Training for massage therapists to work in a hospital-based setting

Massage Therapy is becoming more prevalent as an in-hospital patient quality care service. Training specific for hospital based massage is critical for safe, quality patient care. The goal of this presentation is to describe a 500-hour training program for massage therapists to work in an integrative hospital-based setting. The following will be reviewed:1) practitioner qualifications, 2) curriculum goals and content, 3) employment opportunities, and 4) current student demographic information.

Practitioner acceptance criteria include certification from a state certified massage school and a minimum of 6 months of massage work experience. The curriculum is presented in three phases: Discipline specific (mastery of in-hospital comfort and care massage service delivery), Self and team as healer (recognize self as a wounded healer and as a member of a health care team), and Professional development (review and research business and professional opportunities related to hospital based massage therapy). During each phase, interns attend weekly seminars and complete a weekly shift with varying levels of supervision on the hospital units.

Contractor and employment opportunities include hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and nursing facilities. Private practices may focus on clients routinely admitted for hospitalization who would like massage service at the bedside. Teaching positions are also being created at many massage schools.

Currently, there are 10 student interns enrolled for the 2007-8 program year. One has been dismissed, 1 left the program, 1 completed the 120 hour intensive program, and 7 will graduate in August 2008.