| Massage therapy has come a long way in the last | | | | - Consider if you want full or part-time studies |
| thirty years. No longer relegated to the extremely | | | | - Check to see if the school offers open houses |
| wealthy, massage is now considered an important | | | | or short introductory courses |
| part of overall wellbeing. Many large corporations | | | | - Interview or contact some graduates to get |
| are even offering massage therapy to their | | | | their views and opinions. |
| employees because it's been found to increase | | | | Developing Your Career as a Massage Therapist |
| morale and decrease sick time. Physical therapists, | | | | There are many jobs available to recent massage |
| chiropractors, and physicians now often prescribe | | | | school graduates in many diverse industries. |
| massage therapy to treat specific conditions. A | | | | Massage therapy is a profession on the rise. With |
| career as a massage therapist presents unlimited | | | | substantial massage therapy career choices and |
| opportunities-you can work for a spa, a | | | | opportunities to work in public or private practice, |
| chiropractor's practice, or even be hired on at a | | | | aspiring massage therapists face a bright future. |
| major company. But first, you need to receive | | | | Employment opportunities for massage therapists |
| the proper training. | | | | are expected to grow at a faster-than-average |
| The time required to become a massage | | | | rate. Through 2012, massage therapists are likely |
| therapist varies. You will need the minimum | | | | to see a 20% to 35% increase in job |
| training to get started and enough education to | | | | opportunities |
| master the discipline. You will also need to consider | | | | Massage therapists are hired to work in a number |
| the educational requirements, if any, of the states | | | | of private and public settings: |
| and/or cities where you intend to practice. | | | | - Airports |
| Thirty-seven states in the US have licensing laws, | | | | - Fitness Centers |
| and many localities also have licensing laws that | | | | - Hospitals |
| apply within the city. | | | | - Nursing Homes |
| If you live in a state that regulates massage | | | | - Private Offices |
| licensing laws, the state requirements set your | | | | - Shopping Malls |
| minimum education. Legal minimums can range | | | | - Sports Medicine Facilities |
| from 330 to 1,000 contact hours, and programs | | | | - Studios |
| can take from a few weeks to two years, | | | | Developing a rewarding massage therapy career |
| depending on how the program is structured. Be | | | | can take anywhere from a few months to a few |
| sure to check the requirements for your area. | | | | years. Most successful massage therapists reach |
| If your location has no governmental regulation, it | | | | a good practice level within two years, though |
| is still important to get the proper training before | | | | some take longer. Your practice will thrive if you |
| starting your practice. This will enable you to go | | | | focus on these important elements: |
| further, so consider your long-term goals when | | | | - Strive for quality work with each client |
| you decide on the education you need. | | | | - Get involved in the community you practice in - |
| Training and Education | | | | become genuinely involved |
| Massage therapy is the fastest growing segment | | | | - Understand your ambition and goals |
| of natural health care, due largely to the growth in | | | | - Maintain positive energy levels |
| public demand for alternative approaches to | | | | - Develop effective marketing and networking |
| health. But there are over 100 different massage | | | | efforts |
| therapy techniques available today, and it's hard to | | | | - Value your local reputation - word of mouth can |
| know where one should start. If you are uncertain | | | | increase your clientele |
| of the type of bodywork you want to pursue, | | | | - Have a warm and friendly personality |
| getting an education as a massage therapist first | | | | Salaries for Massage Therapists |
| is a great way to begin and to set the | | | | Massage salaries can be varied depending a |
| groundwork for your future career. You can | | | | person's industry experience, practice location or |
| easily expand from your massage therapy | | | | business proprietorship. Massage therapists earn a |
| training, and add new therapies to your practice in | | | | competitive annual income when compared to |
| the future. | | | | other health care support workers. Today's |
| When choosing a school, there are many | | | | massage therapist*: |
| important factors to consider: | | | | - Charges an average of $58 for one hour of |
| - Because massage therapy is not regulated the | | | | massage |
| same everywhere, choose a school located in the | | | | - Earns an average wage of $39 an hour |
| area you wish to practice | | | | - Earns an average annual income of $29,250 by |
| - Be sure the school is recognized by the | | | | providing 15 hours of massage per week |
| organization you will be licensed or registered | | | | *Statistics based on the US Department of Labor, |
| through | | | | Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2004-2005 |
| - Check if the school has been approved by a | | | | Occupational Outlook Handbook. |
| credible accreditation agency | | | | |