Career: Massage Therapists
Ahhh. A massage is one of life’s greatest pleasures. But if you would rather give than receive, consider a career in massage therapy. Be warned, however: Massage know-how is more than skin-deep.
You’ll need a thorough understanding of what lies beneath the skin and what goes on there. And massage isn’t just something you make up as you go along -- you’ll need to train in a variety of techniques such as Swedish massage and shiatsu. You’ll be on your feet a lot, and the work can be demanding. But it’s rewarding to know that you’ve helped to reduce stress, relieve aching muscles, or just make someone feel better.
Massage therapists provide therapeutic massage to clients in a variety of settings, from health clubs to hospitals to private practices.
Did You Know?
- You’ll probably need at least five hundred hours of classroom instruction to become a certified massage therapist.
Are You Ready To...?
- Adjust your technique to suit the client
- Handle difficult clients with grace
- Use your hands for hours on end
- Spend long hours on your feet
- Upgrade your skills as needed
- Advertise your services, collect payments, and conduct other business practices
It Helps to Be...
Someone with strong hands and a head for science. A desire to help others is also important.
Make High School Count
- Load up on the sciences, especially biology. A head start in anatomy and physiology will be a big help in your massage classes.
- Sign up for psychology. Massage therapy means treating the whole person -- not just a body.
- Master computer software. It’ll come in handy if you start your own practice.
- Learn first aid and CPR now. You’ll need these important skills once you enter massage school.
Did You Know?
- Carpal tunnel syndrome can be a problem in this profession, which is one of the reasons many choose to work part-time.
Outlook
Government economists expect jobs for massage therapists to grow faster than the average for all careers through 2016. The alternative medicine boom is expected to play a role in the profession’s continued growth. Another reason for growth is that more insurance companies and medical providers are accepting massage therapy as a medical tool. So massage therapy is more often prescribed, and more often covered by insurance.
Compensation
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for massage therapists in 2008 was $39,850. However, a lot of massage therapists are self-employed or work part-time, so earnings range widely.
