If you are looking for an active profession where you can work with your hands and help people, consider becoming a massage therapist. Massage therapy offers opportunities for flexible schedules, part-time work, and self-employment.
Massage therapists massage muscles, ligaments, and tendons in order to relieve tension, improve circulation, hasten recovery from injury, and enhance overall health and wellbeing. While many massage therapists work at spas, clinics, and resorts, the vast majority have their own private practices.
Training and licensing standards for massage therapists vary from state to state. If you live in a state that regulates massage therapy, you will need credentials from an accredited massage school in order to practice massage therapy. Several states require certification through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB).
Over 1500 schools and training programs around the U.S. teach massage therapy. Coursework includes anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, and massage techniques, including hands-on practice. Many massage therapists choose to get specialized training in any of over 80 massage styles. Students can choose full- or part-time programs and online or classroom programs.
Since most massage therapists are self-employed and set their own rates, it’s difficult to determine an accurate average annual wage for the profession. Massage therapists who not self-employed typically earn $15 to $20 an hour.
Massage therapists are feeling the effects of the downturn in the economy, as clients have less disposable income to spend on personal services. Nonetheless, massage therapy is one of the fastest growing sectors of the fast-growing healthcare industry, so career prospects are good, especially for licensed or certified massage therapists.
Massage Therapist Schools in North America
Request information from any of the schools offering massage therapy programs below, organized by location...
