Hire an Irene’s Massage Therapy Graduate
Irene’s Myomassology Institute helps qualified massage employers connect with skilled graduates who are prepared for professional practice. To protect our alumni and uphold the standards of the massage profession, employers must meet Irene’s Minimum Employment Standards before receiving hiring assistance or access to alumni resources.
If your business values fair compensation, ethical employment practices, professional procedures, sanitary work environments, and licensed massage therapy, we invite you to apply to become an Irene’s Approved Employer.
Qualify as an Irene’s Approved Employer
Irene Gauthier worked for decades to help bring massage therapy into a respected professional light. After attending massage school in the 1950s, she spent the rest of her life helping others pursue therapeutic massage as a legitimate, meaningful, and viable career.
Today, Irene’s Myomassology Institute continues that commitment by supporting graduates and maintaining high standards of the employers we recommend. The school strives to uphold the reputation of massage therapy as a respected profession.
Our Career Services Department seeks the best career options for our alumni. To that end, we require all massage employers in which we align to provide fair labor practices for its therapists. Our placement efforts connect alumni with professional opportunities that reflect the value of their education, skill, and licensure.
To become an Irene’s Approved Employer, your business must comply with Irene’s Minimum Employment Standards. Before requesting assistance hiring a massage therapist, please review the standards carefully and confirm that your business meets the criteria.
Minimum Employment Standards
Compensation
- Minimum $30 per one-hour massage. Although we strongly recommend $45 per one-hour massage to be competitive in the marketplace. Discounted massage does not discount therapist pay.
- No less than minimum wage is required for cleaning, answering phones, laundry, and meetings.
- No less than minimum wage is required for therapists required to stay on-site between clients. This time is compensated in addition to compensation for doing massage.
- Compensation is in addition to tips, bonuses, commissions, and benefits.
- Therapists are provided with 100% of their tips in addition to their compensation.
- Therapists are not required to give free massages to other staff members.
- Any continuing education required by the employer is paid for by the employer.
State of Michigan Massage Licensing
- To legally practice massage, all therapists must have a license from the State of Michigan.
- Prior to hiring, employers must obtain a current copy of each therapist’s massage license.
- Any massage employer who knowingly hires unlicensed therapists will be permanently removed from Irene’s Approved Employer list.
- Local law enforcement and the State massage board will be notified.
Professional Operations and Work Environment:
- Fair rotation of clients amongst all therapists to the best of their ability.
- Knowledge of all studio polices and specials.
- Introductory massage prices provided to first-time clients only.
- Phone calls are professionally and efficiently managed.
- Clients are greeted warmly and transactions are handled professionally.
- Enforce fair protocols and safe environments.
- A sanitary work environment with comfortable climate control is maintained.
- Therapists have the opportunity to agree to the maximum number of clients per day and the length of time between clients.
- The business conducts itself with high ethical standards, honesty, and integrity. The employer operates within the parameters of the massage board licensing requirements. The establishment follows good business practices, operates within the scope of practice, maintains required records and stays in full compliance of the law.
- The employer projects a professional image in keeping with the highest standards of the massage profession. The business strives to positively promote the massage profession. The establishment refrains from any behavior that could be considered sexual in nature and uphold the highest professional standards in order to desexualize massage therapy.
Reports of Mistreatment or Underpayment
If Irene’s receives reports that an employer is mistreating or underpaying massage therapists, our Career Services Department will review the concerns. If compelling evidence shows that the employer does not meet Irene’s Minimum Employment Standards, the business will be removed from our alumni referral list and will no longer be invited to career fairs.
Reapplying for Approved Employer Status
To be returned to Irene’s Approved Employer list, a business must provide official documentation, such as a signed contract or employee handbook, showing that it meets Irene’s Minimum Employment Standards.
Documentation must include compensation, method and frequency of payment, required duties beyond performing massage, time allowed between clients, and policies regarding the maximum number of massages performed in a row and in one day.
All information will be held in strict confidence. The employer must also provide at least two testimonials from Irene’s graduates confirming fair employment practices. Recommendations may be provided in person, over the phone, or through a notarized sworn affidavit.