Hello everyone, I am a Licensed Massage Therapist in the state of Arkansas. I am looking for work in the UK. I understand that you do not need to be Licensed in the UK but rather insured? Is that correct. I'm looking for advice as to what I need to do to be fully prepared to work as a massage therapist in the UK. Thanks for your help.
Becky
Hi Becky,
That's right, you don't need a licence to be a massage therapist, and you're right you do just need insurance, however you should bear in mind that you would be competing with a growing field of massage therapists in the UK, many of whom have obtained recognised qualifications from organisations and are members of one of the few recognised regulatory bodies.
I don't know the in-depth details myself as I don't do massage, but there's plenty of information available on these forums if you take a read of some of the threads over the years (and being a moderator here I've read most of them even if just glancingly 😉 )
All Love and Reiki Hugs
Hi Becky,
my advice would be to join one of the massage associations, as they will be able to point you in the right direction for insurance too.
Hi Becky
Here's a link for the Complementary Therapists Association. They can advise if they'll accept your licence and be able to offer UK insurance.
[url]Complementary Therapists Association - Contact Us[/url]
Hello everyone, I am a Licensed Massage Therapist in the state of Arkansas. I am looking for work in the UK. I understand that you do not need to be Licensed in the UK but rather insured? Is that correct. I'm looking for advice as to what I need to do to be fully prepared to work as a massage therapist in the UK. Thanks for your help. Becky
Are you a US citizen? If so, you may need to check out visa requirements if you intend to work in the UK - [url]UK Border Agency | Do you need a visa?[/url] If you want to work as a massage therapist, you may need to find a sponsor or potential employer - which, as mentioned before, may be a tough call with so many resident therapists looking for positions which are few and far between in the current economic climate. You may have a chance with a large hotel chain, looking for spa or health centre staff for a short term contract.
I lived in the US for a few years, and it was difficult to get work (I was a therapist) but succeeded after attending what felt like endless interviews with US Immigration and the IRS - plus I couldn't work in my 'county' of residence (prostitution laws!!!!!) so had to drive 5 miles into another county to work in a therapy centre - I paid my taxes, and made all the right declarations. I was not eligible to apply for a green card, as our military posting in the US was for a limited period.
I have a friend who lives in a flat in a local Scottish town that is very popular with American students and their families. A few years ago, one of the residents in the apartment block (a US student) caused a stir, when Customs and Immigration officers knocked on his door at 6am one morning! He had two friends sharing his flat, who were from the US, but here "on holiday" - problem was, they were both working in the town! They were deported. They could have applied for student visas, then they would have been left alone!!!