As I continue wading though the ELAP document I find myself longing for a definition of massage but I can't find one. Instead what I find is a tab that says Massage Forms and Styles. Under this tab is :
Foundation Principles and Skills
Swedish Massage
Myofascial Approaches
Deep Tissue Approaches
Proprioceptive Approaches
Neuromuscular Approaches
Hydrotherapy for Massage
Seated Massage
I guess that this is the definition for massage. I have issues for sure.
Foundation Principles and Skills- This section was well done and reflective of entry level.
Swedish Massage - In my previous post I explain the problem with using the term Swedish massage as the platform for massage language. I suggest a term such as general massage or massage therapy or massage.
These next sections get really odd for me.
Myofascial Approaches
Deep Tissue Approaches
Proprioceptive Approaches
Neuromuscular Approaches
I do not understand why they are seen as specific methods rather than adaptation of general massage application. The fascia appears to respond to tension forces, however why is not understood. Tension force is created with gliding methods that drag the tissues. Lubricant is reduced or eliminated during application to create drag. In addition, the myofascial and deep tissue content areas were overlapping and the separation between the two is artificial. Fascia and other forms of connective tissue are structures of the body (anatomy) with interconnected function with other body systems (physiology). Deep tissues are under surface tissues or am I missing something here. Don't you adapt depth of pressure to address the various layers of the body from surface to deep. I recall Gil Hedley's dissection videos where he sequentially reveals various tissue layers. http://www.gilhedley.com/index.php.
This is anatomy-not method. Pin and stretch was considered deep tissue (I think because once you complete an area you can't get back in). However, pin and stretch is considered a direct method (into the resistance) and by nature of the application isn't this myofascial????--or is it???. You can see the problem I hope.
Proprioceptive approaches was confusing. It appears to me that what is meant is the use of muscle energy techniques and pressure on muscular attachments. Muscle energy techniques consist of a variety of controlled muscle contractions that are used primarily to support stretching. Since stretching and joint movement is part of the general massage (Swedish in the document) why is this a separate method? In addition compression as a method described for both this category and neuromuscular as well as seated massage was not included in the methods of Swedish massage.
Neuromuscular approaches are reflected as trigger point focus. The concept of trigger points as a condition (not a method) is under scrutiny. It is likely that some sort of tender spot phenomenon exists but this would be a pathological condition or an adaptive response which would be addressed if appropriate with an adaptation of general massage. Besides the trigger point concepts in only a small aspect of neuromuscular methods as a system. I have been fortunate enough to have Dr. Chaitow as a teacher and mentor for years and his analysis of trigger points and how to address when appropriate has evolved. His uncle Bois formalized neuromuscular applications. I just cannot support the way proprioceptive and neuromuscular methods were presented.
Hydrotherapy for Massage- Hydrotherapy is not massage. The complete system of treatment can compliment massage and therefor falls under my understanding of adjunct (something added to another thing but not essential to it.) I did not have issues with the content specifically but how does this fit under the category of- Massage Forms and Styles. While there are some simple hydo/thermotherapy methods that an entry level massage therapist could add to the massage session I would really see this as a specific specialty beyond entry level.
Seated Massage- Why is seated massage a whole different concept than general massage adapted to the seated position and why was there a specific business and marketing strategy involve?
Also as a side note, I had my entry level students complete the section on the skeletal system and they thought is was good and that they should know the content. I agree with them. I did take issue with being told how to teach the content however. I actually choose to use the ELAP to teach today and that was not a possibility listed in the curriculum map.
I realize that this blog is coming a crossed sarcastic but I am choosing to leave it this way because I believe my frustration is valid. I also know what it is like to be on the other side of a review like this. The individuals who worked hard on this, I believe were doing the best they identified at the time of creating this draft. I also know how important it is to pay careful attention to reviewers. Reviewers see things differently and can point out flaws, inaccuracies and biases when as an author or in this instance part of a work group cannot see because of being too close and attached to the project.. Please workgroup--pay attention.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Monday, June 24, 2013
ELAP-Some of my observations for you to consider.
First,
before I write anything else it is important to state that I am supportive of
the ELAP project. I want it to succeed.
Now here
are some of my observations and concerns:
The initial survey attached to the Federation of State
Massage Boards job task analysis survey was flawed. The only option for general massage was the
term Swedish Massage and for a therapeutic intervention was deep tissue
massage. The problem is:
Swedish Massage as an approach is too limiting and has
current and historical confusion about what it means. I searched state licenses and seldom is the
term Swedish Massage used. Massage Therapy and Therapeutic massage are much
more common. In the state licensing
descriptions of massage application terms such as gliding, kneading, pressing,
shaking and so forth are use almost exclusively instead of effleurage, petrissage
and so forth. If effleurage means “gliding” then use gliding and if petrissage
means “ to knead” then use the term
knead. I strongly believe that is time to use
terminology that explains what is done and qualified by how it is done if for
no other reason than to help researchers be able to standardize protocols. The project is attempting to describe entry
level practice so the simpler the better
Alteration of the ELAP is simply a term replacing process
while leaving the intent of the document in place. Easy to do and clinging to
the historical terminology is not worth the potential problems that can arise and how this language
could undermine the whole project. Please
–the language should be as generic as possible.
As problematic is the inclusion of deep tissue massage. There
is little agreement about what deep tissue massage is and that is a huge issue
for entry level education. I strongly
feel that this section should be eliminated and the general massage platform
include the ability to adapt pressure to address the various tissue layers of
the body.
The method of compression was totally left out and yet it is
the approach that is used in many situations especially over clothing and when
lubricant is limited or not used. This is
a flaw in supporting methods like seated massage or in situation where static
pressure is used.
I propose that entry level should be based more on safe
practice of general nonspecific massage with outcomes of wellness, relaxation,
stress management, and able to address minor manifestations of pain and
mobility in the generally health client.
Content related to professional communication is important
and I believed covered well in the document.
There are aspects of specific methods for communication skill based on
organized systems integrated into the document and I think this should be more
generic. For example- I am skilled in
the used the Myers Briggs system but would never suggest that this approach be
incorporated into the ELAP document.
I also am concerned over content in the ELAP document that
relates to psycho/emotional issues. Topics
such as breath work, emotional release, psycho/social l behavior and energy
balance are too controversial and if and when valid are way outside the realm
of entry level. These topics should be eliminated.
I have some concern over the use of the taxonomy created by
the work group. I think it would have
been better to use a method to create the document that is grounded in current
education and implementation into standard academia may be an issue. This being
said, I believe what the work group did develop is workable. I do think that the curriculum map based on
the taxonomy is too tight and could be perceived as dictatorial. I personally understand the domains and how a
bit of content is addressed in each domain, but as I reviewed the document it
felt like the curriculum map was telling me HOW to teach instead to indicating
WHAT to teach. WHAT AND HOW ARE VERY
DIFFERENT. For example many times it is
stated to use mock forms to analysis something or write a sample massage plan
or role pay and critique peer. These are all fine educational methods but they
are HOW to teach something instead of WHAT to teach. I suggest that the curriculum map stick with
WHAT to cover and if appropriate list methods that are used to teach this type
of content separately. Personally I think the HOW should be more directly
related to teacher training.
Also removing the HOW TO TEACH SOMETHING and concentrating
on WHAT TO TEACH would significantly simplify the document which is overwhelming.
I think the work group attempted to do
too much and suggest that the document be simplified.
This is enough for now. More to come. What do you think? Comment on ELAP: elapmassage.org
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Seasons and Transitions
It is a relatively
mild manifestation of the condition but
the impact on my life has been pronounced mostly by the underlying anxiety that
drives the condition. In my 40s I finally
came to grips with it and began taking Zoloft and very fortunately responded
well. The medication dampens the anxiety, checking behavior and other behaviors
I manifest.
In addition I also have benign
paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vertigo/
an inner ear condition that results in nonsense vestibular input. I am not sure what makes me more odd- the OCD
or the BPPV. I think the conditions are synchronicity and related to a bad
concussion as a kid. The BPPV symptoms for me are strongly linked the changes
in the weather and how tired I am. If
anyone reading this can relate, I feel like I am experiencing first trimester pregnancy
symptoms-kind of yuck, tired and brain flat making it difficult to be motivated
and think logically. I won’t expand on
the dyslexia, menopause and other contributing factors. The point is that the transition from winter
to spring is fertile ground for a super storm of combined effect. All I want to do is wander around my little
yard, watch what is growing and changing and dig in the dirt. It is cool outside and there are no mosquitoes. I live in Michigan near a lake and watershed
march and the bugs are swarms. However
there is a sweet time of peace before the actual riot of spring breaks
loose. That transition time ended happened
last week. At the same time the white rabbit that had been in my yard and
un-catchable all fall and winter just hopped in the house when I opened the door
on a cold wet rainy morning all wet and miserable looking. He shook himself and I could imagine him
saying” OK, I proved I can live outside and take care of myself but enough
already. You fed me all winter and were
loyal so I can trust you. You can take care of me now.” So a re purposed ferret cage by some big windows
and he is a happy bunny. He loves his
morning massage and would let me glide and knead on him for hours if I would. As an added bonus bunny poo is a great
addition to the compost bin. What a concept- valuable crap. 
I still have a few things
I want to do in the yard but when I am out there it is unpleasant- mosquitoes
in swarms. I can still get things accomplished
but not in the leisurely pleasant uninterrupted way of 10 days ago. Instead I
am flailing around with one arm while trying to dig and plant with the other. I had a bug in my mouth today and one in my
ear yesterday.
It is good that the
seasons evolve otherwise I would never get anything done. I finally dusted a bit in the house yesterday
and made an appearance on Facebook. I
went to the Massage Therapy Research Foundation conference in Boston and now
think my brain is working enough to really process the events that occurred during
this gathering.
Other transitions are occurring as the seasons change. Many of you are aware that for many years I
have worked with professional athletes -some for a season and some for their
entire professional career. The client I have worked with the longest- almost
17 years is NFL quarterback Charlie Batch. http://www.charliebatch.com/ He was
barely 21 years old when he was playing as a rookie starter with hall of fame
running back Barry Sanders. This year, at 38 years old, he gave a talked at a college
where Barry Sanders oldest son was a freshman. That puts the length of his
career in perspective. The new class of
rookies this year were in kindergarten when Charlie began his professional NFL
career. He can still play football at
close to 40 years old and I can still do massage at almost 60 years old,
however, this time in both of our lives feels like a transition time preparing
for the next season to burst forth.
Charlie has a story to tell, I have a story to tell and we have a story
together to tell about pain and triumph, loss and disappointment, loyalty and
relationship wrapped up in hundreds of hours of massage therapy.
The massage therapy community is also at a critical
transition point. Are we going to burst
forth in a beautiful spring and grow into a productive summer and fall harvest
or are we going to continue to struggle unable to thrive? The opportunity of
transition between the seasons is short and precious. Unfortunately, I think
the massage leaders are on track to miss this time of fertility and we are
going to end up again in swarms of bugs. I so hope I am wrong. In the
meantime I thankful for spring as it bursts forth. I know that there will be terrible
storms with resulting loss and a time of grieving however, just like the devastation of the Oklahoma
tornado of yesterday, the renewal begins today and we can look forward to the
productivity of summer growing, reproducing and preparing for the harvest of
fall. 
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Beyond Frustration
I am sad. The current state of the massage therapy organizations and the advancement of the profession is bogged down in BS—belief systems. At my massage therapy school, Health Enrichment Center, big changes are occurring. The school is 28 years old and long time staff has retired. New staff is on board. My daughter Laura, a military veteran, trained educator and prior public school teacher (science) has come on board and is clearing out, cleaning up and reorganizing the administration and teaching process at the school. Wow- fresh perspective and she is asking me hundreds of questions.
She is doing excellent and having her on board is not why I am sad. Today she was asking questions about a bunch of old forms in a file. This followed with questions about why we had to do things the way we were. So I was attempting to answer the questions and found myself saying things like,” We have to do that for documentation for continuing education but National Certification Board is changing requirement and I don’t know what we will end up having to do.” Or I was saying, “I don’t know why we have to keep tract of that but we do.” “I don’t know when that is going to change but it is changing some day.” “I don’t know why we have so many organizations doing the same things-yes it is confusing.” “I don’t know what they do with that information but they want it.” Finally she said to me,” Well what do you know?”
This is why I am sad. I wonder if I will ever have answers about entry level massage training competencies, one licensing exam, continuing education quality and requirements with validating board certification, teacher skills with documentation, unified professional organizations and on and on. I want my school to provide the highest quality skills, professionalism and compassion to the students and I believe we do that. As a textbook author I have researched in depth about massage, the relevant sciences, ethic and profession. As an educator I have continued my own education. As a massage therapist I have maintained a client based. With all this commitment and experience it still feels as if I am floating around waiting for the massage professional leaders to provide a unified and concrete platform for education and professional development. The Federation of State Massage Boards still has not published the Job Task Analysis results from last years survey. ELAP content has not be released and remain behind closed doors in spite of repeated requests for transparency. There are now 3 organizations that are supposed to support education and none of them communicate with the other. This makes me sad.
Then I had a call informing me that another massage school had closed because the owner just could not compete and could not recruit enough students to pay the bills. I struggle as well as do many other single program massage only massage school owners. The three organizations that have support for schools have not seem to be able to help any of us attempting to provide quality education. This is so very sad.
As I was sorting through files that Laura had put on my desk I was reminded about how much I pay in membership dues to multiple organizations that duplicate effort instead of working together. Let alone the cost of attending all the meetings. It makes me sad when I miss a meeting but if I went to every meeting like I did 3 years ago is would cost me $10,000 and over a month of time neither of which I have to spare.
As we have been reorganizing the school it certainly has been messy with lots of loose ends. Michigan is implementing it’s state licensing for massage and many are confused about a relatively simple process adding another layer of clutter. We are throwing out a lot of stuff and streamlining. It is quite a journey as I go through files that date back to 1985. I am excited about the future here at the school. However, I am not encouraged about the progress of the massage profession. I am sad. It was maybe better when I was frustrated or even mad. There is energy available to fuel motivation with those two emotions. But sad------
Friday, March 15, 2013
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
What Are Your Values? Deciding what's most important in life
You might want to listen to the following:
Success is a continuous journey
The power of vulnerability
And now you might want to consider the following data.
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
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
|
|
National Data Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational
Employment Statistics Survey
State Data Source: Michigan Wage Information
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).
Healthcare Occupations
|
OCCUPATION
|
JOB
SUMMARY
|
|||
|
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 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 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
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
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 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
|
||
|
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 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 (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
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
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 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 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 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 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 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.
|
$47,490
|
|||
|
Pharmacy technicians
help licensed pharmacists dispense prescription medication.
|
High school diploma or equivalent
|
$28,400
|
||
|
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.
|
$37,710
|
|||
|
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 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
(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 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
|
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.
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