A Crisis of Education

As Arkansas continues to develop its massage therapy industry, it’s clear that the quality of instruction plays a pivotal role in ensuring that new massage therapists enter the workforce with the skills they need to succeed.

Currently, the state’s existing educational requirements for massage therapy instructors are insufficient to maintain high standards for both the instructors themselves and the students they train. Additionally, Arkansas' minimum classroom hours for massage therapy education, set at 500 hours, simply aren't enough to adequately prepare future therapists. The time has come for Arkansas to address these gaps and implement necessary reforms, including specific continuing education requirements for instructors and an increase in the minimum classroom hours to at least 625 hours.

The Importance of Qualified, Educated Instructors

Massage Therapist Instructors(MTIs) are the backbone of any successful training program and the heart of a massage therapy community! They shape the next generation of therapists and ensure that they are prepared to meet the demands of the profession. However, many of the current Massage Therapist Instructors in Arkansas are lacking any specific education/teacher training. While many professions require instructors to participate in some training for adult education and ongoing courses to stay current with evolving standards and techniques, Massage Therapist Instructors in Arkansas are not held to these same standards.

Instructors need to continually update their knowledge of techniques, anatomy, ethics, and the latest research in massage therapy. This is crucial because massage therapy is a constantly evolving practice, with new techniques, research, and methodologies emerging regularly. Without continuing education that is specific to train educators, instructors risk becoming outdated in their knowledge, which ultimately affects the quality of education they provide to their students. It trickles down, all the way to the client seeking massage therapy as an intervention and part of their healthcare.

I believe that if Arkansas does not begin to mandate specific CE requirements for Massage Therapist Instructors, we risk producing massage therapists who are ill-equipped to meet the diverse needs of clients or adapt to industry advancements. We have a set curriculum for entry level licensure as an Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), why not a set curriculum for some of the CE courses Instructors are required to upgrade their license? And the best part is, there are so many great resources for this! There's the Entry Level Analysis Project (ELAP), ABMP's Cornerstones 25-hour CE training, the Alliance For Massage Therapy Education (AFMTE), and the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA).

Arkansas has a very clear choice before it; innovate or be left behind.

Why the Classroom Hours Need to Increase

Currently, Arkansas mandates that prospective massage therapists complete a minimum of 500 classroom hours in a massage therapy program. While this may seem like a reasonable number at first glance, it falls short in comparison to trends in the industry and of providing a comprehensive education. Our good neighbors to the North, Missouri, and East, Tennessee both recently increased their minimum requirement of classroom hours for massage therapy. Increasing our minimum classroom hours to at least 625 hours would provide students with a more well-rounded education, allowing for deeper exploration of key subjects such as anatomy, physiology, ethics, and various massage techniques. This increase would also ensure more hands-on practice and real-world applications, giving students a better chance to perfect their craft before entering the workforce.

The current 500-hour requirement was great during the era it was implemented, but in contemporary practice it doesn't cut it for students to develop the practical skills they need. With a broader curriculum that extends to 625 hours, instructors will have more flexibility to teach their students in greater depth, improving their competence and confidence.

The Benefits of Increasing Classroom Hours

The benefits of increasing classroom hours go beyond just giving students more time in the classroom. A more thorough education will lead to better-prepared graduates who can provide higher-quality care to clients. This is particularly important when it comes to issues like injury prevention, client safety, and addressing specific client needs—areas where inadequate training can have serious consequences.

After all, massage therapy IS healthcare. No matter who the massage therapist is or where they work.

Massage in a chiropractic office? Healthcare.

Massage in a hospital? Healthcare.

Massage in Hospice? Healthcare.

Massage at a franchise clinic? Healthcare.

Massage at a fitness club or gym? Healthcare.

Massage at a luxury spa? Healthcare.

Healthcare, Healthcare, Healthcare!

A Competitive Workforce with Higher Standards

Increasing classroom hours and setting continuing education requirements for instructors would not only improve the quality of massage therapy education but also contribute to a more competitive workforce. Arkansas can position itself as a state keeping up with national education standards and producing well-trained massage therapists who can meet the demands of an increasingly sophisticated and diverse client base.

This approach will help Arkansas continue to stand out as a leader in the profession, attracting clients who value skilled and knowledgeable therapists. It would also enhance the reputation of the state’s massage therapy programs.

A Step Toward Elevating the Massage Therapy Profession

The time has come for Arkansas to increase its minimum classroom hours for massage therapy education and implement specific continuing education requirements for our instructors. This will ensure that future massage therapists are adequately prepared to excel in their careers, provide high-quality services to clients, and stay current with evolving industry trends.

Increased classroom hours would allow instructors to teach more comprehensive courses, leading to better-prepared graduates. Furthermore, mandatory continuing education for instructors will keep them updated on the latest massage techniques and industry practices, allowing them to pass on the best possible education to their students.

By making these changes, Arkansas can raise the standards of massage therapy education, produce more competent professionals, and ultimately help elevate the profession as a whole. It’s time to take more bold steps toward building a stronger, more competent massage therapy workforce in Arkansas.

Peace and Healing,

Kirby Clark Ellis, MTI, BCTMB