Business Practices
This course introduces massage therapists to the basics of business, with room to grow! We’ll dig into the essentials: money stuff (yes, we’ll make it make sense), employment categories, job options, scope of practice, and how to get the word out about what you do.
Everyone lands in massage therapy with a different story, and that’s what makes this field so rich. Together, we’ll build a shared foundation of business know-how, and from there, you’re encouraged to branch out in ways that match your unique skills, passions, and goals.
In-class access: The online course hub is here to support you — with all the materials we’ll go over in class, plus extra links and resources if you’re curious to go deeper. You’re not required to complete or even peek at everything, but it’s a great place to revisit topics, fill in anything you missed, or just double-check that you’re on the right track.
-
-
Welcome!
Welcome to Business Practices and Ethics! In this class, we’ll get to know one another, orient to the course as a whole, and explore different types of MT workplaces and work relationships.
Welcome to Business Practices and Ethics! In this class, we’ll get to know one another, orient to the course as a whole, and explore different types of MT workplaces and work relationships.
-
A1: Business Policies
Prepare your Business Policies Statement. We will complete this assignment during class #1. If you miss class #1, complete this assignment before class #2.
Prepare your Business Policies Statement. We will complete this assignment during class #1. If you miss class #1, complete this assignment before class #2.
-
Prepare your Massage Therapist’s resume. Due in-class for class #2.
-
Here’s an overview of the MBLEx content topics that are covered in this class.
-
-
-
Introducing the Business Model Canvas (BMC)
The BMC is an alternative format* to the traditional business plan. We will use this Model in our class to structure and develop your individual business or career plan.
*Developed by Strategyzer.com
The BMC is an alternative format* to the traditional business plan. We will use this Model in our class to structure and develop your individual business or career plan.
*Developed by Strategyzer.com
-
A3: Client Records
Create your massage therapy Client Record file. Submit the assignment in-class #3.
Create your massage therapy Client Record file. Submit the assignment in-class #3.
-
Bonus: JP Exam Study Guide
Students of this course get 3 months FREE access to my JP Exam Study Guide. Open this lesson to find your discount code.
Students of this course get 3 months FREE access to my JP Exam Study Guide. Open this lesson to find your discount code.
-
-
-
A4: Budget, P&L
Create two (2) versions of your Massage Therapist’s budget. We will complete this assignment in class #3. If you miss class #3, complete this assignment before class #4.
Create two (2) versions of your Massage Therapist’s budget. We will complete this assignment in class #3. If you miss class #3, complete this assignment before class #4.
-
-
-
A5: Marketing
Write a marketing advertisement that speaks to your client persona. You may choose a social media format, or another format.
Write a marketing advertisement that speaks to your client persona. You may choose a social media format, or another format.
-
A6: Business Model Presentation
Prepare your Business Model Career Presentation before class #5. Class #5 will be dedicated to classmates’ presentations.
Prepare your Business Model Career Presentation before class #5. Class #5 will be dedicated to classmates’ presentations.
-
-
-
Business Model Career Presentation
Now it’s time to put all your hard work together, into a Business Model or Career presentation!
Now it’s time to put all your hard work together, into a Business Model or Career presentation!
-
AI Policy
There are pros and cons to using AI in your work product. Please consider these carefully. If you use AI, it must be cited.
There are pros and cons to using AI in your work product. Please consider these carefully. If you use AI, it must be cited.
-
about your instructor
molly is a massage and craniosacral therapist, and cooperative co-owner of one of the first employee-owned bodywork cooperatives in the nation. This course teaches the basics of business practices, with an ethical lens, practical activities, and a spark real-world magic. She’s walked the walk — as an independent contractor, a self-employed massage therapist, and a cooperative co-owner — so she knows the hustle and the heart behind building a thriving practice.
Before her current career, molly worked as an immigration paralegal and spent years volunteering in tax prep and financial literacy coaching for immigrant communities. Yes, she actually loves spreadsheets — and knows how to make them make sense.
Whether you’re brand new to business or figuring out how to take your existing practice to the next level, molly makes the numbers, systems, and strategies feel a lot less intimidating, and a lot more doable. No jargon, no judgment — just real talk, useful tools, and a few lightbulb moments along the way.
