UK Massage Therapy Qualifications
Question:
I have a niece who resides in the USA who has just qualified as a Massage Therapist under Californian Law. She is to come to UK for a 3-year course at a recognized dance academy, and wishes to practice massage in her off-school free time to help with her fees/living expenses. My question is does she need to re-qualify in the UK and where can she register/apply for work.
Any information would be appreciated.
Regards,
- Gordon
Answer:
I would definitely recommend getting a license to practice massage therapy in the UK. The last thing a student needs is to have problems with massage therapy regulations in a different country. Also, this type of overseas accreditation would only increase her credentials and perhaps add to her career portfolio when she pursues full-time work in any country.
Each country may have very different massage therapist regulations. To research regulations in the UK, you may want to start with the British Massage Therapy Council (BMTC) or the International Register for Massage Therapists (IRMT). These are the leading experts on all things massage overseas and they will most likely be able to bring you up to date on current national developments regarding professional standards, and the regulation of the massage profession in their country.
There is some information on the Massage Therapy 101 website for schools in the UK. Just click on the Message Therapy Schools & Training. Perhaps your niece can find a part-time job through an accredited educational facility without having to go through a lot of red tape in the UK.
Good Luck!
Karin
