Overview of Online Equine Massage Therapy Certification Programs
Students who want to help horses increase circulation, relieve tension, promote healing, and gain other health benefits may pursue online certification in the field. Online or hybrid certification is available through several organizations, including the Northwest School of Animal Massage, Holistic Animal Studies, and E-Training for Dogs.com, as well as a unique at-home study program in equine sports massage therapy from the organization Equissage that sends all the course materials and final exam to a student's home. Students may also choose to pursue board certification in equine acupressure and massage from the National Board of Certification for Animal Acupressure and Massage (NBCAAM).
Typically, students interested in registering for these certification programs just need to have enthusiasm for working with horses. Some certification programs may suggest that students hold at least a high school diploma or GED, and students usually need to have access to one or more horses to practice various massage techniques. The board certification exam can be completed online, but in order to qualify for the exam, students must meet a combination of coursework and hands-on experience requirements.
Requirements for Online Equine Massage Therapy Certification
Students pursing online equine massage therapy certification learn to provide supportive care to horses through deep-tissue massage techniques that address issues such as range of motion and muscle spasms. While some certifications can be completed fully online, many of these certification programs (as well as board certification) require a combination of online learning and in-person, hands-on instruction.
General Requirements
Online and hybrid certification programs in equine massage therapy are usually self-paced, though hands-on experiences may take place during multiple-day, on-site practical training sessions. Some programs may offer various levels of certification, including foundational level certification, performance level certification, and rehabilitation level certification. Students in these online equine massage therapy certification programs generally study topics in equine anatomy, equine massage terminology and techniques, benefits of massage, kinesiology, and more.
Board certification in equine acupressure and massage from the NBCAAM requires qualified students to pass a certification exam. Students can prepare for the exam through online review courses and complete the exam online or at a local vet office or other approved testing location. In order to qualify and submit their application to take the certification exam, students must meet 200 hours of education, some of which (typically lecture-based courses) are allowed to be completed in an online format, while other hours (including supervised massage work) must be completed in-person.
Career Outcomes with Equine Massage Therapy Certification
Students with certification in equine massage therapy may pursue a career as an equine massage therapist, but other positions that work with horses, such as horse trainers or horse owners, may also benefit from the knowledge and skills obtained in these training programs. Generally, those with certification in the field use massage techniques to promote healing and/or overall wellness in the horses they work with. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), equine massage therapists and horse trainers may fall under the general category of animal care and service workers. Typically, these professionals need to have at least a high school diploma and some experience with animals.
As of 2019, the BLS reported that animal care and service workers made a median annual salary of $24,990. Another website, PayScale.com, reported the median annual salary specifically for horse trainers as $39,305, as of June 2020. The job outlook for animal care and service workers in general from 2018 to 2028 was 16%, per the BLS. This job outlook is around three times as fast as the national average.
Online or hybrid equine massage therapy certification is available from several different organizations and includes typically hands-on learning in the field. Students may also choose to pursue board certification in the field, which requires students to meet specific education and experience requirements.