How SPAMT Helps Provide Solutions

By Benjamin Eugenio Jr LMT

Wellness Trend (Global & Local)

Massage & wellness is a growing trend locally &

internationally Locally, many massage parlors sprouted affecting legitimate spa establishments DOH has a mandate to protect public health

Wellness Trend (Global & Local)

First law on massage, PD 856, Sec. 13 Latest DOH Directive, Adm. Order 201o-0034 Deadline for compliance to No massage license, no

massage practice- December 2014(CEMT Res. 2011001)

Application Requirements for DOH Massage Licensure Exams

At least, 18 years of age At least, a high school graduate Must undergo training at a DOH accredited training

institution (120 hours) Must pass DOH written & practical examinations Must renew massage license every 3 years

Myths (haka-haka) on DOH Exams

Myth #1: Massage lesson & exam is TOO DIFFICULT Myth #2: Massage training schedule AFFECTS work Myth #3: Massage training & licensure is EXPENSIVE Myth #4: Massage therapist will LEAVE SPA once

licensed Myth #5: Massage therapist to DEMAND higher pay Myth #6: DOH massage directives can be ignored

Myth #1: Massage Lesson & Exam is TOO DIFFICULT

Facts: 1.

Training material covering 5 subjects has been reduced by DOH from 444 to 144 pages 2. HiMAS Tagalog-English training material is available 3. Only qualified trainers conduct classes

Myth #1: Massage Lesson & Exam is TOO DIFFICULT

Facts:

4. DOH test questions are given in English & Filipino 5. DOH oral exams are mostly done in Filipino 6. Blind from HiMAS Topped both Written & Practical Exams 7. On several occasions, unschooled, blind massage therapists passed the exams

Myth #2: Massage Training Schedule AFFECTS work

Facts: 1. Minimum no. of hrs of training is 120 2. Pacing of class depends on students 3. Most classes are done half-days (8 thru 12 noon) M-W-F or T-Th-S 4. If a student do not pass, a Deferment Option may take place

Myth #3: Massage Training & Licensure is EXPENSIVE

Fact:

Considering the quality training hours, trainers available & lessons learned- whole exercise is VERY AFFORDABLE 2. To those financially-challenged, SPAMT is the ULTIMATE Solution (to be discussed later)
1.

Myth #4: Massage Therapist will LEAVE SPA once licensed

Facts:

For as long as the therapist agrees to sign contract with the spa, he or she cannot just leave 2. DOH may not renew massage license if the spa operator files a valid complaint
1.

What is Unique Payment Scheme (UPS)

All qualified therapist shall pay only: P299 as enrolment fee P199 as daily training fee (min. of 20 days) The rest of the balance may be paid through

HiMAS spa or office service (4 is to P100) Referral of students (CMT or Preparatory School) (1 is to P300)

Plus miscellaneous and DOH fees

Myth #5: Massage Therapist to Demand Higher Pay

Facts: 1. DOH expressly encourages spa owners & therapists to communicate & agree on certain terms 2. Once licensed, most often, the take home (tip) of a therapist increases

Myth #6: DOH Directive Can Be Ignored

Facts: 1. The law is clear: a massage therapist must be registered (PD 856, AO 2010-0034) 2. Non-compliance may result to: disruption of business operations or possible closure 3. Loss of investments

What is SPAMT* and how it can help?

SPAMT is acronym for Special Staggered-Payment

Arrangement for Massage Therapists

An original concept from HiMAS

Initially, there shall be at 3 least recipients per spa (to

help accommodate other spas)

What does SPAMT assures?

Quality & internationally-inspired massage training Highly qualified trainers Ten (10) years of training experience Best school facilities & training curriculum Automatic membership to International Massage

Association of the Philippines (IMAP) Possible job employment abroad (after finishcontract)

What are SPAMT application requirements?

Between 18 years old & 29 years old At least a high school graduate Massage therapist for not less than two (2) years Endorsed by his or her spa employer Willing to follow school rules & regulations Willing to surrender his or her DOH License unless

everything is fully settled

What an applicant must submit?

Accomplished SPAMT Application Letter & Form Photos (7 pcs 2x2 with name, 2 pcs 1 x1) (for DOH) Resume or biodata NBI clearance (for DOH) Birth certificate (for DOH) Endorsement from spa authorities

SPAMT Screening Process

1) A paper review 2) Actual massage evaluation 3) Final interview 4) Approval & start of training

General Course Outline

Anatomy & Physiology General & Organ System Anatomy & Physiology General Microbiology & Pathology Fundamental Concepts on Massage Massage Therapy Application/ Licensure Performance Protocol Practice of Massage Therapy Microbiology & Pathology Massage Therapy 1 Massage Therapy 2

Massage Therapy 3