Four years since grad, no exp; can I succeed?

[imablaaze4life]

Can I succeed? Yes! I can! But is there anything I need to know?

I am a 23 year old male that graduated from then Apollo College of Boise, ID about four years ago. I was not top of my class, but as far as clinic was concerned, I was the go-to for all the picky clients.

Now... I am really feeling the hurt of not pursuing this dream more when I should have. It has only gotten harder, I'm sure. But I want in! I want this for myself and my family!

So where do I start? Idaho's license only requires you to purchase it ($250). I need insurance and national certification. Am I forgetting anything? And I'm budgeting for $600 covering all the fees for the aforementioned. Sounds about right?

I plan to work at a salon no MT likes to work at; one where you're paid $20/massage and are supplied everything. This will get me experience. Also, my hair stylist says I can rent out his space on any basis I need (daily, weekly, etc.).

Any words of wisdom or anything I'm forgetting?

Edit: I've never gotten my national cert or anything before either. I've definitely got a lot going against me, all on to of being male. But that's life. Also, I hope this is the appropriate forum.

 

[caitlin]

Four years since grad, no exp; can I succeed?

Welcome to MassagePlanetL uRabbit. I agree-- Yes, you can succeed! At first Apollo College seemed a bit flaky to me when I first learned about it when I lived in Boise, but I started tutoring a client of mine (and a patient of the chiropractor I was working for) who was going to school there- she was having some trouble memorizing some muscles. I was impressed at the in-depth education, as well as the quality of her massage (we traded a few times.)

As for your budget: I'd factor in a little bit more. Your license will be 250, your national certification 225, and I guess depending on what insurance you go with that can be anywhere from 100 to 240 and might have an additional local chapter fee. An example of this would be AMTA. I know there's an Idaho chapter but don't know if they have a chapter fee. 750 might be a bit of an over-estimation, but at least you won't be short. Again, if you're going with one of the cheaper insurance groups, 600 might be plenty.

My only "words of wisdom" are to not let anything hold you back.. even (especially?) your own fears!

My off-topic addition: I loved every minute I spent in Boise and am determined to move back someday! The only reason I left is because my husband didn't like Boise.. it was either Utah or back to Ontario OR where he grew up. As I'm sure you know, ANYTHING is better than Ontario :

 

[Rubym]

Four years since grad, no exp; can I succeed?

As far as the business of massage goes, being out of school for four years probably won't make any difference at all towards your success as far as your actual work goes.
Taking the NCTMB will be your biggest hurdle right now. I had no problems passing this right out of school - but doubt I could if I took it tomorrow. If you have any friends that have study guides see if you can borrow them and make a schedule for yourself to review your muscles and O/I over several weeks.
It's certainly worth a shot getting back into massage.
The economy isn't great, it's much harder to find a "good" job for many people, so your plan to take one of the less desirable jobs short-term could actually work out very well.

 

[shadow_nochbvolk]

Four years since grad, no exp; can I succeed?

Yay for Boise! Haha.

I still have all my old work from school, so I can study that. And I know there's some online resources for studying, including the one of their web site for $20.

I won't be able to jump into massage, as I have bills. But my job will allow me to, as I work evenings and Sundays, and every other Saturday evening. I am currently in the Army, trying to get my discharge. Looooong story.

I just hope I can get back into massage. I miss it and I don't like paying for schooling I'm not using. How dumb. Haha.

I've done quite a bit of soul searching and am ready!

 

[Ashley J]

Four years since grad, no exp; can I succeed?

If you can fit the bill... here's a link to look at: Boise, Idaho -- Vicinity. He's back in Idaho to stay for a while, and most likely still looking for a barter proposition. He's an old vet, so you will probably at least have some common ground to talk about (being Army and all). Let me know if you are interested and your background of deep tissue work, and I'll see if I can help you out.



You sound positive enough that I think you've got a good chance at succeeding, unless you just can't hold you own.

 

[im l]

Four years since grad, no exp; can I succeed?

If you can fit the bill... here's a link to look at: Boise, Idaho -- Vicinity. He's back in Idaho to stay for a while, and most likely still looking for a barter proposition. He's an old vet, so you will probably at least have some common ground to talk about (being Army and all). Let me know if you are interested and your background of deep tissue work, and I'll see if I can help you out.



You sound positive enough that I think you've got a good chance at succeeding, unless you just can't hold you own.

Well, my experience is limited to that of which I received in school. In clinic, I had a woman who was an employee of the school (in another division). She spent all her time in front of the computer, so her weekly massage consisted of a 1.5 hour long deep tissue, trigger point, stretching and relaxation massage. I would not consider myself to be great at deep tissue, as I do not use my elbows and other tools enough. I use mainly my thumbs, palms, and forearm. Deep tissue is something I need to work on for sure.

I consider my strongest modalities to be trigger point therapy, Swedish relaxation, and cranial-sacral.

However, before I can take on clients, I still need to be discharged, get my license, certificate, and insurance.