Becoming a Massage Therapist
Below are tips on becoming a massage therapist. These can help you make an informed decision and align your goals:
- Understand the duties of a massage therapist. You probably already know that a massage therapist treats stress and sore muscle tissues. However, did you know that massage is used as effective therapy for such health-related conditions as cancer exhaustion, cancer pain, lower back pain, post-operative pain, enhancing immune system function, and lowering blood pressure?
- Prepare for part-time employment. Keep in mind that massage therapists many times work less than a 40-hour a week. Sometimes experience or the time it takes to build up clientele plays a role. However, you can look forward to a flexible work schedule in most cases.
- Learn about all the places that employ massage therapists. While many are self-employed, you should know that spas/resorts, fitness centers, sports organizations, chiropractic office, physical therapy/orthopedic clinic, shopping malls/airports, and even the entertainment industry employ massage therapists.
- Familiarize yourself with licensure/certification requirements. Each state may differ, so you need to learn about the massage therapy certification laws, licensure and regulations in your particular state so that you know what to expect when it comes time to pursue a job or start a business.
- Get a massage/familiarize yourself with different modalities. While you will learn common modalities and techniques in a qualified massage therapy training program, it may be beneficial for you experience the different types of massage. Make an appointment. And, plan to use the opportunity to find out additional information from the massage therapist, a person who knows about the field first hand.
- Enroll in a quality massage therapy program. Find massage therapy training near you that offers training in anatomy and physiology, clinical pathology, therapeutic massage principles, hydrotherapy and allied therapeutic modalities, massage techniques, topical preparations, and the operation of mechanical devices. Integrated programs that can be completed fairly quickly currently exist.
- Take national certification upon graduation. Even if your state does not require certification, take the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) certification exam. This nationally recognized certification can enhance employment opportunities.
Get started learning about this exciting allied health profession. Request information from massage therapy schools near you today.
Conditions in your location may vary. Employment and salary are not guaranteed.
