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Massage Therapy: Training for a Great Career

By Amy Fanter
Learning & Life Columnist
September 12, 2006

According to the recently released American Massage Therapy Association's 2005 Consumer Survey, roughly one out of every five adults surveyed (22 percent) had received a massage in the past 12 months, an increase of more than 2 million people from the prior year. This leads to an increase in the need for those with massage therapy training!

Growing Industry and Great Salary

Based on recent data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, massage therapy represents between a $6 and $11 billion dollar industry with job opportunities for people with training expected to increase by as much as 35 percent by 2012. Although the numbers vary based on location, training and experience, therapists can expect an average salary of roughly $29,250 for working roughly15 hours per week.

Massage Therapy Training

In order to become a massage therapist, training is required. If you are considering massage therapy as a career, it is important to do your homework prior to training. For example, before beginning massage therapy training it's a good idea to learn as much as you can about the profession and the requirements for the states you intend to practice in. It is also advisable to consider what kind of massage therapy you want to practice after your training is complete. After all, the massage therapy training for a therapist who plans to focus on prenatal massage is going to be different from the training for someone who wants to work solely with athletes.

You will also want to take the time to research various massage therapy training programs. Along with verifying that the school offers the kind of training program you want and need, you'll also want to make sure they are accredited. It's also a good idea to find out what the tuition costs, if they offer financial aid, and if continuing education and/or job-placement assistance is available.

Sources

• American Massage Therapy Association
• Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 Edition, Massage Therapists

About the Author
Amy Fanter can be found working hard for her clients most mornings and playing with her daughter most afternoons.

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