Self-test: Is the "Medical masseur / medical masseuse with federal certificate (BP)" course the right one for me?
Find out now in our free self-test whether a job in medical massage is suitable for you and whether a preparatory course for the professional examination for "Medical masseur with a federal certificate" is the right path for you.
What does the day-to-day work of a medical masseur with a federal certificate look like?
Medical masseurs / medical masseuses work, for example, in doctors' surgeries, physiotherapies, spas, rehabilitation clinics or in their own practice, where they carry out treatments on behalf of doctors. Before starting treatment, they determine and enquire about the patient's relevant data and study the doctor's diagnoses and prescriptions. From this, they derive the treatment goals, determine the therapeutic measures to be applied and draw up the treatment plan. They have a wide range of treatment techniques at their disposal, such as connective tissue, reflexology and classic massage, manual lymphatic drainage or thermotherapy, hydrotherapy, balneotherapy and electrotherapy. At the end of each treatment, they check the effect, document the course of treatment and adjust the treatment plan if necessary.
Depending on the position or in their own practice, they also take care of administrative tasks, arrange appointments, write treatment protocols and reports and prepare invoices.
(Important: In individual cases, the distribution/weighting/frequency of tasks may vary depending on the function/job profile as well as the company, company size and sector).
Question 1:
Do the activities described meet your expectations? Would you like to work as a medical masseur / medical masseuse with a federal certificate?
The course to become a medical masseur/medical masseuse seems to fully meet your interests - great!
You have passed the first step in this self-test, but probably one of the most important steps towards a fulfilled and satisfied professional life. People who enjoy and are motivated by their work are of particular value to companies. They identify positively with their work, which is of great importance for the company's success both internally (keyword: team building, quality of completed tasks) and externally (keyword: image building).
However, enjoying your work is also highly relevant for yourself, as it improves your quality of life.
By the way: If you are looking for further suitable training opportunities after successfully completing the professional examination, take a look at theEducational counseling offerfrom Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch.
If you don't like all the jobs, think about which ones interest you the most. Take a look at comparable job advertisements. Perhaps you will find some that only require activities that suit you better, in which case you are in the right place with this further training.
Or you can look at similar or related courses. You may find another degree (also at other levels) that suits you better. Here are some suggestions:
- Acupressure (Cert.)
- Acupuncture massage (certified)
- Acupuncture (Cert.)
- Movement educator (certified)
- Craniosacral therapy (certified)
- Foot reflexology (certified)
- Hot stones massage (certified)
- Kinesiology (Cert.)
- Complementary therapist (certified)
- Lymphatic drainage (cert.)
- Meridian massage (cert.)
- Reflexology (certified)
- Spinal column technology (cert.)
- Yoga teacher / yoga therapist (certified)
- Specialist in physical activity and health promotion (BP)
- Activation specialist (HF)
- Occupational Therapy Bachelor (FH)
- Physiotherapy Bachelor (FH)
If you don't like the activities, take a look at the numerous other further training opportunities. You will find a large selection on Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch.
Target group and skills: Who is the professional examination (BP) to become a medical masseur with a federal certificate suitable for? What qualities and skills are required?
The course or professional examination to become a medical masseur/medical masseuse is aimed at the following target group:
- Trained masseurs and masseuses who want to prove their skills with the federal certificate
- Healthcare professionals who want to expand their skills
- Career changers who would like to work in the healthcare sector
Medical masseurs / medical masseuses should have the following personal qualities and skills:
- Tactile perception
- Strong sense of observation and touch
- Empathy
- Analytical thinking
- Perseverance, patience
- Manual dexterity
- Physical and mental resilience
- Sense of responsibility
- Communication and relationship skills
- Sociability
- Confidentiality, reliability
- Willingness to work irregular hours
Question 2:
Do you belong to the target group for this training and do you have the necessary personal qualities?
Great!
In the next step, find out whether you meet the admission requirements for taking the professional examination to become a medical masseur/medical masseuse and obtain the federal certificate.
- If you do not belong to any of the above-mentioned groups, you cannot aim directly for the federal certificate. There are numerous opportunities to enter the healthcare profession. Take a look at thefollowing pagewith various courses from suitable providers. You may come across further training courses here that are aimed precisely at people like you.
- If you don't have the necessary personal qualities and skills, you probably won't be happy in this role. Look for further training opportunities that offer a technical specialization that better suits your skills.
- If you are unsure whether you are capable of taking on more responsible tasks, it is best to discuss this with experienced people such as career coaches. You can find suitable providers here:
Requirements for admission to the professional examination for medical masseurs with a federal certificate (BP):
Anyone who meets the following admission requirements will be admitted to the professional examination for medical masseurs:
(Note: The requirements must be fulfilled by the time of the examination or examination registration)
- Proof of completed basic vocational training with a federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ) or equivalent qualification
And
- Have at least one year of professional experience
And
- Has the required module qualifications* or certificates of equivalence
And
- does not have an entry in the central criminal record that is incompatible with the purpose of the audit
In addition:
- Training to become a medical masseur/medical masseuse must include practical training in healthcare and clinics.
You will find out whether you have been admitted to the professional examination at least three months before the start of the examination with a written notification including reasons and information on legal remedies in the event of rejection.
Note: The requirements, such as professional experience, only need to be fulfilled at the time of the federal final examination/application for the examination. Some schools may be prepared to admit you to a preparatory course for the professional examination for medical masseurs if you do not (yet) meet the criteria for admission to the federal examination. You must then ensure that you meet the necessary requirements at the time of the examination or examination registration (the responsibility lies with you).
*The following is a list of the module qualifications required for admission to the final examination and for obtaining the federal certificate:
- Module 1: Collection, interpretation and documentation of data
- Module 2: Measures and intervention processes
- Module 3: Implementation of the measures
- Module 4: Shaping relationships, cooperation, conflict resolution
- Module 5: Designing the workplace
- Module 6: Ensuring administration and organization
- Module 7: Quality assurance
- Module 8: Clinical internship
Question 3:
Do you meet the requirements for admission?
Great!
Before you contact the school of your choice: Take a look at the next steps in this self-test and check whether the medical masseur/medical masseuse course is right for you in terms of course content, costs/financing, duration/lesson hours and examination procedure/completion. These are also important points on the way to the federal certificate or the answer to the question: Does the course suit me?
- If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as professional experience for medical masseurs, clarify your chances directly with theSponsorshipthe examination, the organization of the working world of medical masseurs (OdA-MM)
- If you have little or no professional experience, you have the following options:
- Search for suitable jobs with the help of professional job boards.Hereyou will find helpful information.
- If you know someone from your private or professional environment who is already working in the relevant field, ask this person for tips and whether he/she would support you in your job search. He/she will certainly have the relevant contacts and connections.
- If you are not sure whether your qualifications will be accepted for the professional examination (equivalence test), please contact theExamination secretariat.
- SERI is responsible for assessing the equivalence of foreign qualifications for admission to the BP.Hereyou will find more information.
- If you do not have a federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ) or equivalent basic vocational training, you still have the opportunity to catch up now. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in ourAdvisor"The Swiss education system at a glance"
- If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as professional experience for medical masseurs, clarify your chances directly with theSponsorshipthe examination, the organization of the working world of medical masseurs (OdA-MM)
- If you have little or no professional experience, you have the following options:
- Search for suitable jobs with the help of professional job boards.Hereyou will find helpful information.
- If you know someone from your private or professional environment who is already working in the relevant field, ask this person for tips and whether he/she would support you in your job search. He/she will certainly have the relevant contacts and connections.
- If you are not sure whether your qualifications will be accepted for the professional examination (equivalence test), please contact theExamination secretariat.
- SERI is responsible for assessing the equivalence of foreign qualifications for admission to the BP.Hereyou will find more information.
- If you do not have a federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ) or equivalent basic vocational training, you still have the opportunity to catch up now. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in ourAdvisor"The Swiss education system at a glance".
Subject matter and content of the training
Schools with preparatory courses for the professional examination for medical masseurs are guided by the specifications of the sponsoring body, the Organization of the Working World of Medical Masseurs (OdA-MM), when compiling the course content.
The learning material for masseur training often includes the following topics, which are also assigned to the work processes:
- Collecting, interpreting and documenting data
- Create a concept of measures
- Implement measures
- Communication processes
- Relationship building
- Cooperation
- Overcoming conflicts
- Design your workplace
- Ensuring organization and administration
- Quality assurance
- Maintaining your professional environment
- Lifelong learning
- Internships
Question 4:
Are you interested in this content, would you like to acquire this knowledge?
Great! You can look forward to exciting and instructive hours in which you will broaden your knowledge horizon and skills - aspects that are in demand on the job market and increase your career and salary opportunities.
If you are only partially interested in the content of this federal certificate, take a look at other training and further education courses in this area. You may find a course that suits you better due to the content taught. You will find inspirationhere.
Obviously the typical areas of responsibility of medical masseurs with a federal certificate are not your world. Take a look at other further training courses instead. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a wide range of options.
Costs and financing of further training
With the exception of the examination fee, which is set by the course organizer, the costs are determined independently by the respective providers. There may therefore be (large) differences.
The following costs must generally be expected for the 4-semester (part-time) or 6-8-semester (full-time) masseur training.
- Course feesBetween CHF 33,800 and CHF 36,800 of which you will receive around 50% back from the federal government after the examination (regardless of the result).
- Examination feesCHF 3,000. The examination fee is set by the body responsible for the examination regulations. It is paid by the candidate after admission has been confirmed.
- Extra costsYou will often have to expect additional costs for teaching materials, training documents and simulation exams, for example. Please find out directly from the provider of your choice what additional costs you can expect in addition to the course fees and the examination fee.
*Since 1.1.2018, preparatory courses for federal professional examinations (BP) and higher professional examinations (HFP) have been financially supported by the federal government. Graduates of these courses can therefore be reimbursed up to 50% (max. CHF 9,500 for BP, max. CHF 10,500 for HFP) of the course costs paid after taking the federal examination. In exceptional cases of hardship, the federal contributions are also paid out in advance.
Question 5:
Are you able to pre-finance approx. CHF 36,800 - CHF 39,800 for course fees and exam?
Great! Here's another tip: If you are able to pay the full amount in advance, ask the school of your choice whether they offer a special discount for full payment in advance. Some schools also offer a special price for early bookings.
Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, canton, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwissyou will receive in ourAdvisor"How to finance your further training properly".
Information and help on budget planning and budget preparation can be foundhere.
- Most schools allow you to pay the course costs in installments. Most schools charge a small surcharge for payment in installments.
- Ask your employer whether they will contribute to the costs.
- Perhaps there is someone in your private circle who will support your further education project with a loan. A bank or credit institution may also support you with an educational loan. You will be able to repay some of the borrowed funds immediately after the professional examination with the federal contribution.
- Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, canton, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwissyou will receive in ourAdvisor"How to finance your further training properly".
- Information on financial support for temporary workers from "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, can be found athere.
- Information and help on budget planning and budget preparation can be foundhere.
- Most schools allow you to pay the course costs in installments. Most schools charge a small surcharge for payment in installments.
- Ask your employer whether they will contribute to the costs.
- Perhaps there is someone in your private circle who will support your further education project with a loan. A bank or credit institution may also support you with an educational loan. You will be able to repay some of the borrowed funds immediately after the professional examination with the federal contribution.
- Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, canton, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwissyou will receive in ourAdvisor"How to finance your further training properly".
- Information on financial support for temporary workers from "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, can be found athere.
- Information and help on budget planning and budget preparation can be foundhere.
Duration of study, number of lessons and learning effort
- Massage training has a modular structure and lasts 4 semesters or 6-8 semesters (including internships), depending on the training model, i.e. whether full-time or part-time.
- The course is offered at different times depending on the provider. These time variants are determined independently by the respective schools. Lesson times can therefore vary. As a rule, lessons take place on two working days per week or once a week on a working day and Saturday.
- Many schools often offer different teaching models so that you have the opportunity to combine further education with family, work and free time in the best possible way. You can usually choose between face-to-face teaching or online formats, such as online teaching, hybrid teaching or blended learning.
- Thanks to the in-service training concept, you can apply and deepen the learning material in practice straight away. Nevertheless, you should allow sufficient time for preparation and follow-up of the lessons and for self-study - how much depends on your prior knowledge, working style and learning speed. We recommend that you allow at least 4-6 hours per week as a precaution.
Note: Some schools offer so-called "taster lessons". This gives you the opportunity to gain an insight into the lessons and the learning atmosphere. Important aspects on the way to a successful graduation. It is best to contact the school of your choice directly for a taster lesson.
Question 6:
Can you find the time for lessons and self-study?
Great! Tip for self-study: Set yourself realistic daily or weekly targets and think about a small reward when you have achieved them. A well-organized study strategy not only motivates you, but also protects you from chaotic, stressful study days and nights shortly before the exam.
If you do not have that much time, contact the providers and clarify whether you can complete the course over more than four or eight semesters.
If you still don't have enough time, check whether you can create space for yourself elsewhere. Perhaps someone close to you can take on certain tasks for you for the duration of your training?
Degree, diploma and title
The professional examination (BP) to become a medical masseur/medical masseuse is held every year, provided at least ten candidates meet the admission requirements after the announcement, otherwise every two years. Candidates can choose the language in which they wish to take the professional examination. They can choose between the three official languages German, French or Italian.
Candidates are notified at least 6 weeks before the start of the examination. The invitation includes the examination program (with details of the place and time of the examination) and the list of experts.
The final examination for masseur training consists of three parts:
Examination part A: Factual and applied knowledge (written, three hours, weighting 1)
In this part of the examination, candidates are tested on their knowledge in the areas of professional basics and specific therapeutic knowledge. Various question types are used for this purpose: Multiple choice, single choice, KPRIM, causal linking and matching.
Examination part B: Massage and physical forms of therapy (practical, 4 hours, weighting 2)
Candidates take an OSCE examination here. This is an objective, structured, clinical and practical skills test.
The OSCE examination consists of a course of at least five items, which are divided into different types (e.g. procedure, analysis or simulation items). Each item contains a specific task that the candidates have to solve - using their technical and professional competence.
Examination part C: Case report, presentation and expert discussion (written (in advance), oral, 1 hour, weighting 1)
In advance, the candidates independently write a patient report. In this report, candidates document and analyze a practical activity as a medical masseur/medical masseuse. They deal with the theory and demonstrate the clinical thought process in a comprehensible manner. In doing so, they follow the formal requirements for scope, content, structure, references, etc.
In the oral part of the examination, the candidates report on both the negative and positive aspects or findings from their case report and its preparation. This is followed by a technical discussion with the experts, where the candidates answer questions from the experts about the findings and the concept of measures for the case in question, among other things.
Diploma and title
Graduates of the professional examination receive a federal certificate and are entitled to use the federally recognized and protected title "Medical masseur with a federal certificate".
In French: "Masseur médical avec brevet fédéral / Masseuse médicale avec brevet fédéral"
In Italian: "Massaggiatore medicale con attestator professionale federale / Massaggiatrice medical con attestator professionale federale"
In English: "Medical Masseur / Medical Masseuse, Federal Diploma of Higher Education" (Attention: Not a protected title, only a recommendation)
Question 7:
Do you have the confidence to pass the professional examination for the federal certificate?
Great!
Here are some general success factors on the way to a new training qualification:
- Regular attendance of lessons
- Actively contribute your questions, don't leave anything half-understood in the room
- Interest in the topic and active participation in class
- Detailed preparation and follow-up of the lesson material at home
- Committed cooperation in group work, processing of case studies, etc.
- Participation in learning groups for regular exchange
- Intensive exam preparation: practise exam situations and gain important exam experience, e.g. in simulation exams. (On thisPage here, you will find a template for the case report part C)
If you are unsure, we recommend that you attend an information event on this course.
Arrange a personal consultation appointment with the school of your choice or theSponsorshipthe professional examination, the Organization of the Working World of Medical Masseurs (OdA-MM). Explain your interest and your concerns and see how your counterpart reacts to which points and what they recommend.
Ask the school management about support options. Also consider whether you would like other support, for example from learning therapists or coaches, autogenic or mental training.
Here are some general success factors on the way to a new training qualification:
- Regular attendance of lessons
- Actively contribute your questions, don't leave anything half-understood in the room
- Interest in the topic and active participation in class
- Detailed preparation and follow-up of the lesson material at home
- Committed cooperation in group work, processing of case studies, etc.
- Participation in learning groups for regular exchange
- Intensive exam preparation: practise exam situations and gain important exam experience, e.g. in simulation exams. (On thisPage here, you will find a template for the case report part C)
If you are not at all confident about passing the final exam, it is best to arrange a personal consultation appointment with a school orSponsorshipthe professional examination, the Organization of the Working World of Medical Masseurs (OdA-MM). Explain your interest and your concerns and see how your counterpart reacts to which points and what they recommend.
Ask the school of your choice whether there are any support options for you.
Also consider whether you would like other support, for example from learning therapists or coaches, autogenic or mental training.
No, the course for the federal certificate as a medical masseur / medical masseuse (BP) is not right for you. What a pity? - Perhaps not, because there are so many other options for further training. One or the other will certainly suit you much better.
Check which other further training courses are suitable for you. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
Medical masseur / medical masseuse with a federal certificate is probably not the right further training goal for you.
Are you surprised or disappointed? Perhaps take the test again and see where your ideas or possibilities deviate from the ideal job. Perhaps this will point you in the direction of more suitable further training.
Then see which other further training courses interest you. ToEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
This is a half-hearted result: working as a medical masseur / medical masseuse with a federal certificate does not seem ideal for you. Or is it perhaps the form of training that doesn't appeal to you or doesn't fit well in organizational terms?
See which other further training courses are suitable for you. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
Training to become a medical masseur/medical masseuse is not ideal for you - or is it?
If you are unsure, it is best to attend the providers' information events. There you will learn a lot more about further education and can discuss your personal options and questions directly with the specialist representatives present.
Directly to the schools:
This training seems to suit you.
As a next step, we recommend that you attend an information event at suitable schools and obtain details of the exact costs and dates.
Directly to the schools:
This course seems to be made for you!
The best thing to do now is to attend information events at the schools you are interested in and find out everything you need to know about the specific content, costs and dates.
Directly to the schools: