If you’re a Filipino who’s looking for ways to improve your skills and earn extra income, then check out the free courses offered by TESDA, which includes Massage Therapy Training.
Massage is one thing, we Filipinos, enjoy a lot – and for some, are naturally good at. However, even if you aren’t gifted with the skills, did you know that you can learn it for free via TESDA? You just have to look for the right school or training platform, because yes – this course and many others are also offered online.
This means there’s plenty of ways for you to learn the proper way of giving a relaxing massage, and perhaps, earn from it on the side – if not make a career out of it, which is highly possible, mind you. So now that you know that there is such a thing as free training in TESDA, make sure to grab this opportunity ASAP! Interested in the free training? Continue reading below to learn more.
Guide in Applying for TESDA Massage Therapist Training Course Online
This ancient practice of massage therapy is used to treat a variety of conditions and improve one’s overall health. It involves manipulating one’s body’s delicate tissues.
Did you know that “massage therapy” refers to a variety of methods? Swedish or classical massage is the most widespread type of massage therapy in Western countries, and it is the foundation of most massage school programmes. Sports and clinical massage have specific purposes, such as releasing muscle spasms, and massage traditions drawn from Eastern cultures such as Shiatsu and Tuina are examples of other forms.
Don’t get overwhelmed just yet. Rather, be excited because TESDA will provide all of the foundational knowledge and techniques that you need to perform this service. Here’s what you can expect from the Massage Training course offered by the institute.
Course Overview
The TESDA Massage Therapy course takes 560 hours or more to finish. This will depend on the school you enrol in. To complete the course, you’ll need three to four months of study time.
Learners can receive instruction in the following areas through this training course:
Module 1: Introduction to Massage Therapy
Module 2: Basic Anatomy and Physiology
Module 3: Basic Pathology and Microbiology
Module 4: Plan and Implement Massage Session
Module 5: Perform Swedish Massage
Thai Massage
Module 1: Introduction to Thai Massage
Module 2: Perform Thai Massage
Shiatsu Massage
Module 1: Introduction to Shiatsu
Module 2: Perform Shiatsu Massage
While many people can get a massage from their children or spouse, a licensed massage therapist is highly skilled in understanding the body’s various muscles and stress areas. This is also covered in their classes.
Qualifications
Trainees or students who want to join in this course should have the following credentials to qualify for Massage Therapy training:
- Has at least ten years of basic education or completed the Alternative Learning System (ALS) equivalent.
- Has some command of oral and in written communication.
- Can perform basic mathematical computations.
Requirements
Aside from the eligibility criterion given above, anyone can enrol in a TESDA massage therapy course if they meet the following requirements:
- PSA Birth Certificate
- ID picture with white background (1×1 or 2×2), for record purposes
- Academic Record (High School Diploma)
- Medical Certification
- NBI, Police and Barangay Clearance
- Good Moral Character Certificate or Honorable Dismissal Certificate
- NC Certification (if needed)
Steps to Enroll for Massage Therapist Course in TESDA Online
So once you have your documentary requirements secured, you can now proceed to enrolling in the Massage Therapy Course in TESDA. Here are the steps you should follow:
Step 1: Visit the nearest TESDA training location that offers the course you want to take. Enquire about the program. This is the moment to ask any questions you may have before beginning the program. If you can’t think of any questions right away, you can find a several points you can ask as you progress through this guide under the FAQs section.
Step 2: Take the entrance examination.
Step 3: Complete all of the prerequisites (as listed above).
Step 4: Leave your phone number so that you can be notified of changes to your schedule, specifically the start date of your training.
But if you’d rather take up a foundational massage therapy course thru the TESDA Online Program (TOP), here are the steps to register:
Step 1: Create an account with E-TESDA. You will be asked basic details such as your Name, Address, Email Address, and Educational Background. You will then be sent a confirmation link in your email which you have to access.
Step 2: Log on to the TESDA Online Program website using your username and password.
Step 3: Look for the course you will take under the course list. Human Health/Health Care is the category for Fundamentals of Massage Therapy you should look for.
Step 4: Access the link that says “Enroll me in this course”. This can be located to the left side of the navigation pane. This is just below the administration panel.
Step 5: A message box will display confirming if you are certain to proceed with your enrolment to the module. Click “Yes” to proceed.
Note: Due to the high volume of applications, you may have difficulty accessing/registering on their website.
Salary of Massage Therapist from TESDA
Of course one of the things people look forward to after their training under any course is the salary. In the Philippines, the average monthly compensation for a full-time licensed massage therapist is Php 15,904. Of course this can actually be higher if you factor in the tips and the extra earnings you can make when you freelance outside your full-time job. That’s the beauty in working as a licensed massage therapist. Later on, you will even know the different jobs you can take, both locally and abroad, once you secure a TESDA national certificate.
To give you an idea, the average annual salary for a massage therapist in the United States is around $43,170 (Php 2,156,341.50). Meanwhile, a massage therapist in Japan may expect to make roughly 324,000 JPY (Php 147,647) each month. Salaries range from 168,000 JPY (Php 76,558) to 495,000 JPY (Php 225,572). This is the average monthly pay, which includes housing, transportation, and other perks. Not bad, right? Salaries for massage therapists vary greatly depending on experience, expertise, gender, and location.
Truth be told, one of the many advantages of becoming a massage therapist is that it allows you to work flexible hours. This profession is known for its ability to provide clients with a variety of services, such as deep tissue and muscle relaxation.
Just to give you a heads up, you will not be able to earn as much as other medical or healthcare professionals (at least in the US or other Western countries). But you will earn more than the minimum salary as a massage therapist. Furthermore, a career that involves relieving pain and supporting the public in overcoming various types of discomfort provides a significant deal of personal fulfillment.
List of TESDA Massage Therapy Training Centers in the Philippines
The following is a list of training centers where you can enroll in TESDA massage therapy training course:
Tip: We have a long list of schools/training centers you can contact here to enroll on a TESDA Massage course that meets your career goals and requirements. For easier checking, you can use the search function on your browser by pressing Ctrl + F, then type the city you are in. For example, ‘Cebu’ then from there, take note of the available schools’ addresses and their contact numbers to make your inquiry and to get started.
Region I – Ilocos
School: BRIGHT INTERNATIONAL SPECIAL SCHOOL OF URDANETA, INC.
Address: Sison Street, San Vicente East, Urdaneta City, 2428, Pangasinan
Telephone Number: 075-568-3739
Email: brightschool1050@yahoo.com
Region: Region I – Ilocos
Province: Pangasinan
Region II – Cagayan Valley
School: CABARROGUIS NATIONAL SCHOOL OF ARTS AND TRADES
Address: Gundaway,, Cabarroguis, Quirino
Telephone Number: 09067035963
Email: cnsatdeped@yahoo.com
Region: Region II – Cagayan Valley
Province: Quirino
Region III – Central Luzon
School: SAINT MARY’S ANGELS COLLEGE OF PAMPANGA, INC.
Address: Olongapo-Gapan Road Bgy, Santa Ana, Pampanga
Telephone Number: 045-8752406
Email: saintmarysangels@yahoo.com
Region: Region III – Central Luzon
Province: Pampanga
School: PHIL. TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE, INC.
Address: Galac St, San Fernando, Pampanga
Telephone Number: (045) 402-1003
Email: philtech0413@yahoo.com
Region: Region III – Central Luzon
Province: Pampanga
School: LYCEUM OF CENTRAL LUZON ZAMBALES, INC.
Address: 72QH+82V, Botolan, Zambales
Telephone Number: 09998883702
Email: lwlz_2008@yahoo.com
Region: Region III – Central Luzon
Province: Zambales
School: RICHWELL COLLEGES, INCORPORATED
Address: General Alejo G. Santos Hwy, Plaridel, Bulacan
Telephone Number: (044) 760-3962
Email: techvoc.richwellcolleges@gmail.com
Region: Region III – Central Luzon
Province: Bulacan
School: BEST FREEPORT COLLEGES, INC.
Address: Purok 3, Subic, 2209 Zambales
Telephone Number: 09075147322
Email: bestfreeportcolleges@gmail.com
Region: Region III – Central Luzon
Province: Zambales
School: COLLEGE OF OUR LADY OF MERCY OF PULILAN FOUNDATION INC
Address: Old Cagayan Valley Rd, Pulilan, Bulacan
Telephone Number:(044) 760-6233
Email:chemorales54@gmail.com
Region: Region III – Central Luzon
Province: Bulacan
Region IV – Calabarzone
School: JACOBO Z. GONZALES MEMORIAL SCHOOL OF ARTS AND TRADES
Address: 83PQ+HPW, Biñan, Laguna
Telephone Number: (049) 511- 9409 / (049) 511- 6133
Email: jzgmsat@tesda.gov.ph
Region: Region IVA – CALABARZON
Province: Laguna
School: EMPEROR INTERNATIONAL TRAINING AND ASSESSMENT CENTER, INC.
Address: No. 55 Pulumbarit, Taytay, Rizal
Telephone Number: 6969919
Email: eitac8@gmail.com
Region: Region IVA – CALABARZON
Province: Rizal
School: CALAYAN EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION INC.
Address: Lucena City, Quezon, Calabarzon
Telephone Number: (042) 710-2514
Email: cefitecvoc.44@gmail.com
Region: Region IVA – CALABARZON
Province: Quezon
School: BEATITUDES TECHNOLOGICAL AND THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE – IMUS, CAVITE INC.
Address:680, 1-E Anabu Rd, Imus, Cavite
Telephone Number:
Email: beatitudecollegefoundation@yahoo.com
Region: Region IVA – CALABARZON
Province: Cavite
Region IVB – MIMAROPA
School: MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT TECHNICAL & VOCATIONAL INSTITUTE
Address: Poblacion, Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines
Telephone Number: 09175055746
Email: mdtvipuertogalera@gmail.com
Region: Region IVB – MIMAROPA
Province: Oriental Mindoro
Region: Region V – Bicol
School: ST. HELENA CARETECH INSTITUTE, INC.
Address: 5R3J+M7J, Labo, Camarines Norte
Telephone Number: 09104336936
Region: Region V – Bicol
Province: Camarines Norte
Region VI – Western Visayas
School: ST. ANTHONY’S COLLEGE
Address:PXQ2+H2R, San Jose de Buenavista, Antique
Telephone Number: 540-9236/540-9971
Email: sactesda@yahoo.com
Region: Region VI – Western Visayas
Province: Antique
School: NEW LUCENA POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE
Address: Don Epifanio Sonza Sr. Avenue New Lucena Iloilo
Telephone Number: (033)330-0001
Email: nlpc@tesda.gov.ph
Region: Region VI – Western Visayas
Province: Iloilo
Region: Region VII – Central Visayas
School: B.I.G. DEVELOPMENT TRAINING AND ASSESSMENT CENTER, INC.
Address: Virgo St, Cebu City, Cebu
Telephone Number: (032)4146034
Email: bigdtaacinc@yahoo.com
Region: Region VII – Central Visayas
Province: Cebu
School: CENTER FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONS CEBU, INC.
Address: A. C. Cortes Avenue, corner P.J.Burgos, Mandaue City, 6014 Cebu
Telephone Number: (032) 420-1880
Email: chpcebuassessment@gmail.com
Region: Region VII – Central Visayas
Province: Cebu
School: ROSE INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF BEAUTY INC. DOING BUSINESS UNDER THE TRADENAME OF ROSE INSTITUTE OF COSMETOLOGY AND PHARMACY
Address: 16 Emilio Osmeña St, Cebu City, Cebu
Telephone Number: (032) 254-0705
Email: roseinstitute2017@gmail.com
Region: Region VII – Central Visayas
Province: Cebu
Region VIII – Eastern Visayas
School: TESDA-CABUCGAYAN NATIONAL SCHOOL OF ARTS AND TRADES
Address: Cabucgayan National School of Arts and Trades
Telephone Number: 09209684105
Email: cnsat@tesda.gov.ph
Region: Region VIII – Eastern Visayas
Province: Biliran
School: CALUBIAN NATIONAL VOCATIONAL SCHOOL
Address: CCVH+GW8, Calubian, Leyte
Telephone Number: 09096799511
Email: tesdacnvsregistrar@gmail.com
Region: Region VIII – Eastern Visayas
Province: Leyte
School: BALICUATRO COLLEGE OF ARTS AND TRADES
Address: Rizal Street, Sabang Zone II, Allen, 6405
Telephone Number: 09192689108
Email: bcat2016@tesda.gov.ph
Region: Region VIII – Eastern Visayas
Province: Northern Samar
School: PERPETUAL HELP TECHNICAL TRAINING INSTITUTE, INC.
Address: Village Center building, Avenida Veteranos, Downtown, Tacloban City, 6500 Leyte
Telephone Number: (053) 321-4860
Email: phttii2013@yahoo.com
Region: Region VIII – Eastern Visayas
Province: Leyte
School: ADFC Training and Assessment Center, Inc.
Address: BLISS Sagkahan, Tacloban City, Tacloban City, Leyte
Telephone Number: 053-321-3215
Email: adfc_basic_education@yahoo.com
Region: Region VIII – Eastern Visayas
Province: Leyte
Region X – Northern Mindanao
School: TESDA PROVINCIAL TRAINING CENTER-BUKIDNON
Address: Hagkol, Valencia City
Telephone Number: 088-828-0172
Email: ptcvalencia@tesda.gov.ph
Region: Region X – Northern Mindanao
Province: Bukidnon
School: ILIGAN MULTI-SKILLS DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE, INC.
Address: Iligan City, Lanao del Norte
Telephone Number: (063) 223-2238/ (063) 222-9028
Email: officialimdi@gmail.com
Region: Region X – Northern Mindanao
Province: Lanao del Norte
Region XI – Davao
School: VENTURA COLLEGE OF NATURAL THERAPEUTIC HEALTH AND SCIENCES, INC.
Address:Tagum, Davao del Norte
Telephone Number: 0927-5004167
Email: cacsvcnths.inc@gmail.com
Region: Region XI – Davao
Province: Davao del Norte
School: CAREER CENTRE ACADEMIE AND TECHNOLOGICAL INSTITUTE, INC.( FORMERLY:KRYSTELLE’S SALON ACADEMIE, INC.)
Address: BGR Phase 2, Mati, Davao Oriental
Telephone Number: 3883-138
Email: ccati.dvoor@gmail.com
Region: Region XI – Davao
Province: Davao Oriental
Region XII – SOCCSKSARGEN
School: KIDAPAWAN TECHNICAL SCHOOL AND SECURITY TRAINING CENTER, INC.
Address: Bonifacio St, Kidapawan City, Cotabato
Telephone Number: (064) 577-5056
Email: ktsstci_school06@yahoo.com
Region: Region XII – SOCCSKSARGEN
Province: North Cotabato
School: ROEL BALBARONO ARDIENTE COLLEGE, INC.
Address: Poblacion 9509 Santo Niño, Philippines
Telephone Number: 09263694784
Email: RBACOLLEGE@yahoo.com
Region: Region XII – SOCCSKSARGEN
Province: South Cotabato
School: B.E.S.T. COLLEGE OF POLOMOLOK, INC.
Address: Valencia Site, Poblacion, Polomolok, 9504 South Cotabato
Telephone Number: (064) 577-5056
Email: bestcollege_polomolok@yahoo.com
Region: Region XII – SOCCSKSARGEN
Province: South Cotabato
School: NIMER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE AND TECHNOLOGY, INC.
Address: 2/F New Kaman Bldg., J. Catolico Sr. Ave Barangay Lagao General Santos City, Philippines
Telephone Number: (064) 577-5056
Email:
Region: Region XII – SOCCSKSARGEN
Province: Sarangani
National Capital Region (NCR)
School: COSMOS TRAINING & ASSESSMENT CENTER, INCORPORATED
Address: 2404 Cuenca St, Pasay, Metro Manila
Telephone Number: 777-2321
Email: pasmak.cosmos.t2mis@gmail.com
Region: National Capital Region (NCR)
Province: PASMAK
Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR)
School: NORTHSKILLS POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE, INC.
Address: IC-08, Laoyan II St, La Trinidad, 2601 Benguet
Telephone Number: 09167184953
Email: rjalacar41@gmail.com
Region: Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR)
Province: Benguet
School: WELLNESS AND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE OF THE BLESSED STEWARD
Address: 2nd Floor Rojo Medical Clinic, Provincial Road, Bulanao, Tabuk, 3800 Kalinga
Telephone Number: 09208959113
Email: center.weibs@gmail.com
Region: Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR)
Province: Kalinga
Region XIII – CARAGA
School: AGUSAN DEL SUR COLLEGE, INC.
Address: Narra Avenue, Bayugan City, 8502 Agusan del Sur
Telephone Number: (085)231-2150
Email: cperpas@yahoo.com
Region: Region XIII – CARAGA
Province: Agusan del Sur
Benefits of Working as a Massage Therapist
- Good Pay
As a home-based business or a traveling massage therapist, working from home can provide you with the flexibility to work from anywhere, allowing you to supplement your family’s income.
- Career Progression
The demand for medical massage therapy is expected to grow at a steady rate of 22 percent over the next decade. This profession has become more accessible to a wider variety of customers due to the increasing number of franchised clinics.
- Ability to become your own boss.
Becoming a massage therapist is a great career choice for people who love to work with people. There are many advantages to becoming your own boss, such as having the freedom to work with different clients and promote your business.
- Flexible Work Hours
A medical massage therapist can be flexible. They can work from home or set up appointments with clients so they can work wherever they are.
While working in a doctor’s office, a massage therapist may set their schedule depending on the client’s load, and may rotate depending on the days that the doctor works. This flexibility can be very beneficial for individuals who prefer a flexible work schedule.
- Flexible Working Setup
Medical massage therapists work in various types of facilities such as hospitals, hotels, resorts, and spas. They can also perform massages in private homes and even on cruise ships.
- Opportunity to Help Others
Medical massage therapy is a rewarding career that can help people feel better and heal. Aside from helping people, it also has various benefits:
- Assist athletes in preparing for and recovering from injuries and exercises.
- Assist with post-surgery recovery
- Enhances a person’s alertness
- Immune system booster
- Improves blood circulation
- Increase joint flexibility
- It alleviates headaches.
- Reduce muscle spasms and cramping
- Relieve the patient’s suffering
- Sleep quality is improved.
What Does a Massage Therapist Do on a Daily Basis?
Medical massage therapy is a type of treatment that uses touch to treat patients. By using their hands, massage therapists can help relieve pain, improve circulation, and relieve stress. They typically perform the following tasks:
- Discuss with clients their symptoms, medical history, and intended outcomes.
- Assess clients to identify uncomfortable or tense areas of the body.
- Manipulate the muscles and other soft tissues of the body
- Give clients advice on stretching, strengthening, overall relaxation, and how to enhance their posture.
- Document the conditions and development of your customers.
How to Land a Job After Graduating from Massage Therapy Training in TESDA
There are many job opportunities for Massage Therapists in various establishments such as salons, hotels, and medical offices. Many of them have earned their degrees and are likely to find good wages.
The increasing popularity of massage therapy will create job opportunities for individuals skilled in this field. It is also expected to benefit individuals who are interested in alternative medicine.
Alternatively, after completing your training, the Philippines’ Overseas Employment Agency POEA has job boards that can help you find work as a massage therapist abroad. Just follow the steps below to get started.
Step 1: Access the POEA website at poea.gov.ph.
When you get to the website’s homepage, scroll down to the middle of the page until you see the orange box labelled “Approved Job Orders of Licensed Recruitment Agencies.”
It’s just below the red box where you may check the status of recruitment agencies and above the Philippine transparency circle seal.
Alternatively, scroll down to the bottom of the page until you reach the section that says “Job Opportunities.” From the drop-down box, select “Job Orders Through Licensed Recruitment Agencies.”
The third option is to navigate to “Online Services,” which is located in the homepage’s footer area. From the drop-down box, choose “Verification of Agency Job Orders.”
All of the options will lead you to a new page displaying the most recent job orders.
Step 2: Begin your search by available job orders by position.
You can also search for available jobs by position or work experience. If you are looking for a job that is related to your previous position, ignore the other two options.
Step 3: Input the job title (massage therapist) or other relevant keywords (masseur, spa therapist, wellness therapist, etc)
You can now input the position details in the search box below. Just type the job title or the word that you’re looking for in the box. For example, you can key in: “Housekeeping,” “Computer,” “Engineer,” or any specific keyword. Then click “Submit” or hit Enter.
Step 4: Check out the available job orders approved by the POEA.
The next page that will pop up will list all the job openings that contain the keyword you used, such as massage therapist, masseur, spa therapist, wellness therapist, etc.
You will also find details about the job orders, such as the date when they were issued, and the details about the hiring agencies.
Make a list of all the information you’ll need, such as:
- Job position,
- Manpower agency, and
- Country of destination
Video: What It’s Like to Work As a Massage Therapist?
Interested to know what kind of jobs you could land with a national certificate for massage therapy through TESDA? Check out this video by this massage therapist who now runs his own massage salon business. He shares his experiences as a certified therapist, the training he had to go through, the challenges, and the benefits of working as a massage therapist. There’s a lot to pick up from his stories and tips, from starting with training to becoming your own boss as a licensed therapist. Make sure to watch until the end to get a complete overview of working as a massage therapist.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which is the best course to enrol in for massage therapy?
The Massage Therapy NC II course is for individuals who want to learn how to perform various types of massages with a special emphasis on treating patients suffering from various physical issues.
- What do you learn in a massage therapy course?
Some of the essential competencies you will acquire include effective first aid application, customer relationship protocols, therapeutic massage planning, and regulatory compliance.
- How long do you have to be a massage therapist to work abroad?
After completing the training course, you will need to go through assessment and certification, and investing in your job experience will be critical as well – especially if you want to work abroad. For those Massage Therapists who desire to work abroad, several employers want two to three years of experience.
- Which countries should I check out when I look for massage therapy jobs through the POEA jobs boards?
Because massage therapists are in high demand around the world, there are numerous nations where they can work. This job can be done for anyone as long as they meet all of the requirements. Some countries, like the US, require only a college degree or less. Others, like Thailand, require no licensing at all. In most cases, getting a work visa depends on where you live.
- Can I apply as a TESDA scholar to get into the Massage Therapy course?
Many private schools and training centers offer scholarship vouchers to qualified individuals so they can benefit from the training and education offered by TESDA.
Final Thoughts
It’s very important to have practical skills to be able to find work, especially during these times. Having a clear career path is also an important step to take during these times.
With the help of TESDA, you can achieve your goals in life and work seamlessly. It can help you establish a clear career path and secure a future in massage therapy. Getting trained to become a TESDA massage therapist is a vital step in your career path. This can be done through a variety of training centers and schools. After securing the necessary documents, you can start taking assessments and training.
If you are a massage therapist already working abroad, we would love to hear about your experience and stories. This would motivate other Filipinos who are thinking of becoming massage therapists. Feel free to leave us a comment in the section below!
READ NEXT: How to Apply TESDA Caregiving Course Online and Become a Caregiver
Contact Information
TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) Central Office
Address: E Service Rd, Taguig, 1630 Metro Manila
Contact Number: +63288885641
Google Map Location: