Becoming a Massage Therapist

Massage therapists treat clients by manipulating the soft-tissue muscles of the body. They help the patients in pain relief and rehabilitation. They also improve blood circulation. A good massage also helps people recover from the stress and get relaxation. Massage therapies vary from person to person depending on the circumstances.

Massage therapy helps millions of people beat physical ailments, sore muscles, and emotional distress. A professional Massage Therapist remains high in demand elsewhere. This profession is considered a great opportunity for the job seekers.

Education Requirements: Education is not a big criteria to become a Massage Therapist. However, they need professional training in massage therapy and must possess excellent communication skills to deal with the clients/patients. Attending a massage school is good, but it’s better to go for a program that leads to certification and satisfies all requirements, including accreditation.

Many states in the U.S. require at least 500-600 hours of training in massage therapy from the aspirants. That much time can be spent in the classroom and practicing. Apart from that, a certification from the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) is preferable, but not mandatory.

Places for Practice: For a Massage Therapist, it is mandatory to spend maximum time in practicing. Jobs at massage parlors, spas, hotels, and other establishments, will help the therapists to gain money as well as experience.

Salary & Job Outlook: The job outlook for Massage Therapists is projected to grow 23 percent from 2012 to 2022 – higher than the average job growth rate. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for Massage Therapists was $35,970 in May 2012.