Links

Welcome to the world of spa! Visit these links if you are thinking about entering an industry devoted to healing and personal care. There are so many avenues where you can put your skills as a massage therapist, esthetician or spa manager to good use. In fact, Philadelphia is not known for its spas. But we would like it to be!

As Body Restoration Spa grows, we are always looking for terrific talent. We are willing to mold newcomers into successful therapists with rewarding careers. It’s actually more beneficial to interview therapists who are just out of school who have a lot of passion and energy for the field.

Where can I learn massage therapy?

Become licensed as a Massage Therapist. Great hands will generate repeat business in the massage industry. Promote relaxation, circulation, clearer thinking, stress reduction, pain relief, and a general feeling of wellness to clients who seek alternative care.

If you want to be taken seriously in the massage therapy industry, you will need to have graduated from an accredited massage therapy school. Licensing in massage therapy was passed in 2009 and applications for licenses can be downloaded and submitted.

Choose a massage school that is known for instructing massage therapy. (There are schools that teach massage therapy and several vocational skills all under one roof.) If you enroll at a massage therapy school because it's the cheapest in terms of tuition costs, it will show in the routine you've been taught and how you present in the audition. Be selective.

Here are some suggestions for massage therapy schools in the Philadelphia area that will point you in the right direction.

Massage Arts Center of Philadelphia www.massagearts.com

Lourdes Institute of Wholistic Studies www.lourdeswellnesscenter.org

Cortiva Institute www.cortiva.com/locations/psmt/

Where can I learn skin care and waxing?

Become licensed in skin care as an Esthetician. Give facials, shape eye brows, perform body treatments, wax unwanted hair...the list is almost endless. Learn the basics of skin care and find your place in the business of beauty and wellness. The spa industry is ever changing and growing at leaps and bounds.

In Pennsylvania, the requirement to become licensed in esthetics in just 300 hours. The cosmetology schools are known for teaching the student only what she needs to know in order to pass the state exam. Your education shouldn't stop once you've received your esthetics license. In fact, we interview candidates who are no where near ready to perform facials and waxing with 300 hours of training. In New York, for example, an esthetician needs1200 hours of training before she can sit for the exam.

In the Philadelphia area, many estheticians find themselves taking post graduate classes at the International Dermal Institute in King of Prussia, PA.

If you would rather study esthetics in a state like New York, more power to you. If you prefer to work as an esthetician in Philadelphia, you will need to come back to Pennsylvania and pass the state exam in order to practice esthetics in this state.

For starters, here are some suggestions where you can learn esthetics (facials, waxing, body treatments) in the area.

In Philadelphia:

The Vision Academy http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/VisionAcademyAmbler

In New York:

Atelier Esthetique www.aeinstitute.net

Dermalogica Academy http://dermalogicaacademy.com/

The Spa Therapist's Playground

Going to spa and beauty trade shows is a great way to get exposure even if you are only entertaining the idea of entering the business.

You'll get introduced to different skin care lines made available to estheticians and spas.
Meet new vendors who provide equipment and supplies to estheticians, massage therapists, and spas.
Watch demonstrations on how to perform facials, waxing, massage, and body treatments.
Chat with new contacts you've met at the show.
Listen to industry leaders on how to start your practice, ace an interview, or give insight on growing your business.

Here is a list of spa, beauty and wellness trade shows worth attending.

Spa and Resort Expo http://www.spaandresortexpo.com/

International Congress of Esthetics http://philadelphia.skincareshows.com/

American Massage Conference http://www.americanmassageconference.com/

International Esthetics, Cosmetics, and Spa Conference http://www.iecsc.com/

Trade Journals

It can't hurt to do some 'homework' on the subject of massage therapy, skin care, or owning and operating a solo practice or day spa.

Most of these publications are in the process of going digital but you can still visit these sites or subscribe to find interesting articles and answers to some frequently asked questions.

Day Spa Magazine www.dayspamagazine.com/

American Spa Magazine www.americanspamag.com/

Massage Magazine www.massagemag.com/

Les Nouvelles Esthetiques & Spa www.lneonline.com/