Massage Therapy Jobs | Massage Therapist Career
Massage Therapist Jobs - What is the Job of a Massage Therapist? What do Massage Therapy Benefits Involve?
Massage therapy has been around for over 1500 years, offering relief from painful ailments and stress filled muscles, fixing sports injuries, and promoting health. Promoting circulation of the blood and eliminating waste products from the muscles is done through massage therapy.
Massage therapy work can have medicinal benefit or it can simply be for relaxation, and there are a wide variety of techniques of massage that are utilized by professionals. There are about 80 different types of massage techniques which are commonly called modalities. Sports massage, deep tissue massage, and Swedish massage are just a few of these, and most massage therapists will specialize in a few techniques.
A professional massage can last for five minutes, or as long as a few hours. Massage therapists will cater to their clients’ needs, and service a wide range of people, even practicing infant massage.
Most massage therapists are self employed and work by setting appointments with a client at time that is convenient for the client. Massage oils and creams may be utilized in order to relax the client, and through building a relationship with their clients, the massage therapist will secure repeat business.
Working Conditions for Massage Therapy Employment - How is the Working Environment for Massage Therapist Careers?
Massage therapist jobs usually involve a 40 hour work week, although some may work in a part time capacity. Certified massage therapists will travel to the homes of their clients, and may practice in a wide variety of environments such as hospitals, fitness centers, sports medicine complexes, and nursing homes.
Massage therapy is usually conducted in a soothing and calming environment which is conducive to relaxation and muscle healing. After a period of time, massage therapy can become very tiring, as the work itself is physically demanding and involves repetitive motion. Massage therapists must learn good technique and timing in order to prevent injury in themselves.
Massage Therapist Training Education - How to Become a Massage Therapist - How to Receive Your Massage Therapist Education
Massage therapy training varies depending upon state requirements, and there are about 1500 different massage therapy programs across the country. Massage therapy courses usually involve kinesiology, physiology, business, and hands on massage techniques. Some states require massage therapists certification, and a therapist will need to graduate from an accredited training program in order to practice therapeutic massage. Other states require continuing education in order to keep up to date with massaging skills.
Massage therapy accreditation programs vary in complexity, and some states allow those who graduated from independent accrediting agencies to receive licensure.
Certified Massage Therapist Careers - How to Become Certified in Massage Therapy Programs
Most massage therapists will take the National Certification Examination of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, which is required in some states in order to practice massage therapy. In addition, a massage therapist must submit a report of their training and graduate from a state approved massage therapy training center.
After receiving a national credential from the Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Body Work, a massage therapist will then be qualified to practice massage in most or all states. It is up to state massage therapy licensing boards to decide what qualifications are necessary in order to practice the art of massage therapy in that location.
Outlook for Massage Therapist Jobs - What is the Future of Massage Therapy Programs?
Over the next decade, massage therapist jobs should grow by about 20%, as more people learn about the benefits of massage therapy. It is becoming increasingly clear to the medical industry that massage therapy has important benefits in reducing muscle problems and providing motion in some degenerative illnesses.
No longer perceived as quackery, massage therapy is here to stay, and the elderly in nursing homes are increasingly finding use for massage therapy in order to increase energy and reduce health problems.
State massage therapy regulation actually increases the earnings of massage therapists, as such licensure legitimizes the profession. Passage of the national certification exam is a must, and the demand for work and spas and hospitals is great. It is important to consider that the vast majority of massage therapists are female.
Massage Therapist Salary Pay Scale - How Much Do Massage Therapists Earn?
In 2006, massage therapy careers had a median hourly wage of $16.06. In addition, hospital therapists will usually receive a 20% tip, and hospital work in states that require massage therapy certification pay the most. Massage therapists in private practice may make significantly more money depending on their clientele.