Massage therapy is best known as an alternative form of therapy where the therapist provides various forms of bodywork used to relax the body and promote healing. The professionals that are trained to provide their clients with this practice are referred to as massage therapists, masseuses, or masseurs. In order to obtain a career in this field, students will need to attend at least a certificate program to obtain the necessary education. These programs are accessible through a number of accredited massage therapy schools and colleges, which provide the hands on training necessary to succeed. Students who choose to enroll in and complete a certificate program will find that there are a number of career options available to choose from.
With an accredited education in massage therapy students will have the chance to obtain knowledge in alternative therapy and natural healing that can be useful in numerous professions. Career opportunities for students looking to train in this area can include professions in:
- Chiropractics
- Reflexology
- Holistic Nursing
...and more with additional education. There are a number of professionals who complete massage therapy training in order to enhance their services. With various schools and colleges offering certificate programs, students will find that obtaining the education and training they need to work in the field of massage therapy is effortless.
Depending on the educational institute chosen by the student and the depth of education desired, students will have the opportunity to study a variety of subjects. Coursework may include but is not limited to anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, business ethics, and various massage therapy techniques. The techniques used are often referred to as modalities and include Shiatsu, Swedish, deep tissue, sports, Thai, neuromuscular, and many more. Course length will vary but typically consists of around 500 hours of study for completion with a post secondary educational institute. Certified massage therapists can also choose to attend continuing education courses to further their knowledge after becoming certified.
Certified therapists may also be required to pass a state exam, The National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB), or the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) after graduating. Once licensed, professionals will have the opportunity to find employment with a number of businesses such as:
- spas
- clinics
- resorts
- hospitals
- physical therapy centers
...and much more. Many professionals in this field choose to become entrepreneurs and operate their own massage therapy business.
Typical annual earnings will vary depending on the amount of clients, the length of service, the charge each individual therapist chooses to apply, and where the therapist is employed. A massage session can range from five or ten minutes up to two hours. Therapists often choose to work between 15 and 30 hours per week due to the physical nature of the profession. The length will depend on the clients' physical condition and needs as well as the therapists chosen specialty.
With the number of accredited educational programs increasing, the opportunity to obtain the education necessary to become a certified massage therapist is becoming easier. Accredited programs are approved by agencies such as the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation ( http://www.comta.org/ ) to offer a quality educational experience. With the drive to succeed and the prospect of an exciting new career, students can become the certified therapists of their dreams. By looking into the massage therapy certification requirements and by contacting various schools and colleges for more information, the path to a new career can start today.
DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERIC OUTLINE and may or may not depict precise methods, courses and/or focuses related to ANY ONE specific school(s) that may or may not be advertised at PETAP.org.
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