Education



Before you jump on the massage bandwagon, it is essential that you acquire the skills and training necessary for the field. Achieving fast growing careers in massage therapy takes time, willingness to apply your self, and the desire to help others in healing.

It's also a good idea to review the massage school in which you'd like to enroll. While there are a number of technical colleges that provide massage therapy training, there are also many qualified massage schools that provide excellent massage curricula.

Careers in massage therapy vary, so it's critical to determine what your professional goals are before you apply to the school of your choice. For example, if you would like to become nationally certified, you must locate a massage school that provides 500+ hours training in massage therapy. In addition to general anatomy and physiology, typical massage programs entail modalities like deep tissue, Swedish and sports massage. Note, however, that more advanced somatic programs may offer diverse techniques such as acupressure, medical massage, infant/prenatal massage, and Trigger Point, among others.

Professional Atmospheres

Unlike other healthcare professions, massage therapists have a broader scope of working environments from which to choose. Were you aware that careers in massage therapy can lead you aboard cruise ships, beautiful retreats, and at sporting arenas? Traditional work settings like hospitals, physical therapy clinics, and nursing homes commonly have positions for licensed bodyworkers; however, professional massage therapists have the option to work in spas, massage clinics, and fitness centers, among others.

Like the idea of being self-employed? Then careers in massage therapy can lead to successful entrepreneurialships, where you can reap the rewards of setting your own hours and becoming your own boss. In 2006, roughly 60 percent of massage therapists were self-employed.

Due to the increasing interest in natural and alternative health modalities like massage and holistic health, chances are that careers in massage therapy will continue to grow to meet consumer demands.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in learning more about these or other bodywork programs, let professional training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, naturopathy, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore careers in massage therapy near you.

*Source - BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Careers in Massage Therapy

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