Massage Therapy, Therapeutic Massage Colleges

Massage Therapy is one of the largest careers in the Healing Arts field. Most students in this major enroll in certificate programs offered at technical schools and career colleges. However, some students pursue an associates degree, a bachelors degree or even a masters degree from a program offered at a technical school, career college, online school, community college, 4-year college or university.

At college you’ll learn how to give a therapeutic massage suitable for a spa, hospital, health club or other setting. Even though there are over 80 kinds, or modalities, of Massage Therapy, most student will only learn a few such as Swedish, deep tissue, reflexology, sports and acupressure. Many programs also cover subjects like anatomy, body mechanics and kinesiology. As you can imagine, hand-on training is an important past of Massage Therapy school and some require as many as 500 hours for graduation.

A desire to heal people and an interest in science are important for this field. Since Massage Therapy involves working with people and success relies on building a client base, communication skills as well as a compassionate and friendly manner are helpful. Females have an advantage in this field as they make up 84 percent of the Massage Therapy workforce. And since you’ll also spend a lot of hours on your feet and working with your hands, strength and a certain level of physical fitness are required.

If Massage Therapy interests you, consider these related majors: Acupuncture, Alternative and Complementary Medical Support Services, Alternative Medicine, Aromatherapy, Asian Bodywork Therapy, Ayurvedic Medicine/Ayurveda, Colonic Hydrotherapy, Direct Entry Midwifery (LM, CPM), Energy and Biologically Based Therapies, Feng Shui, Heatheology, Herbalism/Herbalist, Homeopathic Medicine, Hypnotherpay/Hypnotherapist, Herbalism/Herbalist, Homeopathic Medicine, Hypnotherapy/Hypnotherapist, Iridology, Movement and Mind-Body Therapies and Education, Movement Therapy and Movement Education, Naturopathic Medicine (ND), Polarity Therapy, Reflexology, Reiki, Somatic Bodywork, Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services, Spa Therapy, Traditional Chinese/Asian Medicine and Chinese Herbology and Yoga Teacher Training/Yoga Therapy.

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Choosing a Massage Therapy School

Massage Therapy schools around the country offer certificate programs as well as associate, bachelor’s and masters degree programs. To narrow down the list of technical schools, career colleges, community colleges, 4-year colleges, universities and online schools, find out what special modalities you can learn. You should also look at class sizes and how many hours of hands-on experience the program provides. Even though you don’t need a certification to practice in every state, most massage therapists take the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB), so find out how many recent grads passed.

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Massage Therapy Degree Programs

Massage Therapy degree programs are offered at technical schools, career colleges, community colleges, online schools, 4-year colleges and universities. Most massage therapists enroll in a certificate program, but some earn an associates degree, bachelors degree or masters degree. Higher-level degrees can give you an edge for competitive jobs and those in the medical field. Plus, the general education that accompanies a bachelor’s or masters degree can come in handy if you wish to open your own business or pursue related careers later.

If you know what type of setting you want to work in or the type of massage you want to give, consider enrolling in a specific program for a spa specialist or sports specialist for example. Other schools and colleges have different degree programs based on the amount of hours you’ll put in and therefore the level of work you’re qualified for from technician to advanced master level. The more experience you gain both in college and the real world, the more job opportunities and earning potential you will enjoy.

Massage Therapy Degree Programs:

Online Massage Therapy Degree Programs at Online Schools

You can go after an online degree in Massage Therapy even though you’ll still need to complete hands-on training hours aside from online school coursework. Explore online school options for certificate programs, associates degrees and bachelors degrees if you need to complete some of your program at home with flexible hours.

Online Massage Therapy Degree Programs:

Online Massage Therapy Schools:

High School Preparation

If you want to attend a Massage Therapy college or university, you can prepare yourself during high school with extra science classes. Anatomy, biology and health classes will help you succeed in college. You’ll need to learn first aid and CPR to practice massage therapy, so take the opportunity to get certified now.

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Popular Careers in the Field of Massage Therapy

The employment outlook for Massage Therapy degree-holders is above average and job opportunities are projected to increase during the next decade as holistic and alternative medicine gain popularity. That said, most massage therapists begin their career working part time as they gain a client base. Job prospects are best in urban areas and around resort or vacation spots, but employment can be found nationwide.

Careers in Massage Therapy can be found in spas, hospitals, health clubs, physical therapy centers, hotels and other businesses. Many massage therapists are self-employed or run their own business, for this reason many do not receive benefits. Still, self-employed massage therapists with large client bases, one of the keys to success in the field, earn the highest salaries. Average hourly wages including tips range from $11 to $24.

The certification and school requirements for massage therapists vary from state to state. Not all state’s require Massage Therapy majors to take or pass the NCETMB, but it can help increase salary and job prospects. Having expertise in a wide range of modalities can open doors to more employment opportunities as well.

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