Massage therapy has come a long way in the last thirty years. No longer relegated to the extremely wealthy, massage is now considered an important part of overall wellbeing. Many large corporations are even offering massage therapy to their employees because it's been found to increase morale and decrease sick time. Physical therapists, chiropractors, and physicians now often prescribe massage therapy to treat specific conditions. A career as a massage therapist presents unlimited opportunities--you can work for a spa, a chiropractor's practice, or even be hired on at a major company. But first, you need to receive the proper training.
The time required to become a massage therapist varies. You will need the minimum training to get started and enough education to master the discipline. You will also need to consider the educational requirements, if any, of the states and/or cities where you intend to practice. Thirty-seven states in the US have licensing laws, and many localities also have licensing laws that apply within the city.
If you live in a state that regulates massage licensing laws, the state requirements set your minimum education. Legal minimums can range from 330 to 1,000 contact hours, and programs can take from a few weeks to two years, depending on how the program is structured. Be sure to check the requirements for your area.
If your location has no governmental regulation, it is still important to get the proper training before starting your practice. This will enable you to go further, so consider your long-term goals when you decide on the education you need.
Training and Education
Massage therapy is the fastest growing segment of natural health care, due largely to the growth in public demand for alternative approaches to health. But there are over 100 different massage therapy techniques available today, and it's hard to know where one should start. If you are uncertain of the type of bodywork you want to pursue, getting an education as a massage therapist first is a great way to begin and to set the groundwork for your future career. You can easily expand from your massage therapy training, and add new therapies to your practice in the future.
When choosing a school, there are many important factors to consider:
o Because massage therapy is not regulated the same everywhere, choose a school located in the area you wish to practice
o Be sure the school is recognized by the organization you will be licensed or registered through
o Check if the school has been approved by a credible accreditation agency
o Consider if you want full or part-time studies
o Check to see if the school offers open houses or short introductory courses
o Interview or contact some graduates to get their views and opinions.
Developing Your Career as a Massage Therapist
There are many jobs available to recent massage school graduates in many diverse industries. Massage therapy is a profession on the rise. With substantial massage therapy career choices and opportunities to work in public or private practice, aspiring massage therapists face a bright future. Employment opportunities for massage therapists are expected to grow at a faster-than-average rate. Through 2012, massage therapists are likely to see a 20% to 35% increase in job opportunities
Massage therapists are hired to work in a number of private and public settings:
o Airports
o Fitness Centers
o Hospitals
o Nursing Homes
o Private Offices
o Shopping Malls
o Sports Medicine Facilities
o Studios
Developing a rewarding massage therapy career can take anywhere from a few months to a few years. Most successful massage therapists reach a good practice level within two years, though some take longer. Your practice will thrive if you focus on these important elements:
o Strive for quality work with each client
o Get involved in the community you practice in - become genuinely involved
o Understand your ambition and goals
o Maintain positive energy levels
o Develop effective marketing and networking efforts
o Value your local reputation - word of mouth can increase your clientele
o Have a warm and friendly personality
Salaries for Massage Therapists
Massage salaries can be varied depending a person's industry experience, practice location or business proprietorship. Massage therapists earn a competitive annual income when compared to other health care support workers. Today's massage therapist*:
o Charges an average of $58 for one hour of massage
o Earns an average wage of $39 an hour
o Earns an average annual income of $29,250 by providing 15 hours of massage per week
*Statistics based on the US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2004-2005 Occupational Outlook Handbook.
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