This job allows you to have the best of both worlds. You can work in and out of Dublin (even abroad) and have your own work schedule if you decide to take the freelancing route or set up your own business.
But what skills and knowledge do you need to be qualified to work as a massage therapist in Ireland? This article will provide information on the different massage courses in Ireland, eligibility requirements for registration, duration, and costs. We will also talk about where to go for training and what job opportunities are available.
What Are the Types of Massage Courses in Ireland?
When people think about massage therapy, the first thing that comes to mind are spas and health clubs. But providing holistic or relaxing massages is not the only route available for people who want to work as a therapist. Depending on the course you finish and your qualification, you can also work in clinics or join sporting teams.
Below are the three most common massage courses in Ireland:
Holistic Massage Therapy
This course will teach you how to provide relaxing massages. Once you finish the program, you will be qualified to give anyone full body massages that are holistic and relaxing. Many of those who complete this course work at spas or wellness centres. Others end up establishing their own business.
Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT)
If holistic massage is for relaxation, NMT is for acute or chronic muscular pain. Its purpose is to provide relief to people experiencing myofascial pain and injury through the manipulation of soft tissues. Neuromuscular therapists work in multidisciplinary clinics or join sporting teams. Some pursue private practice just like other holistic massage therapists.
Sports Massage Therapy
This course teaches massage types and techniques recommended after a strenuous workout or competition and for various sports-related injuries. It will also provide knowledge on things you must consider when working on an athlete’s body. Many of those who finish this course work as personal therapists for professional athletes, while others work with sporting teams.
What’s the Duration of the Massage Courses?
The average length of a massage course is between 4 to 6 months, depending on the training centre and course. The class schedule also impacts the course’s duration.
Training centres like the NTC have weekend and evening courses. The weekend massage course holds classes two Sundays per month, from 9 AM to 5 PM. Meanwhile, the evening course holds classes every Monday, from 7 PM to 10 PM. The weekend course lasts 4 months, while the evening course lasts 6 months.
How quickly you can become a massage therapist depends on which type of course you take. Ultimately, if you want to get started right away, go for the weekend course. However, make sure you factor in how much available time you have before enrolling. It’s vital that you pick a course that fits your schedule; otherwise, you might end up not finishing it.
What Qualifications Do I Need to Enrol in a Massage Course?
In most cases, you do not need to have any qualifications to be eligible to enrol in an entry-level holistic massage, neuromuscular therapy, or sports massage therapy course. For example, the NTC’s neuromuscular therapy course is open to anyone with or without prior qualifications.
Often, qualifications are only required for advanced or specialised courses. Let’s take the case of NTC’s Myofascial Triggerpoint Dry Needling. Since this is a specialised area, it is only open to individuals with qualifications in neuromuscular therapy, physiotherapy, and medicine.
How Much Are Massage Courses in Ireland?
When you start your search, you will notice that the cost varies per training centre. At the NTC, the prices of massage courses are:
| Type of Course | Price |
| Holistic Massage Course | €1,300.00 |
| Neuromuscular Therapy Course | €3,850.00 |
| Sports Massage Therapy Course | €3,850.00 |
One of the biggest factors that influence price is the training centre’s reputation. Often, reputable schools have higher prices mainly because their courses were designed by experts. Further, these programmes were reviewed by a trusted regulating body or organisation like the Association of Soft Tissue Therapists to ensure that they meet industry standards.
You may spend a bit more if you enrol in an accredited massage therapy score, but it’s worth it as you can be certain that you’ll learn what you need to hit the ground running after you finish it. So, consider the money you spend an investment for your future – one that will help you become a successful massage therapist.
Where to Take Massage Courses in Ireland
If you want to get good education, enrol at the National Training Centre – one of the leading providers of massage courses in Ireland.
Some of the massage courses they offer for beginners are:
- Holistic Massage Therapy
- Neuromuscular Therapy
- Sports Massage Therapy
All these courses are accredited by the Association of Soft Tissue Therapists (SMA), a UK-based organisation that establishes and maintains professional, ethical, and educational standards for soft tissue therapists.
In Ireland, the NTC’s Neuromuscular Therapy is the only course accredited by the SMA at UK Level 5. In the Irish National Framework of Qualifications, Level 5 is equivalent to Level 6 and 7.
Available in Dublin and/or Waterford, the NTC’s massage courses are also fully recognised by the CNHC (Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council), UK. Established the UK government, the organisation’s purpose is to protect the public. They do this by ensuring that complementary healthcare practitioners abide by the standards they have set.
Suffice it say, you are guaranteed that NTC’s courses will equip you with the competencies you need to provide relaxing or therapeutic massages to your clients. Moreover, as these are accredited courses from a reputable training centre, they will significantly increase your chances of getting good jobs.
What to Do After Getting a Massage Therapy Certification in Ireland
After finishing an accredited massage course, you will receive your certification and be eligible to provide relaxing and therapeutic massage in Ireland. Finding a job, especially in places like Dublin, shouldn’t be difficult given the numerous opportunities available.
As mentioned, the massage therapy industry is huge, with experts expecting it to grow even more in the coming years. As such, employers are always on the lookout for people with qualifications as well as enthusiasm and passion for holistic massage, neuromuscular therapy, or sports massage.
You just have to keep an eye on job openings and send out your CV. If you are fortunate enough, you’d be given job invites right before you finish the course, which is often the case for NTC graduates.
Knowing that NTC has excellent training programmes, employers are confident in the capabilities of massage therapists from this training centre. Hence, they look forward to making them part of their company.
In conclusion, there are many massage courses in Ireland that can help you earn the qualifications required to work as a holistic massage, neuromuscular or sports massage therapist. It is really just a matter of finding the course that suits your needs, schedule and budget.
We hope that this guide has provided enough information to help you begin your career in the health and wellness industry.
Want to learn more about our massage courses in Ireland? Call us today on 01 882 7777 or leave us a message here.