Training and Education

A person interested in becoming a massage therapist must look into the state requirements, as these requirements can vary greatly from state to state. In most states, a massage therapist must at least complete a formal educational program and also pass a state exam. In some states, continuing education is also necessary in order to maintain a license.

Within the United States, there are currently about 1,300 institutes that provide the schooling necessary to become a massage therapist. These courses generally include classes in physiology, anatomy, the study of tissues and organs, the study of body mechanics and motion, kinesiology, ethics, and business.

Job Description

A massage therapist is a person that treats ailments, reduces stress, decompresses overworked and tired muscles, rehabilitates sports injuries, and promotes the general health of clients by manipulating their soft tissue. Through this manipulation, the massage therapist is capable of improving the circulation through the body while also removing the waste products that build up in the muscles.

A massage therapist may specialize in any of over 80 different forms of massage, which are called modalities. Some modalities that a massage therapist may utilize include reflexology, deep tissue massage, sports massage, and acupressure. In most cases, a massage therapist will specialize in several different modalities in order to best meet the needs of the client.

A massage therapist may massage a client for as little as five to ten minutes or for as long as two hours. The length of the massage depends on the needs of the client and the purpose of the massage.

Salary and Job Outlook

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities for a person trained as a massage therapist are expected to grow faster than the average occupation over the next several years. This is primarily because the benefits a massage therapist can provide continue to be better understood. According to the Bureau, the median hourly wage for a massage therapist in 2004 was $15.36.

Take the next step! Find massage therapy schools near you!