Almost and Newly Licensed Therapists

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This group will discuss all about getting started. We will need some experience for guidance and references as well, I hope everyone will help these beginners across the bridge.
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Is it a good idea to go into private practice without field experience?

by christina

Apr 28, 2011

ok. so here is the question. I am a massage therapy student. I will be graduating in september. Two of my classmates want me to join them in renting a commercial property right after we are all certified. I find the thought of this exciting and the possibilities are endless but I am hesitant because part of me feels that I need field experience and a true mentor to work under in a professional setting before going on to any personal endeavors...the other part of me feels that it would be a great idea to take a leap of faith and have a go at being a business owner.... any advise that can be offered up regarding this matter would be much apreciated!!!
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    christina

    Thank you Daniel for your most apreciated insight. I will be graduating in september and the idea of partnering with my classmates is a fairly new idea that we have been tossing around for a short while. I will definetly mention to them the six months of utilities/rent/overhead and see what it brings. That is a sound piece of advise that I was not yet aware of! Thank you again!

    christina said:


    Daniel Lopes said:

    Christina,

                I am graduating in 17 days. I have contemplated the same thing, but after looking into it I decided against it. Let me give you my reasons I will not do this at this time. First was the cost of rent and utilities. I know that to start up a business you should have 6 months worth of rent and utilities, and overhead, in a account to pay the bills while you try to get started. I had the money but my prospective partners did not. Therefore, If we did this I said that "they would be working for me". They were not willing to do so and I was not that interested in becoming a solo business owner at this time. I also felt that getting the experience working at a spa, to glean ideas how I want to do things on my own, could be very valuable. I am going that route for now. If these issues are not a problem for you, then by all means "Go for it". What ever you decide, I wish you the best of luck.  

    May 1, 2011

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    Kim Galliher

    I have been back and forth with this same issue.  I finally decided to initially work for somone else because my strength lies more in the relaxing spa massage and services.  I do not feel confident in my therapeutic or sports massage. Before I open my own place I want to be strong and confident in all areas, so I am going to work for a business that specializes in therapeutic and sports massage.  After I have learned what they have to teach me and I feel comfortable in it I will most definitely open my own place.  I just want to make sure I have all the right tools in my belt so that I can succeed.  I graduate today and start training for my new job next week.  All very exciting.

    Jul 14, 2011

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    christina

    Congratulations!! I too have deceided to work for a small business before I embark on the journey of being a business owner. After much consideration I feel it is best for me to work with and learn from others who are more experienced .My strength lies in therapeutic massage but I want to continue growing and pursuing my therapeutic education. I will continue taking classes and certifications while working for someone else.I think you said it best when you said that you want to have all the right tools in your belt so that you can succeed. Best of luck and wishes for you, and congratulations again!!!

    Kim Galliher said:

    I have been back and forth with this same issue.  I finally decided to initially work for somone else because my strength lies more in the relaxing spa massage and services.  I do not feel confident in my therapeutic or sports massage. Before I open my own place I want to be strong and confident in all areas, so I am going to work for a business that specializes in therapeutic and sports massage.  After I have learned what they have to teach me and I feel comfortable in it I will most definitely open my own place.  I just want to make sure I have all the right tools in my belt so that I can succeed.  I graduate today and start training for my new job next week.  All very exciting.

    Jul 14, 2011