a community of practitioners

provisional certification...sort of

Hi. I went to massage school in Wisconsin, and practiced professionally from Feb. 09-Aug.09 as "massage practitioner" (not THERAPIST, as i had not taken certification exams, etc). I just moved back to GA, my homestate, and want to begin practicing, however state licensing is a requirement. I have always planned on taking the nationals test and being state certified, however $ is presently an issue. I am wondering if, since GA does not allow for a provisional license, if anyone knows how to go about approaching a potential employer/contract partner about receiving support (an advance-type deal) in order to go ahead and take the nationals test and get my license immediately so that I can start practicing, building a client base, making money, and keeping my skills up??? Thank you.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Bonny Donnelly on October 16, 2009 at 7:37pm

Julie,
This is hard to anwswer and I am not really sure how to advise you because in order to be legally employed to do massage therapy you must indeed be a licensed one here in GA. They actually just started licensing a few years ago. Does WI not require a license?
Only thing I could think of would be to try to work for a spa or chiropractor who has seen your school certification, and receives a massage from you and might be willing to let you work doing other things in their office until you can save enough to take the NCBTMB exam and then move into an LMT position.
Good luck in your endeavours!

Permalink Reply by Julie Renee Willis on October 16, 2009 at 7:54pm

Thank you for your response, Bonny. WI only requires documented completion of at least a 600hr program, however they are moving towards requiring licensure. I think that all states are... I practiced as "Massage Practitioner" with professional insurance, all the while working to pay off my tuition, which I am happy to say is now complete with my Grandmother's help. :)
Thanx again!

Bonny Donnelly said:

Julie,
This is hard to anwswer and I am not really sure how to advise you because in order to be legally employed to do massage therapy you must indeed be a licensed one here in GA. They actually just started licensing a few years ago. Does WI not require a license?
Only thing I could think of would be to try to work for a spa or chiropractor who has seen your school certification, and receives a massage from you and might be willing to let you work doing other things in their office until you can save enough to take the NCBTMB exam and then move into an LMT position.
Good luck in your endeavours!

Permalink Reply by Jane Johnson, LMT on October 29, 2009 at 7:59pm

Hi Julie,
I'm glad you posted. You do have to be licensed to practice in Georgia. Visit the Georgia Board of Massage Therapy for complete requirements at www.sos.state.ga.us/plb/massage. The Board accepts the NCETMB, NCETM or MBLEx. You are not required to remain certified should you take the NCE's. I hope this helps! Jane