Massage therapy careers have the potential to provide positive working environments, flexible schedules and lucrative earnings. Because physicians frequently recommend massage therapy to patients these days, candidates with "healing hands" can pursue a massage education at one of several accredited massage therapy schools.

In a massage program, students gain hands-on instruction in a variety of health-related science like anatomy, physiology and musculoskeletal pathology. In addition to general biosciences, healing arts schools will regularly extend training in CPR and first aid, as well as muscular testing (kinesiology).

Traditionally, the vast majority of vocational massage courses give students practical training in Swedish massage, deep tissue massage and sports massage; however, a growing number of technical schools and alternative medicine schools have integrated Asian bodywork therapies like acupressure, Shiatsu, Chinese medical massage (Tuina), Lomi Lomi (Hawaiian massage), craniosacral therapy, Rolfing, Trigger Point, medical massage, as well as numerous other modalities.

Some of the more centralized curriculums involve studies like reflexology, chair massage, and meridian therapy. While each educational program varies, the normal length of a massage course will range between 300 and 500 hours. However, with the expansion of integrative medicine, more and more health schools have begun increasing these training hours to well over 1,000 and in some cases, may provide degree programs in medical massage or massage therapy. Candidates who successfully complete all required coursework and clinical training achieve certification, diplomas or a degree.

Massage practitioners help patients relieve pain and other chronic conditions using various bodywork techniques and touch therapies. But in addition to helping in healing, massage therapists also help clients to improve blood circulation, enhance overall wellness and for relaxation purposes. Additionally, many massage patients often report increased energy levels.

The great job aspects of being a massage therapist are that in addition to gaining a sense of worth from helping others, massage practitioners have the opportunity to work aboard cruise liners, holiday retreats, day spas, wellness clinics; and in a great number of other healthcare related facilities like hospitals, primary care clinics, and chiropractic offices.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, qualified massage therapists can anticipate an abundance of job opportunities as the field is expected to increase faster than average over the several, coming years. Furthermore, depending on education and experience, massage therapists can earn over $30 hourly.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding massage classes or schools, let career training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.

Massage Therapy Careers Today© Copyright 2007The CollegeBound NetworkAll Rights Reserved

NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included; and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.