I have to wait 3 months to work!

[HelpMee]

Okay...so I'm in school right now planning to graduate 12/10/05. Fine. Was just informed by the school that they estimate it'll take my class approximately 3 months of paperwork, testing, etc., before any of us will be able to work legally in Illinois (I live in Chicago). :'(Total bumber! We won't even be able to do outreach or volunteer functions until we're licensed! I've got bills to pay not to mention my student loans! UGH@!(Some in my class think it'll be less time. Hello? Red tape. Less time. More efficient. Those three things DO NOT go together! Especially when the government is involved [not complaining about the government mind you ;D].)

 

[dan94adibi]

I have to wait 3 months to work!

3 months?! Wow. It only took us 1 month to get all our stuff in, but we were also allowed to do volunteer work. I did lots of free work while waiting for my license to come in. Why do you have to be licensed if you don't charge for the service?

 

[Hamratsn]

I have to wait 3 months to work!

I was licensed the day after graduation, and Nat'l Cert with in a month. What paperwork do you have that will take 3 months? I didn't have ANY paperwork...Strange how it's so different for all of us.Maybe there's something you can get started on now...Insurance you can start now and pay less as a student. Nat'l Cert has to wait til you get transcripts. But I sent mine out within a day or two of graduation and got my date with in a week. And you can usually chose your date for within like a week of that.If Nat'l cert isn't required for you state/town lisence then you should be working very soon. Finding a job and establishing a clientel is another issue all together though Good luck...I always say " prepare for the worst, but expect the best!"

 

[<3 07182009 <3]

I have to wait 3 months to work!

Seforum.xxxg - I'd be happy to do pro bono work, planning on doing it anyway - there's lots of places that have people who can use a good massage even if it's just a tune up. From what I understand, you still have to be licensed even if you're not charging.ZenCMT - yeah the backlog is getting pretty serious. There are plenty of MTs in Chicago - none of them licensed yet (at least most of them aren't). I DO think the backlog will diminish, but by how much is anyone's guess.Graci - there's no city license any more for Chicago - that was done away with by the implementation of the state MT license. I won't be able to take the NCTMB until my transcripts have been send/received. I won't be able to take the state test until I've passed (and I WILL PASS the time around). And you're right - plan for worst (but in my case - don't expect the best) and have your eggs in more than one basket (to mix a metaphor).Calm down - breathe~~~~~~~~ahhhh

 

[tennis97girl]

I work legally under a chiropractor even though I don't have my own license in that city.  His D.C. license covers my services.  Could you start out working for a D.C. just to gain a little experience while you wait for your paperwork to come in?Our licensing is so ridiculous in California that many therapists work without ever applying for one or intending to do so.  I'm sure you could do fine with outcalls for three months until your licensing takes effect.  Unless the issue is about your personal ethics.  If you feel it's wrong to work without your license, then go with your gut.Katykangaroo

 

[Waino]

I have to wait 3 months to work!

I was going to suggest the same thing Katykangaroo8 did.Try to find a D.C. who will let you work under their license.  You may not make too much, but you'll keep your hands busy!  I don't know if the laws have changed or are the same still in Texas, but it used to be you would be given a temporary license until you took the test (I think they gave you 6 months on the temporary), after you passed your class work.

 

[farraj]

I have to wait 3 months to work!

I don't know if the laws have changed or are the same still in Texas, but it used to be you would be given a temporary license until you took the test (I think they gave you 6 months on the temporary), after you passed your class work.

Still the same. I got my temp in June and didn't take the test until Sept.

 

[doktor smudge]

Gaspen, you can also do volunteer work as long as there is a licensed MT present.  You might even be able to work for a licensed MT before you get licensed, again as long as the MT is present.  It might be worth checking into.As far as your loans go....I'm not sure what kind of a loan you have, but I didn't have to start paying back my school loans until 6 months out of school.  Even then, sometimes you can get a reduced payment based on your income.  Again, it's something worth checking into.

 

[Pompal 09.]

I have to wait 3 months to work!

Thanks for all of your input.I hadn't even thought of working for a chiro (at least until my license comes through)(and no, there really wouldn't be a ethics problem for me - if I didn't know what I was doing and was unqualified to practice {which will be indicated by my NCTMB exam} - I just don't want to get into any trouble that could threaten my licensing - course, I could always go out of state )Again, thanks for your thoughts and concern. They're much appreciated.

 

[Marmalade]

I understand your plight...I am about to send my National Cert Stuff in soon too and found that out too.  I suppose it will be time I can review...look over my course work and study up on that which is my desire to pursue. I have heard of that with the D.C. s too.  In fact I am looking at that same possibility as well.  Be Encouraged others haven't had to wait as long as 3 month...that may be something they are saying to cover themselves.  Use the time wisely is what i have been encoraged to do.

 

[Pompal 09.]

I have to wait 3 months to work!

Good luck. 'Course, I've got 11 months to go until I graduate. It reminds me of highschool. I couldn't wait to graduate then either.

 

[The Ladies Man]

I have to wait 3 months to work!

Gaspen,Thanks...Just be encouraged as you go to school and learn...you can do it...Apply yourself, focus, press in and be diligent and dedicated to the practice of massage.Sincerely,CaringHandsMss