VALUE

VALUE

 

There have been many discussions about how much massage therapist should make and how much a massage session should cost.  These discussions are often linked to a professional and personal expectation of value.  From Dictionary.com the 1. definition of value is -relative worth, merit, or importance.

 

You might want to read:

What Is the Value of a Human Being? What are you worth?

Published on November 14, 2012 by Leon Pomeroy, Ph.D. in Beyond Good and Evil

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/beyond-good-and-evil/201211/what-is-the-value-human-being

 

What Are Your Values? Deciding what's most important in life

http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newTED_85.htm

 

You might want to listen to the following:

Success is a continuous journey

http://www.ted.com/talks/richard_st_john_success_is_a_continuous_journey.html

The power of vulnerability

http://www.ted.com/playlists/8/a_better_you.html

 And now you  might want to consider the following data.

http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/education-careers/careers-health-care/health-care-income.page

http://www.ama-assn.org/resources/doc/med-ed-products/comp04-massage-therapist.pdf

Health Care Careers Directory 2012-2013

Salary

Earnings among massage therapists vary widely,

depending on where the therapist practices, their

level of experience, the number of client-contact

hours, and their ability to establish and sustain an independent

business. Responsibilities in addition to massage include practice

management, billing, marketing, etc.

Many massage therapists work part time and, therefore, yearly

earnings can vary considerably, depending on the therapist’s

schedule. On average, massage therapists earn between $31 and

$41 per hour and are paid for an average of 15 hours per week,

earning them annual massage-related incomes between $20,000

and $30,000. A full-time practice for massage therapy is about 26

hours a week.

Another survey, reflecting prevalent part-time and private-practice

models, shows that practitioners earn an average salary of

$20,000 (as independent therapists); $23,750 (therapists working

as employees); and $22,600 (combined independent and employed

work). The average annual median salary, based on all three of

these categories, was $21,000.

Educational Programs

Minimum entry-level standards for massage therapy

training vary greatly, based on state or local requirements,

professional association standards, or insurance

requirements. State regulatory requirements for massage

practice range from a minimum of 500 in-class hours at a recognized

massage schools—the most prevalent standard—to 1,000

in-class hours of massage training in accredited massage

programs.

Massage therapy training programs and schools can voluntarily

seek accreditation from seven accrediting agencies recognized by

the US Department of Education. Only 30 percent of

state-approved massage therapy training programs have received

such accreditation.

 

Now compare to Acupuncture, Chiropractic, and Athletic trainer

Educational Programs - Acupuncture

Programs in acupuncture or Oriental medicine are

accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture

and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM). ACAOM is

recognized by the US Department of Education (USDE) as an

authority in assessing master’s degree and master’s level certificate

and diploma programs in acupuncture and Oriental medicine.

Length. Acupuncture and Oriental medicine programs are typically

three to four academic years (90 to 120 instructional weeks),

consisting of a minimum of 105 semester credits (1,905 hours) for

an acupuncture program and 146 semester credits (2,625 hours) for

an Oriental medicine program.

Prerequisites. Satisfactory completion of at least two academic

years (60 semester credits/90 quarter credits) of education at the

baccalaureate level that is appropriate preparation for graduate

level work, or the equivalent, from an institution accredited by an

agency recognized by the US Secretary of Education.

A 2008 study by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture

and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) found that certified

acupuncturists and Oriental medicine practitioners earned on

average $60,000 per year.

 

 

Educational Programs-Chiropractic

Length. Chiropractors complete education in an

accredited chiropractic college; four to five academic

years of professional study are standard.

Prerequisites. The typical applicant at a chiropractic college

has already acquired four years of undergraduate college education.

Curriculum. Chiropractic students study clinical subjects,

including anatomy, physiology, rehabilitation, nutrition, and

public health. Because of the hands-on nature of chiropractic, a

significant portion of time is spent in clinical training.

Salary

May 2011 data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics

show that wages for chiropractors at the 10th percentile

are $31,120, the 50th percentile (median) at

$66,060, and the 90th percentile at $142,570. (http://www.bls.gov/

oes/current/oes291011.htm).

In chiropractic, as in other types of independent practice, earnings

are relatively low in the beginning and increase as the practice

grows.

Educational Programs  Athletic Trainer

Length. Baccalaureate degree programs require 4

years of study. Postbaccalaureate programs are generally

2 years.

Salary

Entry-level salaries in 2008 averaged $35,000. The average

overall salary is $45,000, with the upper ranges

from $55,000 to $85,000.

Data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics

(www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes299091.htm) from May 2009 show

that wages at the 10th percentile are $26,170, the 50th percentile

(median) at $42,400, and the 90th percentile at $65,970.

For more information, go to www.ama-assn.org/go/hpsalary

 

 

http://www.careeronestop.org/SalariesBenefits/Salary_Report.aspx?soccode=319011&stfips=&zip=&mode=

State and National Wages for Massage Therapist

 

Location	Pay Period	2011
		10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
United States	Hourly	$8.80	$11.93	$17.23	$24.38	$33.21
	Yearly	$18,300	$24,800	$35,800	$50,700	$69,100
Michigan	Hourly	$8.25	$9.42	$14.75	$24.88	$32.34
	Yearly	$17,200	$19,600	$30,700	$51,800	$67,300

Wage Table

Hourly Wage Chart

Yearly Wage Chart

• High is the wage at which 90% of workers earn less and 10% earn more.
• Middle is the wage at which 50% of workers earn less and 50% earn more.
• Low is the wage at which 10% of workers earn less and 90% earn more.

 

Wage Table

Hourly Wage Chart

Yearly Wage Chart

• High is the wage at which 90% of workers earn less and 10% earn more.
• Middle is the wage at which 50% of workers earn less and 50% earn more.
• Low is the wage at which 10% of workers earn less and 90% earn more.

 

National Data Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics Survey
State Data Source: Michigan Wage Information

http://www.careerinfonet.org/occ_rep.asp?next=occ_rep&Level=&optstatus=111111111&jobfam=31&id=1&nodeid=2&soccode=319011&stfips=26&x=56&y=7 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition, Massage Therapists,  on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/massage-therapists.htm (visited March 15, 2013).

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/home.htm

Healthcare Occupations

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	OCCUPATION	JOB SUMMARY	ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION	2010 MEDIAN PAY
	Athletic Trainers	Athletic trainers specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating muscle and bone injuries and illnesses. They work with people of all ages and all skill levels, from young children to soldiers and professional athletes.	Bachelor’s degree	$41,600
	Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians and Vascular Technologists	Cardiovascular technologists and technicians and vascular technologists use imaging technology to help physicians diagnose cardiac (heart) and peripheral vascular (blood vessel) ailments in patients. They also help physicians treat problems with cardiac and vascular systems, such as blood clots.	Associate’s degree	$49,410
	Chiropractors	Chiropractors treat patients with health problems of the musculoskeletal system, which is made up of bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They use spinal manipulation and other techniques to treat patients' ailments, such as back or neck pain.	Doctoral or professional degree	$67,200
	Dental Assistants	Dental assistants have many tasks, ranging from patient care to record keeping, in a dental office. Their duties vary by state and by the dentists’ offices where they work.	Postsecondary non-degree award	$33,470
	Dental Hygienists	Dental hygienists clean teeth, examine patients for oral diseases such as gingivitis, and provide other preventative dental care. They also educate patients on ways to improve and maintain good oral health.	Associate’s degree	$68,250
	Dietitians and Nutritionists	Dietitians and nutritionists are experts in food and nutrition. They advise people on what to eat in order to lead a healthy lifestyle or achieve a specific health-related goal.	Bachelor’s degree	$53,250
	EMTs and Paramedics	Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics care for the sick or injured in emergency medical settings. People’s lives often depend on their quick reaction and competent care. EMTs and paramedics respond to emergency calls, performing medical services and transporting patients to medical facilities.	Postsecondary non-degree award	$30,360
	Home Health and Personal Care Aides	Home health and personal care aides help people who are disabled, chronically ill, or cognitively impaired. They also help older adults who may need assistance. They help with activities such as bathing and dressing, and they provide services such as light housekeeping. In some states, home health aides may be able to give a client medication or check the client’s vital signs under the direction of a nurse or other healthcare practitioner.	Less than high school	$20,170
	Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses	Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses (known as LPNs or LVNs, depending on the state in which they work) provide basic nursing care. They work under the direction of registered nurses and doctors.	Postsecondary non-degree award	$40,380
	Massage Therapists	Massage therapists treat clients by using touch to manipulate the soft-tissue muscles of the body. With their touch, therapists relieve pain, rehabilitate injuries, reduce stress, increase relaxation, and aid in the general wellness of clients.	Postsecondary non-degree award	$34,900
	Medical Assistants	Medical assistants complete administrative and clinical tasks in the offices of physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors, and other health practitioners. Their duties vary with the location, specialty, and size of the practice.	High school diploma or equivalent	$28,860
	Medical Records and Health Information Technicians	Medical records and health information technicians organize and manage health information data by ensuring its quality, accuracy, accessibility, and security in both paper and electronic systems. They use various classification systems to code and categorize patient information for reimbursement purposes, for databases and registries, and to maintain patients’ medical and treatment histories.	Postsecondary non-degree award	$32,350
	Medical Transcriptionists	Medical transcriptionists listen to voice recordings that physicians and other health professionals make and convert them into written reports. They interpret medical terminology and abbreviations in preparing patients’ medical histories, discharge summaries, and other documents.	Postsecondary non-degree award	$32,900
	Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants	Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants help provide basic care for patients in hospitals and residents of long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes.	Postsecondary non-degree award	$24,010
	Occupational Therapists	Occupational therapists treat patients with injuries, illnesses, or disabilities through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help these patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working.	Master’s degree	$72,320
	Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides	Occupational therapy assistants and aides work under the direction of occupational therapists in treating patients with injuries, illnesses, or disabilities through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help these patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working.	See How to Become One	$47,490
	Pharmacy Technicians	Pharmacy technicians help licensed pharmacists dispense prescription medication.	High school diploma or equivalent	$28,400
	Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides	Physical therapist assistants and physical therapist aides work under the direction of physical therapists. They help patients who are recovering from injuries, illnesses, and surgeries regain movement and manage pain.	See How to Become One	$37,710
	Physical Therapists	Physical therapists help people who have injuries or illnesses improve their movement and manage their pain. They are often an important part of rehabilitation and treatment of patients with chronic conditions or injuries.	Doctoral or professional degree	$76,310
	Recreational Therapists	Recreational therapists plan, direct, and coordinate recreation programs for people with disabilities or illnesses. They use a variety of techniques, including arts and crafts, drama, music, dance, sports, games, and field trips. These programs help maintain or improve a client’s physical and emotional well-being.	Bachelor’s degree	$39,410
	Registered Nurses	Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their family members.	Associate’s degree	$64,690
	Respiratory Therapists	Respiratory therapists care for patients who have trouble breathing; for example, from a chronic respiratory disease, such as asthma or emphysema. They also provide emergency care to patients suffering from heart attacks, stroke, drowning, or shock.	Associate’s degree	$54,280

2010 Median Pay

The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment Statistics survey.

Entry-level Education

Typical level of education that most workers need to enter this occupation.

Publish Date: Thursday, March 29, 2012

 

This data suggests to me that value based on education comparison, the reported income for massage therapy is high—The other professions with similar educational standards- Postsecondary non-degree award typically require more training than massage therapy (500 contact hours) and earn either about the same or less. Take a closer look at EMT for example .  At the EMT-Basic level, training includes instruction in assessing patients' conditions, dealing with trauma and cardiac emergencies, clearing obstructed airways, using field equipment, and handling emergencies. Formal courses include about 100 hours of specialized training. Some training may be required in a hospital or ambulance setting.

The EMT-Intermediate 1985 or EMT-Intermediate 1999 level, also known as the Advanced EMT level, typically requires 1,000 hours of training based on the scope of practice. At this level, people must complete the training required at the EMT level, as well as more advanced training, such as training in the use of complex airway devices, intravenous fluids, and some medications.

Paramedics have the most advanced level of training. They must complete EMT-level and Advanced EMT training, as well as training in advanced medical skills. Community colleges and technical schools may offer this training, in which graduates may receive an associate's degree. Paramedic programs require about 1,300 hours of training and may take up to 2 years. Their broader scope of practice may include stitching wounds or administering IV medications.

 

Therefore the value of massage must be more that an academic education if we expect to earn the same value economically. I would propose that our value be measured not only by what we charge and earn but also by how we serve.  As educators we need to establish appropriate expectations in graduates.  If we just consider the educational level, massage therapist would earn about $12-$14 per hour.  The income reported above is realistic.  Just because we charge $40-$50 per hour does not mean that is what is made for a net income. Net income is more like $12-$14 per hour.  An annual income of $30,000 per year requires full time work right? Right!  That is 40-45 hours per week minimum and 25 massage sessions per week during those 40ish hours.  Is that enough economic value? I don’t know- it has been for me for many years. However, there are many types of value in the massage profession for me.

 People have to be able to afford massage to get massage on a regular basis. That tops out at $40-$50 per session if they are going to get a massage on a weekly or every two weeks basis.  How are clients going to determine value-at least enough value to justify the time and money spent to get a massage.  Just like giving a massage- it takes 2 hours to get a one hour massage.  Even at the $40 per massage rate: on a weekly basis that is $160 a month.  That’s a lot of money.  If your client is making $15 per hour they have to work about 10 hours just to pay the massage therapist.  Interesting questions about value aren’t they.

 

 

 

LEARNING IS MESSY

 

 

As I wander around in the massage related social media and webpages for the various organizations I am seeing content related to how to teach massage.  This is good because without excellent teaching we cannot lay the foundation for excellent massage practice.  However, just like the hundreds of massage types (very confusing and really basically the same), there are many theories about how people learn and how to develop curriculum and then implement that curriculum into to actually abilities through teaching.  

There are some real obstacles for massage therapy education such as:

WE DO NOT HAVE AN AGREED UPON ENTRY LEVEL SET OF COMPENTENCIES AND CURRICULIUM CONTENT AND YES I AM YELLING!

We do have an excellent start however in the competencies developed by the Commission on Massage Training and Accreditation and the Massage Therapy Body of Knowledge.  The ELAP (Entry Level Analysis Project) is also supposed to address this issue.  In the meantime educators in the massage community continue to make individual best guesses about what people need to know and be able to do to be considered massage therapists.  Obviously this is a frustrating issue for many and it is no secret that I personally am frustrated with the lack of progress from my peers about laying this foundation, however this is not the topic of this blog.  Ha.

My last blog was about the evolution of the textbook into multidimensional learning systems.   I have had questions and comments about the blog.  This combined with the many discussion found on the web has prompted me to expand on this topic. 

Being a massage school owner and education almost 30 years now has made me continue to learn.  Writing textbooks has also made me explore learning theory. I doubt that many who use my textbooks realize just how much research has gone into how the information is presented. 

First is the audience- Adult learners regardless if they are baby boomers, generation X or Y or whatever -Adult learners want relevance or:

• Why am I learning this?

• Don’t waste my time?

• What’s in it for me?

In other words, adults will be motivated to learn when they experience value in the process. They want quality because they are paying for it.   There is a reason/outcome for the learning as opposed to having to be in school like k-12.  Adults choose to learn. 

When I am considering content for a textbook one of the first questions I ask myself is “What does this information have to do with actually giving a massage that a client will feel is worth paying for?” This means that the information in some way is going to help the massage application be beneficial and not harmful.  We all have had school experiences where the content seemed stupid and have little or no relevance.  Certainly this statement needs to be qualified based on usage.  I recall having to learn math in K-12 even if I did not actually experience the relevance until I had to balance a checkbook (do we even have check books anymore?)  or sort out statistical meaning in massage related research.  When I am teaching I will say to students, “Yes you need to know this even though the relevance is not obvious just yet.”   Medical terminology can sometimes fall into this realm.  I give examples and provide activities that show them the relevance.  In my science text- Mosby’s Essential Sciences for Therapeutic  Massage-I have practical application boxes strategically place so the learning knows they will actually use the information they are learning about. 

Another process I use in the textbooks is spiral learning theory and novel repetition. In it’s most basic explanation, spiral learning is just introducing a topic, touching on it for a short time and then moving on knowing the content will appear again and again. The premise is that a subject isn’t learned the first time around and the student can pick up more information the second third and fourth time. With each learning session, the student will expand on their skill level and build new understanding.   The key is that each time the content is presented it needs to be presented in a novel way (different but similar) and with relevance based on the skill set of the student at the time.  For example: The beginning student will need to know the basics of scientific language and then progress to using that information to break down work meanings as they read, progressing to using terms to complete charting and so forth.

 Spiral learning is not a new model of learning and it is especially effective in skill building or developing competencies.   This type of learning can be messy but that is a good thing.  It is harder to develop curriculum and courses within the curriculum because each part must related to the other courses.  It is much more like playing with Legos than coloring a picture in a coloring book

 I am personally not a fan of linear or mastery learning methods (coloring book). The linear/mastery learning model suggest that students learn in a sequential way – they must master a topic before moving on to the next. The topic will not be “revisited” as in the spiral learning method.

Often there is a combination.  Draping during massage is an example.  It is helpful in the beginning for the student to learn a way to drape.  I will drill in a method until they can do it without being nervous about doing it right. At the same time I know that draping adaptation is going to show up over and over through the program. This allows the students to be refreshed in the key concepts and at the same time expand skills.

I did not create the spiral learning concept. Jerome Bruner put those pieces together. Jerome S. Bruner (1915- ) is one of the best known and influential psychologists of the twentieth century. Bruner's model of the spiral curriculum is an element of educational philosophy suggesting that students should continually return to basic ideas as new subjects and concepts are added over the course of a curriculum. The idea behind the method is for students really to learn, rather than simply memorizing to pass a test.  In simpler terms, one learns best through the repeated experience of a concept. Over the course of development, behaviors and pieces of knowledge are reinforced by outcomes. The important part of this is that the information needs to be repeated in novel forms that evolve as the student evolves.

To learn more check out these reference links: http://www.instructionaldesign.org/theories/constructivist.html

http://www.infed.org/thinkers/bruner.htm

http://www.psych.nyu.edu/bruner

www.infed.org

www.newfoundations.com

 

The spiral approach is a technique often used in teaching or textbooks where first the basic facts of a subject are learned, without worrying about details. For example; instead of learning the individual names of all the muscles that flex the elbow-learn first that the groups are called elbow flexors.  Then as learning progresses, more and more details are introduced, while at the same time they are related to the basics which are reemphasized many times to help enter them into long-term memory.  The spiral learning concept support current discussion on Facebook about the “flipped classroom” where the emphasis is less on what the teacher has to say especially in lecture and more about what the students can discover.

I use the spiral model as I create textbooks.  Sometimes reviews I get about the books question the repetition however the spiraled repetition is the point.  While the textbooks I write can be used for individual classes successfully, the imbedded spiral learning is less successful than when the books are the platform for the curriculum and each chapter is a “course book”.  I think educators make a big mistake by giving entry level students too many textbooks. It is confusing. Following is the table of contents from the 5^th edition of Mosby’s Fundamentals of Therapeutic Massage with notation about the imbedded spiral for learning.

 

Chapter 1            Therapeutic Massage as a Profession

This is the big picture which briefly presents the need for knowledge and the relevance for practice

 

Chapter 2            Ethics, Professionalism, and Legal Issues

This chapter loops back (spiral) to pick up on the concept of a service profession and the structure of professional behavior. Critical thinking and Clinical reasoning is introduced

 

Chapter 3            Business Considerations for a Career in Therapeutic Massage

Now the information from chapters 1 and 2 is looped again but with a very practical practice building outcome—relevance and the critical thinking process is used for decision about practice building and management.

 

Chapter 4            Massage and Medical Terminology for Professional Record Keeping

This chapter introduces the idea of scientific basis of massage and immediately relates nuts and bolts content to relevance for documentation.  Critical thinking spirals into how documentation is completed.

 

Chapter 5            Research Literacy and Evidence-Based Practice

Chapter five spirals back into content from chapter 1-2-3 and challenge the student to use the content from chapter 4 to read and analysis the research.  The research is presented in terms of outcomes for massage which loops back to the marketing of massage or what does the client want and what will they pay for.  Critical thinking and Clinical reasoning spirals into the scientific model and the analysis of research.

 

Chapter 6            Indications and Contraindications for Therapeutic Massage

This chapter spirals through all the information of previous chapters in the novel repetition format that expand on the foundation set for   outcome based massage application and treatment plan development .

 

Chapter 7            Hygiene, Sanitation, and Safety

The nuts and bolts of this chapter are absorbed because the student understands the relevance based on previous chapters.

 

Chapter 8            Body Mechanics

This chapter involves the doing of massage, spiraling into the concepts of career longevity, adaptation, safe practice and method application. It also presents ergonomic and biomechanical research to support methods being taught reviewing previous content.

 

Chapter 9            Preparation for Massage: Equipment, Professional Environment, Positioning, and Draping

This nuts and bolts chapter also reviews (spirals) back through the first 3 chapters based on respect and care of the client establishing relevance and practical application.

 

Chapter 10          Massage Manipulations and Techniques

A nuts and bolts chapter that loops back into all of the research, indications and contraindications as well as critical thinking and clinical reasoning of the previous content.

 

Chapter 11          Assessment Procedures for Developing a Care/Treatment Plan

Again this chapter, by teaching assessment, reinforces critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and the importance of research, client expectations and experience.  The end result is the foundation for individualized massage application based on client outcomes that can be justified and documented within a multi -disciplinary heath profession.

 

Chapter 12          Complementary Bodywork Systems

Building on all previous content this chapter presents bodywork methods that are typically part of the massage approach but called different names and presented as unique systems.  Additionally ,true adjunct methods such as hydrotherapy review the importance of relevance, research, safety and documentation

Chapter 13          Massage Career Tracks and Practice Settings

This chapter loops all previous content in the platform of where the learner wants to practice massage and how massage is framed in the various practice settings.

Chapter 14          Adaptive Massage

Again Adaptive massage is the same material from previous chapters in the novel presentation of clusters of populations and the individual adaption of professional integration, assessment, treatment planning, justification and massage application.

Chapter 15          Wellness Education

Building on massage as part of the larger system of health and wellness this chapter loops back through the textbook content by indicating that massage is supportive of and supported by a broader scope of experience.

Chapter 16          Case Studies

This chapter presents 20 stories and pulls it all together in a final spiraling process toward competence.

 

Hopefully those reading this blog can identify the broader based of a well-designed textbook as more of a learning experiences than an efficient collection of facts.   This is hard to do and take time and a team of developers.  Not just me.

THE EVOLUTION OF THE "BOOK"

 

A Book is much more that a Book these days

I have been fielding a lot of questions about textbooks, reference book and massage books in general lately.  I am also learning myself that a “book” is not only paper. I drive a lot and so I listen to audio books.  The readers for these books are fantastic and take me right into the story.  I read so much for work/writing books that it is a pleasure to listen.

Textbooks-at least with my publisher Elsevier-  are now LEARNING SYSTEMS. Check it out yourself - http://www.elsevieradvantage.com/  There is the traditional paper book , the electronic book called Pageburst.   Just like owning a printed textbook you always able to access the edition of a text  purchased and downloaded. Pageburst digital books also offer a variety of unique interactive features that make traditional content more engaging.  There is even a feature where the textbook can be read to you!  If you are a teacher there is also tons of classroom tools. Pageburst is a smart, simple interface that allows access to your entire library of Elsevier digital books wherever, whenever, and however you like.

1.) Online from any computer via Evolve

 2.) Offline with downloaded titles on the Pageburst desktop app

 3.) On-the-go with a free mobile app for your Apple iOS mobile device (iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch), Android smartphone or tablet, or Kindle Fire

Then there is EVOLVE Textbook Resources

Instructors can prepare for class using lesson plans, test banks, image collections, PowerPoint® slides, TEACH educator resources, and more on the Evolve website.There is also a complete classroom management system (like blackboard) that has attendance, grade book, live chat and so much that I am still learning about.

For students the EVOLVE website expands the textbook content with additional resources, video clips and learning activities.

Then there are the ONLINE COURSES that go with a book.  They are all done—you don’t have to create anything.  I have one for Essential Sciences for Therapeutic Massage and use it at my school.  It is great even if I do say so myself.   Susan Salvo has an online course that go with her Pathology text and I use it in my Advanced Professional Massage Training course.

I just can’t believe how a “Book” is more than paper. I am becoming more comfortable with all the electronics and my students love them.  I know this post sounds like a commercial however my intent is much more than about the books I have written.  It is about the evolution of the “Book”.  

In education we need to be sensitive to textbook costs to students.  I find that many massage programs use too many books especially during entry level training.  One of my favorite sayings is” Too much of a good thing becomes a bad thing.”  Too many textbooks confuses the entry level student. I am biased certainly but I use Fundamentals of Therapeutic Massage, Essential Sciences for Therapeutic Massage and the online course and Business and Professional Skills for Massage Therapists for my entry level massage training.  We use the Evolve Learning System for all the classroom tracking and communication.  The Evolve Learning System is a web-based course management and collaboration system that enables educators to manage course materials and to communicate quickly, easily, and effectively with students. The Evolve Learning System can function both as a complement to traditional courses and as a site for distance learning including webinars. With the Evolve Learning System we post documents online, such as our course syllabus; administer surveys, assessments, and tests; send and receive course mail; establish and monitor discussion forums and chat rooms; receive and grade uploaded assignments using online drop boxes; create teams for discussion or for special projects; and more.  You can check it out at the Evolve Support Portal at: http://evolvesupport.elsevier.com

AND---THERE IS NO ADDITIONAL COST FOR ALL THE EVOLVE CONTENT!

The cost to my school is nothing—and the cost for students is about $250 for everything-3 textbooks, (paper or electronic ) online course, Evolve site resources.  

I am just putting it out there that times are changing and we need to change with them.  I will be 60 years old my next birthday. Yup there is a learning curve but so what. I got a tablet for Christmas and figuring out how to use it.  My 5 year old granddaughter is helping me.

A FEW THOUGHTS ABOUT THE 2013 AMTA Massage Therapy Industry Fact Sheet

A FEW THOUGHTS ABOUT THE 2013 AMTA Massage Therapy Industry Fact Sheet

http://www.amtamassage.org/infocenter/economic_industry-fact-sheet.html

In this post I am highlighting a few of the points from the 2013 AMTA Massage Therapy Industry Fact Sheet. The link above takes you to the complete document. 

According to the fact sheet:

Today’s massage therapists are:

•Working an average of 17 hours a week providing massage. (Excludes time spent on other business tasks such as billing, bookkeeping, supplies, maintaining equipment, marketing, scheduling, etc.)

MY TAKE ON THIS:    Reporting work hours this way is confusing.  I do think this representation is a bit clearer than in past years.  What this statement means is that actual time is with hands on clients and as stated does not include all the rest of the time required to provide massage services.  I teach that for every 1 hour massage you will need at least an additional hour complete all the rest of the work required including laundry, cleaning and business tasks.  This means an average work week is 34 hours.

 •Charging an average of $62 for one hour of massage vs. $59 in 2011.

 •Earning an average wage of $31 an hour (including tips) for all massage-related work.

 •In 2012, the average annual income for a massage therapist (including tips) was estimated to be $20,789

MY TAKE ON THIS:  Something doesn’t seem right with these numbers.  So if the average massage therapist is working 17 hours and the average fee is $62 per massage this would be a weekly gross income of $1054. Then the report indicates that the average wage is $31 per hour for all massage related work.  I am not sure I know what that means- 17 hours of hands on clients or the 34 hours of real time. So ---using 34 hours into $1054 gross income is $31 dollars per hour------ but I don’t see any indication of overhead costs whether paid by a self-employed practitioner or an employer.  WOOPS--- The overhead has to be paid and again I teach that 50% of gross is needed to pay overhead.  That would mean that net income per hour is $15.50.

Now we have to figure out the average annual income of $20,789.  What fits is $15.50 x 34 hours x 50 weeks (2 weeks non paid vacation) = $26,350. WOOPS—ABOUT A $5000 DIFFERENCE.   A 34 hour work week bases on the $20789 number is just a bit over $12 per hour.  $12-$15 per actual work hour is a whole lot different than the gross charge of $62 per one hour massage or the $31 per hour based on all massage related work.   Graduates from massage school are often told that they will make that $30ish dollar amount per hour—not true.  Also note that the $12-$15 per hour fits the payroll stucture of the various massage franchises.

 •Fifty-two percent of massage therapists say they would like to work more hours of massage than they presently do.

WELL DUH—YOU CAN’T LIVE ON $20,000ish PER YEAR.

 •Half of massage therapists (50 percent) also earn income working in another profession.

WELL DUH-SEE ABOVE.

MY TAKE ON THIS:  It is necessary to do a minimum of 25 massage sessions at $50 per hour charge to the client to make a sustainable income.  In my experience a charge over the $50 per one hour massage does not support a retention client practice and the AMTA report indicated that massage therapist rely on repeat clients for income stability.   With these figures a massage therapist should earn between $25000 and $30000 per year based on how much is spent on overhead expenses.  

My questions are:

Why are massage therapists (on average) only doing 17 1- hour massage sessions per week instead of 25?

Why are massage graduates so often told they are going to earn $20-$40 per hour when this is clearly not the case?

Why do the AMTA numbers not jive?

AND FINIALLY—

Why do professional organizations and CE providers expect these individual to shell out $300-$400 in convention/conference/course fees as well as $500-$600 in travel and lodging.  $1000 is 10% of reported income. For goodness sake $19,090 is considered the income level threshold for poverty in the United States.

We need to get real here people--------------!!!!!!