How to Pursue a Career in Massage Therapy

By Adriana Noton

Massage therapy is one career area that is growing in popularity due to the greater consumer demands for such a service. Massage therapy is the art of healing while using scientific methods of massage application. The purpose of massage therapy is to relieve stress, promote healing of injured muscle and tissue, and relieving pain and aches. If you are interested in becoming a massage therapist, you should have good manual dexterity, clinical skills, listening skills, and sensitivity skills. One must complete a number of important steps to become a massage therapist

1. To become a massage a therapist you must take a massage therapy training program. Training programs in massage therapy generally require a high school diploma. Many schools also require a personal interview. One can specialize in such areas as clinical massage, sports massage, Swedish massage, as well as animal massage. There are number of massage schools. One should find a school that provides certification and complies with your area's licensing requirements. To specialize, you will often need further training and complete a particular certificate program. You can learn about the different massages and what they entail by visiting a massage therapy clinic or searching online. You should also attend a school that offers training and education in the specialty you are interested in because massage therapy training programs tend to emphasize certain styles of massage. The cost of attending a massage school can vary from thousands of dollars to over ten thousand dollars. The massage school should offer some type of financial aid and there are also federal student loans.

2. It is important to get certified as a massage therapist. In the U.S., the National Certification Board of Massage Therapy provides a certification exam. To be licensed, a National Certification is required by your state. Right now, 33 states and the District of Columbia have mandated massage therapy regulations. It is suggested that one take a training program that is accredited by a national accreditation agency.

3. It is important to get licensed. The school should help you understand how to obtain a license. Check your jurisdiction's licensing mandates because different states have different requirements. Many states require about 500 hours of training. Depending on the program you take, you will graduate either with certification in a certain specialty or with a degree. It can be very helpful to your career to belong to a professional association. AMTA membership offers benefits, programs, and services that can help your practice thrive.

4. You can start a business or work in another area that requires a massage therapist. A massage therapist in a major urban area can earn $50 to $100 per hour.

Massage therapists practice in many places such as a massage clinic, businesses, doctor's office, holistic wellness practice, spas, fitness centers, sports medicine, and nursing home, rehabilitation centers, and much more. Some massage therapists have portable massage therapy equipment and massage therapy supplies where they will go the location of the client. Massage therapy is a growing career in great demand. It is a rewarding and lucrative career for those who enjoy helping people. - 30453

About the Author:

Sign Up for our Free Newsletter

Enter email address here