One of the reasons I love being a massage therapist is that we are required to take continuing education classes to remain licensed. While some think of this as a nuisance, I actually like the challenge of stepping outside of my boundaries and learning things I might not otherwise learn. I also love taking classes, learning and sending newsletters to my list of clients about my new skills, or newly learned knowledge about the body. This is an awesome way to position yourself as a leader and an expert within our industry. Not to mention showing your commitment to the field of massage therapy.
However, it’s not always convenient or easy to take time away to attend continuing education classes. Throughout my years of practicing massage therapy, I have had to pass up or postpone a few classes for many different reasons. Finding time to take continuing education classes should not be a stressful thing. The great news is that thanks to the power of the internet, you can now take classes from the comfort of your own home.
A wonderful resource that I participate in each and every year is The World Massage Conference. While the conference has already taken place, they have replays of each and every one of their presentations with the ability to receive continuing education credits. And they are now available at half price!
Here is a list of a few of the presentations you will have access to (as quoted from The World Massage Conference):
Leon Chaitow – Getting to the Root of the Problem.
This noted osteopath is the author of over 60 textbooks,organizer of the International Fascial Congress and is the inspiration behind some of today’s leading massage educators. Be a fly on wall in this candid interview on getting to the root of your clients problems.
Cherie Sohnen-Moe – The Keys to Target Marketing
Her textbook, Business Mastery, is used in 1,600 massage schools. Find out why Cherie chose target marketing as the topic of her presentation.
David Kent – Headache Triggers and Treatment
David will show how to design customized treatment plans and educate your headache sufferers using posture analysis and trigger point charts. The techniques you learn can be used immediately.
KC Miller – Toe Reading: A Reflexology Assessment Tool
The position and shape of the toes say a lot about you. By observing them, you will know a great deal about a person’s past, and the experiences they have lived through. Toes reveal how a person copes with their feelings and thoughts.
CG Funk – Successful Interview Strategies
In this presentation, CG will outline exactly what qualities employers are looking for in a massage therapist. You’ll discover how to be best prepared for an interview so you stand out from the crowd and land the job you really want.
Debra Persinger – Intro to the FSTMB Licensure Exam
In this presentation Debra Persinger will provide an overview of the FSMTB, and their flagship program for the massage and bodywork licensing examination.
Tad Hargrave – Developing a Niche
many massage therapists find that identifying a particular niche…or two or three is one of the simplest and most powerful things they can do to take their business to the next level.
Terrie Yardley-Nohr – The Dimensions of Boundaries
Issues involving boundaries are among the most frequently discussed topics by professionals in practice and are also often an area of concern for new and potential clients.
Peter Stuart and Stephanie Allen – The Conscious Therapist
In this presentation you will learn about the mind/Body connection, the principles and practices of forming and holding an intention and have an introduction of practices that deepen your self-awareness to engage others more effectively and to empower the healer within.
Steve Capellini – Thai Herbal Ball Therapy
Learn about a new modality on the menus at most new cutting edge spas around the world and how you can integrate this into your practice.
Thomas Myers – Going Deep
Learn about the various approaches to ‘depth’ offered by myofascial work, cranial osteopathy, visceral work, and movement approaches.
Linda Tellington-Jones: A Special Approach to Animal Care
Renowned animal massage expert will discuss canine massage. Common dog issues such as timidity, hyperactivity, aging, resistance to touch and grooming, and fear of loud noises and thunder will be addressed.
Once you register, you will be able to download each and every presentation to your computer, giving you the option to listen to the presentations at anytime or anywhere. Make sure you take the quizzes and download your continuing education certificates once you listen to each presentation.
I have attended this conference for the last few years and always find it a valuable resource for continuing education. Not only is it extremely valuable towards our continuing education, but the cost is a steal when you consider the CE credits available to you. Make sure you sign up to start earning CE credits today.
Happy Learning,
Ann Ross
P.S. While I believe The World Massage Conference to be a tremendous resource, I still encourage you to take classes in person at least once a year. It’s important to learn by getting your hands on people and being in a classroom environment with other massage therapists.










February 26th, 2010 at 12:37 pm
I don’t understand the mindset of people who don’t enjoy learning something new. I hope the last day I care about learning anything is the last day I’m on the planet:)
February 26th, 2010 at 1:55 pm
I couldn’t have said it better, Laura. Great point! I completely agree. My addiction falls in the form of continued education and constantly seeking knowledge