How to be a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) in the Philippines?

In accordance with the approved Administrative Order No. 2010-0034 dated December 10, 2010 entitled "Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations Governing Massage Clinics and Sauna Bath Establishments", provides that no person is authorized to practice massage as a profession in the Philippines without holding a valid certificate of registration issued by the Committee and approved by the Secretary of Health.

STEPS:

1. Enroll to an accredited training institution of the Department of Health. Here are the list of accredited training institution:

A. BULACAN INSTITUTE OF MASSAGE THERAPY
B. INTERNATIONAL NKYR ACADEMY
C. CENTRAL LUZON ALTERNATIVE HEALTH & DEVELOPMENT, INC.
D. HIHIP
E. REMNANT INSTITUTE OF ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE, INC.
F. POTTER'S HAND
G. HAND-MED
H. HIMAS
I. HAGOD
J. OCCUPATIONAL OIKOGENEA PROVIDER CORPORATION
K. VENTURA COLLEGE OF NATURAL THERAPEUTICS
L. DSWD
M. BODY OPTIONS
N. IV-A SPA CAREER DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING CENTER
O. VGL- MASSAGE THERAPY TRAINING CENTER
P. EMPRIZ
Q. ISAROG FAMILY HEALTH & TRAINING, INC.


2. You need to submit the following requirements before your examination date like

a. DOH Application Form
b. NSO Birth Certificate
c. Marriage Contract, for female applicant
d. NBI Clearance
e. Good Moral Character from the Barangay
f. Medical Certificate from a government physician
g. Diploma or TOR
h. For Non-Highschool (Certificate of Employment for 5 years of practice)
i. Cedula
j. Passport size picture with nametag, white background and with collar.


3. You will undergo review and training in preparation for your examination which held twice a year on the month of June and December. Duration, time, and tuition fee of training and review depends on your training institution.


4. The first examination is theoretical exam which is composed of the following subjects: Anatomy and Physiology; Microbiology and Pathology; Fundamental Concepts of Massage; Massage Therapy Application; and Practice of Massage. You need to get a grade of 75% for you to be schedule on your second examination which is oral and practical. Things to bring are: black ballpen, ruler, and admission slip. The written exam fee is Php 250.


5. You need to wait for 3-4 weeks for the results of your written exam. The training institution will inform you if you make it or not on the first exam. After you passed the written exam, you will proceed to the second exam which is oral and practical. The oral practical fee is Php 500. You need to bring the following paraphernalia during your exam like white linens, (2) big white towels, BP apparatus and thermometer, cottonballs, alcohol, oil and admission slip.


6. You need to pass both exams for you to be a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) in the Philippines. If you failed on your first exam you can not proceed to second exam and if you passed on the first but failed to make it on to the second exam you need to take the first exam again.


7. After passing the exam you need to attend for your Oath Taking Ceremony.