories, two clinical experiences and an externship.
Students choose one of two “pathways” to earn their certificates. They can take classes on campus or work full-time while taking online courses. All students must appear for the “practical parts” of the curriculum.
Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology
This large public institution offers two massage therapy programs at its Maiz campus.
Courses in the 48-hour technical certificate program include Medical Terminology, Introduction to Entrepreneurship, Composition I, Personal Success Framework, Communication Elective, Body Systems and Disease, Mechanics of Movement, Reflexology, Massage Ethics, Lifelong Massage, and CPR.
There are also several classes in massage techniques. The 60-hour Associate of Applied Science program requires many of the same classes, in addition to computer programs, social science electives, business communications, and intermediate algebra.
Butler Community College
Located in Eldorado, BCC offers a 630-hour, 32-credit certificate program.
The curriculum covers anatomy and physiology, pathology, treatment methods, protocols that adhere to standards of massage practice, ethics, professional communication skills, and business practices.
Students must also complete a Physical Fitness or Introduction to Yoga course. Admission criteria include successful completion of at least one high school biology class, a 2.5 GPA, CPR certification and a criminal background check.
How Much Do Massage Therapists In Kansas Earn?
The average medical practitioner in this state earns an annual salary of about $20,400 (or almost $10 an hour), much less than the national average of more than $41,400 a year (or almost $20 an hour) .
The top 10 percent of earners in Kansas earn about $46,800 a year (or about $22.50 an hour), compared to about $78,300 or more than $37.60 nationally. For the lowest 10 percent, the pay is more than $16,700, or more than $8 in Kansas; and over $21,300 or $10.25 nationally.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 850 massage therapists in the state in 2016. The agency projects that number will rise to 920 by 2016. That would be an 8 percent job growth rate, much slower than the projected national average of 26 percent.
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How Do I Become A Massage Therapist In Kansas?
To become a massage therapist in Kansas, a student must first obtain a high school diploma or GED. Enrollment in an accredited school recognized by the National Certification Board for Massage and Bodywork Therapy (NCBTMB) improves employment prospects.
Some Kansas municipalities require practitioners to complete a program that involves a certain number of hours of study and training.
In the Kansas City suburb of Overland Park, massage therapists must complete a 500-hour training program that covers anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, pathology, hygiene and first aid — in addition to hands-on training.
The City of Lenexa requires completion of a 500-hour program at an NCBTMB-certified school. Practitioners must also be licensed in the healing arts as well as CPR certified, which cannot be obtained online.
Prospective therapists in Kansas should strongly consider obtaining an education that meets national standards, as the state legislature will likely eventually enact regulations.
NCBTMB and the American Massage Therapy Association accredit schools with programs of 500 hours or more. Some institutions offer 900-hour programs.
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Best Paying Massage Therapy Jobs In Kansas
A 2020 Bureau of Labor Statistics survey found that massage therapists earned about $26,190 a year, or $12.59 an hour without tips.
A massage therapist’s income is typically highest for work in ambulatory care centers, massage therapy schools, nursing facilities, specialty hospitals, and ambulatory health services.
However, massage therapists in Kansas also practice in health centers, spas, fitness centers, doctors’ offices, clinics, and sports organizations.
Many graduate massage therapists are in private practice and can travel to companies, social events or homes to give massages. Massage therapists in Kansas may specialize in one or more specific therapeutic techniques or types of clients to help.
Massage Therapy Schools In Kansas FAQs
Unlike many other states, Kansas does not have a statewide licensing board and does not issue massage therapist licenses for the state. Each city in Kansas has licensing criteria that must be met in order to be licensed to practice massage therapy in that city.
A survey of large cities in Kansas shows that most require at least 500 hours of massage therapy training, a passing score on one of the NCTMB or MBLEx national exams, and certification in first aid and CPR. Some small towns have no published license requirements at all.
Kansas cosmetology licenses expire every two years in your birth month. You must renew your license by the last day of your birth month. The cost to renew any beauty license is $45. Continuing education hours are only required to renew your Permanent Makeup Artist and Cosmetology Instructor licenses. As a permanent makeup artist, you must earn five CEUs during each renewal period. Continuing education in the field of cosmetology is always recommended to stay current with the industry.
A massage therapist’s income is typically highest for work in ambulatory care centers, massage therapy schools, nursing facilities, specialty hospitals, and ambulatory health services. However, massage therapists in Kansas also practice in health centers, spas, fitness centers, doctors’ offices, clinics, and sports organizations.
Conclusion
There are places in the country where national accreditation is expected or required, although some use the word to refer to the state approval process. Accreditation is tied to the financial aid process, but not to all forms of aid that are designed to meet workforce and training needs.
Accreditation will vary depending in part on whether the school specializes in massage therapy and closely related fields or is part of an institution that offers other programs. Recognition by the US Department of Education provides legitimacy.
References
- careerswiki.com – Massage Therapy Schools In Kansas
- beautyschoolsdirectory.com – Massage Schools In Kansas
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