A massage therapist works on the soft muscle tissue in the body. For example, they work on those injured in a car accident or other injuries that cause the muscle to become strained and cause pain.
They also help to relieve stress, increase relaxation and enhance circulation. In addition, they use numerous tools and their hands to help muscles heal and help a range of movement, which can be impaired when injured.
They work in various settings, so those who want to become massage therapists have a lot of work options to choose from.
If you want to become a massage therapist, you will be able to choose your hours and have the freedom that many in the medical profession do not have.
Learn About The Career And Establish Goals :
A massage therapist plays a significant role in the overall well-being of patients. They collaborate closely with physicians, chiropractors, psychologists, and other medical professionals to help relieve patients of their muscle and joint pain.
A massage therapist will evaluate a patient’s muscle strength and determine what course of action is needed to help the patient regain stability in their muscles and improve their range of motion without causing the patient pain.
Also, they often prescribe mobility, strengthening, and stretching exercises for the patient to do at home between appointments to further their progress.
Complete A Therapeutic Massage Program:
Those interested in becoming massage therapists will need to complete a massage therapy program. According to Indeed.com, an accredited massage therapy program can range from 300 to 1,000 hours of instruction. However, many can complete the program in 35 weeks.
During the program, students will learn:
Sports massage
Swedish massage
Deep tissue massage
Shiatsu massage
Prenatal massage
Geriatric massage
Thai massage
Acupressure and reflexology
Join Professional Massage Therapy Associations & Groups
Many massage therapists just starting their careers can gain great insights by communicating with others performing the same tasks. According to Bamboo.com, some of the groups that massage therapists can find value in include:
- National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork
- The Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB)
- The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA)
- Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP)
- The Alliance for Massage Therapy Education (AFMTE)
- The National Association of Nurse Massage Therapists (NANMT)
Start Your Own Massage Therapy Business:
Once you have your massage therapy accreditation, the doors open for many opportunities. After completing the massage therapy program, you must complete an exam from the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards. Then you will need to get a license; the cost varies from state to state, but it is usually around $300.Before starting your own massage therapy business, you will need training at an accredited massage therapy program. Each state has its requirements, so make sure you are aware that you are following your state’s rules.
You will need to make sure you have all other necessary state licenses and determine if you will rent a space or work within a medical system.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Licensed Massage Therapist?
Many find the allure of becoming a massage therapist is that the massage therapy training program can be completed in around 35 weeks or between 300 and 1,000 hours. This varies from state to state.
Also, this is a great way to enter the medical field. Those who want to become a massage therapist want to explore other medical opportunities and continue their education.
How Many Hours Do You Work As A Massage Therapist?
Those who have their own business can make their hours to choose how many hours they work per week. But, of course, those that have a full schedule make more than those with limited hours.
According to ExploreHealthCareers.com, most massage therapists work part-time because of the physical demands. So, they limit their hands-on work to about 15 hours a week. Other time is spent conducting administrative tasks, scheduling, bookkeeping, marketing, updating client health records, and keeping physicians apprised of their patients’ progress.
Is Being A Massage Therapist A Good Career Choice?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a massage therapist makes a median wage of $20.97 per hour, $43,620 per year.
Choosing a career as a massage therapist is a wise choice as the training is short so that you can start your job quickly.
They also state the employment projection is expected to grow 32% from 2020 to 2030. Again, this is much faster than all other occupations.
In Summary, Become a Massage Therapist:
Choosing a career in therapeutic massage is a smart way to enter the healthcare market. As long as you have a high school diploma and meet the criteria of the national certification board, you should have a distinguished career.
Many licensed massage therapists find it a rewarding career that enables you to learn various massage techniques and begin your successful massage therapy career.
