Careers in Massage Today

"...before you decide to pursue careers in massage, it isinfant massage, prenatal massage, geriatric massage,
equally important to acquire the appropriate educationchair massage, Tuina, Thai massage, reflexology,
and training in order to fulfill individual State/ProvinceTrager therapy, Esalen massage, cancer massage,
requirements for certification and/or licensure tolymphatic drainage massage, and meridian therapy,
practice..."among others.
Explore Careers in Massage in the United StatesIs learning other therapies beneficial for careers in
and Canada.   Today, careers in massage aremassage?
expected to grow faster than average soOne of the great aspects of acquiring a massage
occupational outlook is very promising.  However,education is that many training opportunities exist at
before you decide to pursue careers in massage, it ishealing arts schools; aside from traditional massage
equally important to acquire the appropriate educationinstruction.  For example, a number of holistic schools
and training in order to fulfill individual State/Provincealso provide training in kinesiology (muscle testing),
requirements for certification and/or licensure toenergy healing (Reiki, chakra balancing, etc.), nutritional
practice.counseling, holistic skin care and nutrition, and other
Why careers in massage? relevant subject matter.  Of course the more you
For starters, the ancient healing art of massagelearn the better chances for your professional
therapy is broadly used as a complementarysuccess.
medicine throughout the world.  Besides its healingAre careers in massage limited to massage therapy
attributes, massage therapy is proven to relax andclinics?
revitalize tired muscles and enhance overall wellbeing.Definitely not.  Today, certified massage therapists
In addition, there are well over 80 types of massagework in hospitals, nursing homes, primary healthcare
modalities in which one can specialize; so the field isfacilities, aboard cruise liners, resorts, sporting/athletic
wide open to prospective massage therapists desiringfacilities, physical therapy offices, airports, day spas
certification in more than just one particular therapy. and other health and wellness clinics.
As an example, typical careers in massage areWhat earnings do careers in massage produce?
available to those who have completed a minimum ofThough income varies according to education,
300 hours in basic education (anatomy, physiology,experience and environment; professional massage
pathology); and training in Swedish massage, deeptherapists have the potential to earn over $30 hourly; in
tissue massage and sports massage.  However, toaddition to gratuities. 
become Nationally certified, and to acquire moreIf you (or someone you know) are interested
advanced careers in massage therapy, candidatesin finding careers in massage, let
seek courses that offer a minimal 500 hours training, inprofessional training within fast-growing industries like
addition to specialty instruction in more massagemassage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental
modalities like acupressure, Trigger Point, craniosacralmedicine, Reiki, and others get you started!
therapy, and the like.Explore career school programs near you.
What modalities are taught for careers in massage? *Occupational Resources: BLS (U.S. Bureau of Labor
That depends on the healing arts school or massageStatistics)
school in which you enroll.  While the vast majority ofCareers in Massage Today
massage institutes offer general training in the top© Copyright 2007
three modalities (aforementioned), a growing numberThe CollegeBound Network
of careers in massage therapy require professionalsAll Rights Reserved
to expand on client services; thus, educationalNOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge
programs have begun offering a greater variety ofto relevant websites, as long as Copyright and Author
modalities.  Some of the many massage techniquesResource Box are included; and ALL Hyperlinks
offered to students pursuing careers in massageREMAIN intact and active.
include animal massage (canine/equine massage),