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. 2011-001)

Application Requirements forDOH 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 pages2. HiMAS Tagalog-English training material is available3. Only qualified trainers conduct classes

Myth #1: Massage Lesson & Exam is TOO DIFFICULT Facts:4. DOH test questions are given in English & Filipino5. DOH oral exams are mostly done in Filipino6. Blind from HiMAS Topped both Written & Practical

Exams7. On several occasions, unschooled, blind massage

therapists passed the exams

Myth #2: Massage Training Schedule AFFECTS workFacts:1. Minimum no. of hrs of training is 1202. Pacing of class depends on students3. Most classes are done half-days (8 thru 12 noon)

M-W-F or T-Th-S4. If a student do not pass, a Deferment Option may

take place

Myth #3: Massage Training & Licensure is EXPENSIVE Fact:1. 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)

Myth #4: Massage Therapist will LEAVE SPA once licensed Facts:1. For as long as the therapist agrees to sign contract

with the spa, he or she cannot just leave2. DOH may not renew massage license if the spa

operator files a valid complaint

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 PayFacts:1. DOH expressly encourages spa owners & therapists

to communicate & agree on certain terms2. Once licensed, most often, the take home (tip) of a

therapist increases

Myth #6: DOH Directive Can Be IgnoredFacts: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 closure3. 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 “finish-

contract”)

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 review2) Actual massage evaluation3) Final interview4) Approval & start of training

General Course OutlineAnatomy & Physiology General & Organ System Anatomy &

Physiology

Microbiology & Pathology General Microbiology & Pathology

Massage Therapy 1 Fundamental Concepts on Massage

Massage Therapy 2 Massage Therapy Application/ Licensure Performance Protocol

Massage Therapy 3 Practice of Massage Therapy