Massage Therapy Background Checks
If you are looking into going into massage therapy as a profession I'm sure that you've done plenty of research on the topic of how much money you could make and the hours you will probably end up working and also the type of place you will want to work. But there is one aspect of being a massage therapist that many potential therapists overlook. This is a new law that is being spread around the country that requires that all massage therapists obtain a background check for themselves. This law may seem strange and unnecessary, but it is still, more than likely, required in your state.
The background check laws may vary slightly from state to state, but essentially most states are requiring both a federal and state background check. This background check will reveal any previous felonies or charges brought against you. These checks will look through both criminal and business records to make sure that any charges that you were related to will be brought up. The check normally checks back seven years, but again your state laws may differ in the length of the check. You will also be required to pay for this service and have it renewed. Normally a background check will need to be done every two years. This ensures that once you become a massage therapist you don't have free reign to do whatever you want.
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Convictions And The Law
It is sad that this is a necessary law, but it truly is. For a long time illegal businesses would put up a massage therapy front, but be doing illegal business inside. This is where the law came into effect. The biggest problem that brought this the law into action was prostitution rings being run under the name of a massage parlor or therapy shop. These parlors were difficult to uncover because they looked like a legitimate business inside and out. It wasn't until the client was inside the room that things took a turn for the worst. Because of this the government started to crack down on these establishments and this law is a byproduct of the cracking down. So, while the law seems unnecessary and extreme, it does have a very reasonable purpose and goal in mind. In fact, anyone working to become or already is a massage therapist should be happy that the law is in place because it is actually working to make your area of business a more respected and trustworthy place to be.
The big question is, what if they find something on my record? Of course not any and every misdemeanor that appears on your background check will be a dismissal from the massage therapy program you are enrolled in. These background checks are looking for specific felonies and crimes that could end up endangering your clients and customers. Most of these crimes are going to be related to sexual felonies. In fact if you are considered a sex offender you application will be dropped almost immediately. Because of the vulnerability of the clients of massage therapists, the rules and conditions are very strict. There will also be a variety of other felonies that will make it more difficult and possibly impossible for you to acquire a license, but they vary from state to state and also person to person. If you have one minor felony on your record you may be able to get in, while someone with multiple will have a much more difficult time.
The massage therapy schools are picking up on this law as well. In fact, before acceptance to most massage therapy schools you will be required to have a background check. Again, this is simply to protect the business and the clients. This is an extremely important aspect of the massage therapy schools and industry since it is the clients that provide their business and if they don't feel safe, the businesses will not last.
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