Massage Therapy Careers Information
Massage is an increasingly popular form of therapeutic treatment. Individuals seek massage therapy to treat ailments and injuries or simply for relaxation purposes. Therapists work with the soft tissue of muscles in order to heighten circulation and eliminate waste products within the muscles. There are more than 80 different types of massage, and massage therapy careers tend to specialize in one or more of the modalities.
Massage Therapy Careers & Degrees
- Medical Careers Institute: Newport News
Virginia College: Huntsville
Everest University: Brandon
When meeting with clients, the therapist will survey them to explore their goals for the treatment and determine the best modality to use. Therapists can work in a variety of settings such as their home, clients’ homes, hospitals, spas, fitness centers, physical rehabilitation facilities, or private offices. Many therapists will work in more than one setting.
Massage Therapy Careers Path
Completion of an accredited massage therapy program. Many states require aspiring massage therapists to pass a licensing exam known as the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.
Massage Therapy Careers Compatible Personality Traits
Able to build strong interpersonal relationships, good listener, calming, able to instill trust in others, soothing and peaceful nature, strong desire to help others
Massage Therapist Interview
Read More from a Professional Massage Therapist…
Massage Therapy Careers Salary Expectations
The median hourly wage is approximately $16.78, with the middle 50% earning between $11.36 and $25.14. Most therapists make about 20% of their income through tips.
Massage Therapy Careers Job Outlook
Employment opportunities are expected to grow faster than average with an approximate 19% growth rate through 2018. The benefits of alternative healing treatments such as massage therapy are increasingly being recognized and embraced by the general public. More and more health care facilities are incorporating massage into patients’ treatment plans and insurance companies are also starting to acknowledge it as a legitimate form of treatment.
Massage Therapy Careers Associations and Resources
The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB)
Slightly off the Footpath
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Psychologists, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos295.htm (visited November 1, 2011).
