Stay Within The Law In Different Countries
This article explores the legality of Massage Therapists who travel to different countries to practice their trade.
It's an interesting personal narrative that provides useful information for any genuine massage therapist..
It was earlier in the year that my sister was vacationing in Anguilla with her family when she thought to do massage, for beach-dwellers. Her husband was skeptical, but he has learnt to give way to her creative ideas…sometimes. She solicited a few persons and the reviews were flattering after the massage. She contacted me before she vacationed here to let me know of her success and we spoke of her getting certified.
The plan was to start the modules and do supervised practice on her family while here, and the rest of the course could be done as distance education, with her showing up again for exams. Agreed. Never happened.
The plan was to start the modules and do supervised practice on her family while here, and the rest of the course could be done as distance education, with her showing up again for exams. Agreed. Never happened.
I was telling Mom the other day that I have not been seeing my sister on Skype and I was wondering where she disappeared to. Mom said she needed her rest. Her new job was taking a toll on her. New job? Oh, she still teaches, but flies off to Anguilla on Saturdays – for the day – to do beach massages, and has been complaining of her skin peeling from sunburn.
That’s kinda pushing it. She is the darkest child. Nothing there for the sun to burn. But I understand. My few years in the ‘Trinidad sun’ with olive oil on my skin have cooked me so well that I’m almost sheer melanin. Anyway, my brother-in-law babysits while his wife is ‘out there’ feeling up other men…and women too. It pays better than her fulltime job and requires no academics.
That’s kinda pushing it. She is the darkest child. Nothing there for the sun to burn. But I understand. My few years in the ‘Trinidad sun’ with olive oil on my skin have cooked me so well that I’m almost sheer melanin. Anyway, my brother-in-law babysits while his wife is ‘out there’ feeling up other men…and women too. It pays better than her fulltime job and requires no academics.
Since I could not wait for her to log into Skype to update me, I called. The massages are being done with aloe vera. The fresh gel is rubbed in the hands and applied to the skin of the client. But she has gotten creative, she adds a bit of baby oil when there isn’t enough glide. She really needs a lesson in aromatherapy. No mixing of synthetic products with natural products.
The clients couldn’t care less, but I told her in future she should use natural oil. Of course I was curious about pricing. Oh, she is modest. Legs: US$30. Upper body (back/arms/neck): US$40. The price has nothing to do with the hour. When she is done, she is done. For persons needing the whole body (minus the genitals – she said) done, it is US$70 upwards, as this would include the chest and abdomen, and body mass must be considered. Where did she learn all that? This is the exact thing that aggravates massage regulatory bodies; persons earning a living without subjecting themselves to paper tigers.
The clients couldn’t care less, but I told her in future she should use natural oil. Of course I was curious about pricing. Oh, she is modest. Legs: US$30. Upper body (back/arms/neck): US$40. The price has nothing to do with the hour. When she is done, she is done. For persons needing the whole body (minus the genitals – she said) done, it is US$70 upwards, as this would include the chest and abdomen, and body mass must be considered. Where did she learn all that? This is the exact thing that aggravates massage regulatory bodies; persons earning a living without subjecting themselves to paper tigers.
Her husband took to phone to advise me that his wife is cooking for him. I told him he is a lucky man, but I’m not sure how to use that information. He wanted me to know that he wants her to finish cooking, so he will occupy my time instead. Fine. He had some news: my sister has experienced a significant decline in her waist and hipline, as she has to walk up and down the beach playing Sales Rep and giving sample massages. Good for them both. Lighter on his pelvis.
Easier to maneuver. More news: my sister is now the wife of the Pastor. Really? Why would she go and do that when she has a budding career traipsing along the beach? That is unbecoming of a Pastor’s wife. I told him her place is now to sit on the stage in her Sunday best, with her ankles and knees locked while she tries to hold her head steady at the top of her spine. He said she has to also have a little knitted kerchief to place over her knees in case her dress is not enough to cover her kneecaps. Excellent idea. Better yet, make her wear a robe.
Easier to maneuver. More news: my sister is now the wife of the Pastor. Really? Why would she go and do that when she has a budding career traipsing along the beach? That is unbecoming of a Pastor’s wife. I told him her place is now to sit on the stage in her Sunday best, with her ankles and knees locked while she tries to hold her head steady at the top of her spine. He said she has to also have a little knitted kerchief to place over her knees in case her dress is not enough to cover her kneecaps. Excellent idea. Better yet, make her wear a robe.
I congratulated him on his promotion. He is one of the most realistic Pastors I know. He’s been qualified for over 10 years, but focused on building his family and career. I guess he feels he has thing under control, so he is letting himself take on…the whole congregation. Christians are the best. They never really know when to leave your house so that you could have a moment with your wife. I know. My Ex was a Minister too. Yea. We have a thing for men of the cloth, or vice versa. Any……….way, he now has to get his license. Can’t a man preach without license?
Yes and no. I understand. I have a King James Version of the Bible, and I can’t preach because King James died before he could have accredited me. I told him now that there are two official Pastors in the family (him and Dad - yea) I would certainly have to get married to keep up appearances. He informed me that the ceremony would come at a price. Sure. I expect it would be the price of the ‘upper body’ as that is where the lips for kissing and the finger for the ring are attached. So I’ll have US$40 and a man ready.
Yes and no. I understand. I have a King James Version of the Bible, and I can’t preach because King James died before he could have accredited me. I told him now that there are two official Pastors in the family (him and Dad - yea) I would certainly have to get married to keep up appearances. He informed me that the ceremony would come at a price. Sure. I expect it would be the price of the ‘upper body’ as that is where the lips for kissing and the finger for the ring are attached. So I’ll have US$40 and a man ready.
Let’s stick with the massage. My sister…he has to massage her every time she returns from Anguilla. Exhaustion in every form is what she experiences. There goes the centering lesson that she missed. He wanted to know who does my massages. Who? There no need for a who. I only need to sleep. While I’m doing that, the chakras metabolise the energy I need so that when I awake, I am fine.
He thinks that’s unacceptable, I need to have massages, and suggested that I give my ex-husband a call and propose that he be my masseur. I told him as far as I could recall he was a good receiver, not giver of massages. He said that over time he might have developed an eagerness to give. Uh-huh. Listen, the guy has paid his dues already. Just let him be. I was born in the Year of the Tiger (Chinese Zodiac). The Tiger is the largest of the feline species, which makes me a Royal Cat…with stripes/rank. Tigers are associated with Emperors, not Pastors. But he tried…few men have successfully domesticated a Tiger.
He thinks that’s unacceptable, I need to have massages, and suggested that I give my ex-husband a call and propose that he be my masseur. I told him as far as I could recall he was a good receiver, not giver of massages. He said that over time he might have developed an eagerness to give. Uh-huh. Listen, the guy has paid his dues already. Just let him be. I was born in the Year of the Tiger (Chinese Zodiac). The Tiger is the largest of the feline species, which makes me a Royal Cat…with stripes/rank. Tigers are associated with Emperors, not Pastors. But he tried…few men have successfully domesticated a Tiger.
The conversation soon became muffled. I had to ask him to repeat himself. Then it registered. He was eating. His food had been served. Fine. Then the phone was on speaker to facilitate the food imbued conversation. Both of them were talking to me at once with the children in the background like a noisy orchestra. They wanted to know how are things here with me, otherwise. Always fine. And the classes? Fine. Oh, I got a call recently about teaching some people…
Yes, I was contacted by a very familiar organization that had done their homework on me and was interested in having me tutor some of their staff. The formality of a letter detailing the course, etc. was requested and I agreed to do such the next day. No. They wanted it the same day, at least a soft copy. Interesting. I was with a client and finished what I was doing before writing the letter.
Yes, I was contacted by a very familiar organization that had done their homework on me and was interested in having me tutor some of their staff. The formality of a letter detailing the course, etc. was requested and I agreed to do such the next day. No. They wanted it the same day, at least a soft copy. Interesting. I was with a client and finished what I was doing before writing the letter.
The next day I got a call saying the letter was reviewed and they wanted me to add a few benefits of doing the course. Really? Okay. I made the adjustment and printed the letter. I then left to go to work intending to deliver the mail afterwards. Halfway to my destination I got a call. Same people. They wanted to know what time the mail will be delivered. I said after lunch. No. They will come for it. Interesting. They suggested I took a detour. I got out of the maxi and waited at the location they suggested. When they arrived, we greeted and I was invited into their vehicle.
There was a little clarification here and confirmation there, then one enquired of my destination. The engine got started and I was dropped off where I needed to be. Phew!
A few days passed and I got another call. This time they wanted to know if the FHT diploma is recognized in the USA. Well, I was silent. I thought everyone knew that America does its own thing. She asked if my silence meant it was not recognized. I said ‘not recognised’ is not the ideal way to put it. The USA has their standards that they prefer to have met. I cited the example of a student with A Levels who goes there to live and learns that he/she has to do the GED. Does that mean the A Levels is not recognized?
She said that she understood, but her tone was different, like she wanted me to be more convincing. All that I had gone through with them in a few days communicated that there was some urgency to their making decision. Maybe the decision was almost made when someone decided against blind loyalty to the current institution they use. The person probably was asked to provide an alternative. My name was probably pulled from a bag. Now I’m supposed to engage in tactics to outwit the competitor who talks of USA recognition. Oh please, don’t do me that. I don’t compete. What I can do is provide you with some facts.
She said that she understood, but her tone was different, like she wanted me to be more convincing. All that I had gone through with them in a few days communicated that there was some urgency to their making decision. Maybe the decision was almost made when someone decided against blind loyalty to the current institution they use. The person probably was asked to provide an alternative. My name was probably pulled from a bag. Now I’m supposed to engage in tactics to outwit the competitor who talks of USA recognition. Oh please, don’t do me that. I don’t compete. What I can do is provide you with some facts.
In all fairness, I called the two schools providing the ACTT programme and asked if their massage course was internationally recognized. Yes, in both cases. I asked if they are recognized in the USA. Yes, in both cases. Based on? The fact that the courses are accredited. Okay. Some of you are aware that there are cases in which locally trained Therapists showed up in the USA and learnt differently and had to start all over. So the attitude of the Therapist is to accept what is offered here, work for enough to pay for foreign education, then fly to foreign and get that education. I’m yet to learn differently.
But, it was good to hear the confidence the schools had in their accreditation. It would be better if they try for more evidence-based confidence. Anyway, there is a little island called Trinidad whose accreditation is said to be accepted in a big place like the USA, and someone is questioning whether accreditation from a big island like England has the same weight? Very interesting. I breathed in, breathed out, and sent (a little more than) the following:
But, it was good to hear the confidence the schools had in their accreditation. It would be better if they try for more evidence-based confidence. Anyway, there is a little island called Trinidad whose accreditation is said to be accepted in a big place like the USA, and someone is questioning whether accreditation from a big island like England has the same weight? Very interesting. I breathed in, breathed out, and sent (a little more than) the following:
…please be advised that the International Education Research Foundation offers evaluation and credentialing for foreign trained Massage Therapists (and other professionals) who wish to practice in the USA. Their procedure includes contacting the local school for verification purposes and the results of the evaluation are sent directly to the Board in the State which the Therapist chooses to practice.
Should the Board decide that the required hours are not met, recommendation is made for such to be done through Continuing Education programmes. The alternative to schooling is to complete a Board-approved apprenticeship programme after which the licensure exam can be taken. For this the Therapist has the option of NCETMB or MBLEx.
Should the Board decide that the required hours are not met, recommendation is made for such to be done through Continuing Education programmes. The alternative to schooling is to complete a Board-approved apprenticeship programme after which the licensure exam can be taken. For this the Therapist has the option of NCETMB or MBLEx.
Travelling Massage Therapists are fairly familiar with the work of the AMTA which provides information on the U.S. profession and information on State massage practice laws and requirements, and the NCBTMB which provides information on national professional examinations and certification, State regulations, and links to State licensing authorities.
However, despite their clout, they are not acknowledged by every State, and the State Board has the final say. Some States require certification only, some license only, and some require both.
In which case, a Certified Massage Therapist needs to have a license for his/her practice to be considered ‘legal.’ Because the requirements of each State Board vary, a Licensed Massage Therapist in one State would have to retake the exam should he/she relocate to another State to practice. The Massage Therapist who has FHT or ACTT accredited massage qualification, which are both internationally recognized, and wishes to immigrate to the USA to practice, would be subjected to similar protocol.
However, despite their clout, they are not acknowledged by every State, and the State Board has the final say. Some States require certification only, some license only, and some require both.
In which case, a Certified Massage Therapist needs to have a license for his/her practice to be considered ‘legal.’ Because the requirements of each State Board vary, a Licensed Massage Therapist in one State would have to retake the exam should he/she relocate to another State to practice. The Massage Therapist who has FHT or ACTT accredited massage qualification, which are both internationally recognized, and wishes to immigrate to the USA to practice, would be subjected to similar protocol.
Here in Trinidad and Tobago, there is no legal requirement as the Act that was presented to Parliament was omitted, having never received the President’s signature to become Law. Hence the regulation of the practice of Massage Therapy is largely a self-guided process with exceptions being in cases where there is affiliation with professional bodies by whose Code of Conduct they abide.
Accreditation is one form of regulation through education; hence some schools have undertaken the rigorous process with the objective of obtaining recognition through quality assurance. This recognition, while international, does not guarantee automatic acceptance for practice in foreign countries.
Accreditation is one form of regulation through education; hence some schools have undertaken the rigorous process with the objective of obtaining recognition through quality assurance. This recognition, while international, does not guarantee automatic acceptance for practice in foreign countries.
It is my hope to see Massage Therapy incorporated into mainstream settings, and obtaining profession status with recognized Massage Therapy institutions is one way to achieve this. By default, because these institutions require high standards of affiliates, massage education that meets international standards are essential.
To this end, I accepted the invitation to participate in the review of the National Occupational Standards for Massage Therapy (a few years ago) undertaken by the NTA, which aided in ensuring that my collaboration with the FHT resulted in a quality programme that complies with both local and international NOS. My efforts with students thus far (both FHT and ACTT accredited diplomas) have resulted in a 100% pass rate.
To this end, I accepted the invitation to participate in the review of the National Occupational Standards for Massage Therapy (a few years ago) undertaken by the NTA, which aided in ensuring that my collaboration with the FHT resulted in a quality programme that complies with both local and international NOS. My efforts with students thus far (both FHT and ACTT accredited diplomas) have resulted in a 100% pass rate.
From a holistic perspective, I would say that the merit of the programme cannot be determined solely by a course content that is worthy of accreditation, but also by the successful transference of knowledge from teacher to student, the empirical knowledge of students themselves, and the testimonies from members of the public who have benefited from the quality of their massages.
The Diploma in Massage Therapy qualification conferred by the FHT indicates the fulfillment of standard massage education and training requirements, ensuring that the Massage Therapist is able to demonstrate the ability to apply standard massage therapies, pass a written exam testing theoretical knowledge, and show an understanding of ethical requirements.
The Diploma in Massage Therapy qualification conferred by the FHT indicates the fulfillment of standard massage education and training requirements, ensuring that the Massage Therapist is able to demonstrate the ability to apply standard massage therapies, pass a written exam testing theoretical knowledge, and show an understanding of ethical requirements.
I hope that this information aids in your decision making.
Have a pleasant day.
I have tried to get AMTA and NCBTMB to pronounce upon the accreditations and name an institution in Trinidad and Tobago that is on their list of approved schools, but…nada. No official comment was available at the time of writing. Hmmm.
Meanwhile, come Saturday, my sister will be on the beach in Anguilla, as confident as ever as she tells her clients that Massage is ‘in her blood’ and earning more money than some of the Certified Massage Therapists who are somewhere squabbling over license and whose school is more recognized.
We are wasting time, too much time. It would be good to have the opportunity to be of service to this company, but I believe that if I am chasing my blessings, I am heading in the wrong direction.
Blessings are supposed to come from behind and overtake us. So I will let this be. What is mine, is mine. I have never dangled treats in front of potential students to get them to join the class. Everyone who has journeyed with me had to decide whether they trust me to deliver. They had to make up their own mind, because if I made it up for them, then I have to keep it made. Exhausting.
I just might need those massages. In which case, I have a call to make. What’s his number again?
Meanwhile, come Saturday, my sister will be on the beach in Anguilla, as confident as ever as she tells her clients that Massage is ‘in her blood’ and earning more money than some of the Certified Massage Therapists who are somewhere squabbling over license and whose school is more recognized.
We are wasting time, too much time. It would be good to have the opportunity to be of service to this company, but I believe that if I am chasing my blessings, I am heading in the wrong direction.
Blessings are supposed to come from behind and overtake us. So I will let this be. What is mine, is mine. I have never dangled treats in front of potential students to get them to join the class. Everyone who has journeyed with me had to decide whether they trust me to deliver. They had to make up their own mind, because if I made it up for them, then I have to keep it made. Exhausting.
I just might need those massages. In which case, I have a call to make. What’s his number again?
