As more and more people find themselves without a job, many are choosing to use the time to head back to school in order to pursue a career that is of interest to them that can also provide them with a greater amount of job security. While this isn’t much of a surprise – particularly considering President Obama’s encouragement to head back to school and the many tax incentives that are involved with going to college – the fact that many are choosing to head to school in order to pursue massage therapy may come as a surprise.

While it may seem strange on the surface that so many people are pursuing a career in massage therapy, it really makes a whole lot of sense if you delve a bit deeper. For example, the U.S. Department of Labor reports that employment opportunities for massage therapists are expected to rise by 20% by 2016. Coupled with the fact that 45% of women and 21% of men reported receiving a massage within the last five years, the projected rise in demand for massage therapist certainly seems to make sense. Furthermore, as the economic situation grows more stressful, it only stands to reason that even more people will be looking to de-stress with the help of a massage.

A growing number of people are also recognizing the many benefits associated with getting a massage. In one survey, for example, 87% of the respondents reported that they believe massage is beneficial to a person’s health and wellness while 88% felt massage was an effective means of reducing pain. No longer is massage being viewed as something that is done as a special “treat” or as a romantic gesture, but it is increasingly being perceived as an important part of living a long life that is physically, emotionally and psychologically healthy.

Massage therapy is expected to grow at such a rapid rate that many people with stable careers are even looking into making a switch to the field. After all, what could be better than working in a stable field where you can help others, feel fulfilled at the end of the day and earn an attractive income? It is for these very reasons that the American Massage Therapy Association reports that the average entry-level massage therapist is actually in his or her early 40s and is entering the field as a second career.

If you are interested in pursuing a massage degree, visit the massage therapy page or visit the Top Colleges home page to start exploring all of your degree options.