After training to become a massage therapist, your next mission is to BECOME a massage therapist. The training at a massage therapist school can be quite rigorous, with students needing to master several types of massages. That includes those requiring a hot stone kit. However, after the diploma is in your hand and the confetti has fallen to the ground, it is time to search for a massage therapy position. Though job-hunting can be particularly difficult in a soft economy, here are some tips to take the next steps after finishing your formal massage training:

1. Start the job search

One option is to start your own business. However, this would generally be advisable after getting some significant experience as a therapist. Some sources of massage therapy jobs include Internet employment sites, your massage training school, and local newspapers. The demand for trained massage therapists is high, and includes sources such as:

• clinics

• companies

• health clubs

• spas

2. Launch your own massage company

An alternative to working for someone else is to work for yourself. While this may first seem too-good-to-be-true, keep in mind that along with increased freedom comes increased responsibility. It is wonderful that you can set your own schedule, but you must also set complete all the paperwork, handle all of your taxes, and maintain all of your bookkeeping. Owning a business can be rewarding, but it can become simply exhausting as well!

3. Secure and retain customers

Remember that the best advertising is always word-of-mouth. If you have already done some volunteer massages, then you already have some potential paying customers. By providing outstanding service and competitive prices, you can easily find new customers and keep the ones that you already have. Another source of clients is through networking with various healthcare experts in your area, to create an alliance.

4. Look out for number one

Before you care for others, you must care for yourself. That idea might sound cheesy, but it is true. To ensure that you provide the best service possible, take certain steps, including:

• Getting at least eight hours of sleep daily

• Eating three square (and healthy) meals a day

• Using yoga or Tai Chi to remain focused

• Exercising 30-60 minutes per day

5. Constantly improve your professional skills

Your education in massage therapy should not end after you graduate. Take steps to improve your professionalism constantly. Get a hot stone massage from a fellow therapist. Read magazine articles and books about different types of massage therapy methods. Attend classes and seminars about new and exciting massage methods. Regardless of how much training and experience you have in massage therapy, an opportunity always exists to learn something new and become a better skilled therapist.

After completing your massage therapy training, your next job is to find a job. Whether you decide to work for someone else or work for yourself, remember to focus on customer service. That will help to rub your patients the right way!