Career Guidance

Planning a Schedule You 
Can Complete Joyfully!

Accomplish any goal one small task at a time, one day at a time.

Classroom:

The wisest choice I see students make are those who really consider how much time they actually can dedicate to study – inside and outside the classroom; while maintaining or delegating current household responsibilities, employment and relationship commitments; then choosing a schedule which will make schooling a pleasure. A student may take the classroom schooling in 22 weeks or 44 weeks.  The cost is the same. Many students choose to enroll in the six month class after the first week of the three month schedule.

Internship: 

After 250 hours of classroom schooling, students must complete a minimum 50 hour internship. Fifty hour extended Clinical Massage Internships are strictly optional and complement the Clinical Massage Curriculum. Minimum internships have been completed within two and one half weeks to a month or more. Some of the variables in determining internship completion times are: your strength and availability, class size and client cancellations. (See Q/A below 2, 3, 4, & 6 or Student Life Page - Internship)

State Testing:

When all tuition is paid and coursework and internship is completed the student transcript will be released. At this time the graduate sends an application to test, to the Texas Department of State Health Services – Massage Therapy Program see www.dshs.tx.us/massage/default.shtm. Until December 31, 2005 after processing the application the student will be sent a temporary registration which will allow them to work as a temporary massage therapist until the next test which they qualify for is given. After December 31, 2005 written exams will be given at local testing centers around the state and the practical exams will be given once a month in Austin. 

Suggested Questions to ask Prospective Schools:

Q2. After a student understands and practices performing massage in the classroom, how is the student introduced and prepared for the internship program?  (Audio Only)
A2. An entire class is devoted to going over internship paperwork and procedures so the students are properly informed and prepared.

Q3. Do ALL clients have private rooms during the internship? 
A3. See the Student Life page. 

Q4. Do I have to provide my own clients during the internship? 
A4.  Absolutely not.  At NTSSM students are never expected to provide the clients they massage.

Q5. What is the schools client base? 
A5. The school has a client base of 9,000 and we get new calls daily. 

Q6. Who furnishes sheets, towels, tables & oil for the
internship?
A6. Sheets, towels, tables and oil are provided for use during internship at NTSSM.

Q7. Does your significant other (spouse) have any objection to your becoming a massage therapist?   
A7. We recommend that you postpone attending school until you can settle this issue.

Q8. What are the hydrotherapy teachers qualifications and what equipment is available? 
A8. Both teachers have exceptional training and experience in this area.  Ice pack, heat packs, paraffin bath, bath tub and shower facility.  

Q9. Am I REQUIRED to buy a table? 
A9. No. Some students find employment where the table is provided and never need a table.

Q10. Must I join an organization while in school? 
A10. No. Membership in the International Massage Association is recommended but not required.

Q11. Is the location of the school convenient? 
A11. See the Contact Us page.

Q12. Will the school assist my transfer to another licensed Texas massage school?
A12. Yes.

Q13. Will the school assist me in obtaining prior academic credit?
A13. Yes.

Q14. Does the school provide free occupational counseling?
A14. The Director of Admissions, spends quite a bit of time conversing with each prospective student he enrolls.

Q15. Does the school assist you in financial planning?
A15. Each student works out an individual plan with the school director so that tuition payments fit within your budget.  Also, see Programs page - Payment Plans

Q16. How does the school assist you in finding employment? 
A16. Through the school clinic, by direct referral and through bulletin board postings.  Also, see Registered Clinic on the Student Life page.

Q17. I understand Texas requires that students make up any missed classroom time at the school. How is this arranged? And is there an additional charge for this? 

Hi Nilda: 

I have referred your questions to Yvonne Feinleib.  I do not determine the schedule for rulemaking and am not current on when various steps will occur.  I do believe the current thinking is that the program will propose a 100 hour internship, but Yvonne can answer that better than I .  She can also direct you to the rules and format for filing a petition for rules.  I would suggest that as the rules are being drafted now, it might be more efficient to submit your suggestions for rule changes in writing to Yvonne.

Very Important:  

When comparing schools check with recent graduates to see how long it took them to complete their internship.  It varies form person to person. At NTSSM, Internships have been completed within two and one half weeks to a month or more. Some of the variables in determining internship completion times are: your strength and availability, class size and client cancellations.

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