Explore the field of massage therapy, where you can help improve the quality of life for your patients.
What is Massage Therapy?
Massage therapy is a part of the growing complementary and alternative medicine field (CAM), also called integrative healthcare. Now, more than ever, CAM is gaining recognition from consumers and the medical profession as a much-needed and valuable source of healthcare. The advantages of massage therapy as a form of healthcare are numerous. They include:
- Preventing injury and illness
- Easing cancer-related exhaustion and pain
- Easing lower back pain
- Reducing post-operative pain
- Boosting immune system functioning
- Lowering blood pressure
Discover more on the massage therapy field including job duties, skills, demand and programs below.
- Job Duties
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Massage Therapist Job Duties
On any given day, massage therapists can be responsible for a variety of important healthcare tasks, including:
- Discussing symptoms, medical history and desired results with patients.
- Evaluating patients to identify tense, painful areas of the body that need attention.
- Strategically touching and manipulating soft tissues, skin and muscles of the patient’s body.
- Offering guidance and tips to patients on improving relaxation, flexibility, posture, and strength.
- Career Skills
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Massage Therapist Skills
Massage therapists need a variety of skills to properly perform their job duties and excel in the field. Some of these skills include:
- Stamina: During massages, these healthcare professionals typically stand on their feet. Therefore, massage therapists should be able to stand for long periods of time.
- Interpersonal Skills: Massage therapists are often responsible for direct patient care and administrative duties. Understanding customer service and adapting to a patient’s needs is crucial. Being helpful and polite are also vital.
- Manual Dexterity Skills: A massage requires these therapists to work with their hands constantly, strategically applying massage techniques to a patient’s skin and muscles. By being coordinated with their hands, students can improve their overall massage therapy skills.
- Demand
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Massage Therapist Demand
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for massage therapists looks strong. Between 2010 and 2020, growth for this position is expected to be 20 percent, slightly faster than the national average for all positions.*
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition, Massage Therapists, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/massage-therapists.htm
- Programs
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Massage Therapy Programs & Training
Massage therapy programs can offer the well-rounded knowledge and skills needed to pursue this field. Core courses students can expect include:
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Massage Therapy
- Clinical Pathology
- Professional Standards and Ethics
- Business Applications for Massage Careers
- And more
Now is the time to study something you’re passionate about. Does massage therapy interest you? Discover how to become a massage therapist at a healthcare school near you today.
Program availability and/or degree offerings subject to change. Employment and salary are not guaranteed.
Massage Therapy Schools
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5-6 of 6 School(s)
Sanford-Brown College - Atlanta
Sanford-Brown is known throughout the healthcare industry as an educator of pr...
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Certificate
Advanced Massage Therapy , Cardiovascular Sonography, Cardiovascular Technology, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Medical Assistant
Missouri College
Missouri was founded in 1963 to help fill the need for trained professionals i...
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Associate, Bachelor and Diploma
Dental Assistant, Dental Hygiene , Fitness Trainer, Health Information Technology, Healthcare Management, Massage Therapy, Medical Assistant , Medical Billing Administrative Specialist
5-6 of 6 School(s)
