October 11, 2023 in ACG Podcast
In this Alternative Healthcare Careers podcast and show, the host, Dr. Mike Chua, speaks with Stephanie Willis, a licensed massage therapist from Henderson, Tennessee, who recently opened her own private practice and school.
Stephanie shares her passion for teaching others and helping them experience the rewarding career of massage therapy. Dr. Mike admires Stephanie's courage in starting her own practice and asks her about her journey.
Stephanie explains that she worked at a spa in Jackson for 10 years before opening her practice last year. She has a clinic in the front and a school in the back. They discuss the fear many therapists have when starting their own practice, but Stephanie's success proves that it is possible.
In this episode:
0:00:07 Introduction: Dr. Mike Chua, Alternative Healthcare Careers Coach
0:01:27 Introducing HelloNote as a practice management solution
0:03:46 Interview with Stephanie Willis, a licensed massage therapist and school owner
0:06:32 Stephanie's journey of opening her own practice and school
0:08:22 The need for more massage therapists in the field
0:11:07 Accreditation and License Requirements for Massage Therapy
0:15:29 Licensing, Insurance, and Establishing Your Own Practice
0:19:13 Tuition Discounts and Payment Options
0:21:36 Income Potential as an Employee or Independent Contractor
0:26:51 Rent Prices in Jackson and Henderson
0:28:30 Affirm: A Payment Option for Online and In-person Purchases
0:29:07 The Challenges of Starting a Massage School
0:31:44 Contact Information and Location Details
0:33:04 Contact Information: Phone Number Provided
0:33:26 The Rewards of a Career in Massage Therapy
0:35:30 Take Action: Reaching out to Stephanie
0:36:20 Shoot for the Moon and Embrace Failure
0:38:24 Wrapping up the show with website information
Stephanie talks about how her clients are wonderful and supportive, and she realized the need for more massage therapists. She emphasizes that there is a shortage of therapists in every county, making it easy for those joining the field to build a busy practice.
Stephanie also mentions the shortage in the therapy business and highlights the importance of having the mindset to win and serve to attract clients. Dr. Mike asks Stephanie how to start a massage therapy practice. She explains that once you finish massage school and pass your boards, you can easily get your business up and running through the Tennessee Massage Board.
Stephanie recommends renting spaces or establishing your own private business, stating that it's not a difficult process. She also mentions that those with a physical therapy degree wanting to be independent will need to take all the classes and pass the massage board exam, as well as be on-site for clinicals to learn various techniques.
Dr. Mike and Stephanie discuss different treatment modalities such as cupping and electrical stimulation, as well as the necessary steps to start a massage therapy business. They recommend getting professional liability insurance and discuss options for business licenses, such as an LLC or DBA.
The importance of starting and not waiting for the perfect timing is emphasized. Tuition fees for massage therapy school, which can be reduced if paid upfront, are also mentioned. The possibility of partnering with financial aid programs is brought up. Overall, practical advice is provided, and taking action in starting a massage therapy practice is encouraged.
Dr. Mike asks about earning potential as an employee or independent contractor. Stephanie shares that massage therapists in their area charge $75 an hour but mentions the challenges of dealing with insurance companies for reimbursement. She discusses the options of renting a space from an established business or working on a commission basis when starting out.
The rent for a massage room varies depending on the location. The need for more massage therapists in the area is emphasized, as many spas and clinics are constantly booked up. Dr. Mike encourages anyone interested in becoming a massage therapist to go back to school and take the first step. Stephanie provides contact information for those interested in reaching out to her for more information.
In closing, Dr. Mike thanks Stephanie for her time and shares the word "FAST" as a reminder for listeners. He encourages finding people who bring out the best in you, taking action, sharing and subscribing to the podcast, and teaching others what you've learned. He emphasizes the rewarding nature of a career in massage therapy and the urgent need for more therapists in the area.
Following the podcast, a brief commercial is included featuring Chad Brock for Ultimate Workout and Recovery, who addresses elderly individuals and those in wheelchairs, encouraging them to use Ultimate Workout and Recovery to rebuild muscle and improve their overall wellbeing.
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