Becoming a massage therapist is a career that is very self-fulfilling, as you get to help others while working in a flexible environment. If you find yourself interested in health, relaxation and manual contact, becoming a massage therapist would be the best route for you.
In this guide you will learn on a step by step basis how to go about being a licensed massage therapist from education to certification. The other aspects that we will consider include the job market demand and the opportunities available in the future in a massage therapy industry.
Step 1: Explore the Massage Profession and its Prerequisites
It involves providing therapeutic, relaxation, and rehabilitative services to clients by using hands and other instruments to manipulate muscles and tissues. So the primary concern here is the responsibilities and expectations of a massage therapist role. As a professional in this field, one will be able to understand his roles and ensure that it is suitable for him.
Educational Background: In the United States, different states follow different protocols when issuing massage therapist licenses, so it is important to identify your state's guidelines. However, it’s worth noting that the states on this list require at least 500 to 750 hours of training at an accredited massage therapy institution.
Step 2: Which Massage Therapy Program you Want to Attend
Which college you attend is the final decision about your journey. At institutions accredited by the Massage Therapy Accreditation Commission (COMTA) or state licensing boards, it combines both theory and practice and prepares you for a career. Training approved by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA) or a state licensing board will ensure this.
The curriculum includes the following topics:
Human body structure and physiology
Approaches to Swedish and deep tissue massage, including trigger point techniques
Professional ethics and interpersonal basics
Some courses may include sports massage, prenatal massage, and others
Because in the future you may want to practice independently to run your own business, consider enrolling in classes on business and marketing.
Step 3: Complete the Required Training Hours for Continuing Education Credits
You must spend the time necessary to meet state requirements. It will consist of lectures and demonstrations and will include internship sessions. This is where you will gain the skills that will enable you to practice as a competent therapist.
At first, you will probably use fellow students as 'patients' and later, under supervision, clients in a real-life setting, where you will be able to practice your skills. So by the end of the program, you will be sure that you are able to perform various techniques in massage therapy.
Step 4: Earn your Certification
After completing the educational requirement, proceed to the next step which is to obtain certification. In the US, in most states, massage therapists are required to take and pass exams such as the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam. This exam assesses the applicant's understanding of the application of massage therapy technique, anatomy, physiology, and ethics.
After passing the exam, the U.S. state licensing application can be submitted. In the state, massage practice is legally permitted. However, a person seeking a license must comply with separate licensing regulations.
Step 5: Start Considering your Second Specialization
There are many establishments that hire massage therapists and knowing the general skills will be enough, but having a second skill gives you an edge over other therapists and also helps you earn more.
The most in-demand specializations are:
Sports Massage: Designed for athletes, this massage helps clients prevent or recover from injuries.
Deep tissue massage: This is a therapeutic technique that massages deep muscles.
Reverse Cupping Therapy: This technique relieves pain in multiple areas by the use of suction cups with the aim of increasing blood flow.
Considering the different types of essential oil licenses or specializations that may pay higher rates is beneficial to better market yourself. And since such services are less in number, the ‘potential’ customers are also willing to pay more and more to avail such exclusive services.
Step 6: Get Started in your Profession
Once you are certified, you are ready to begin your journey as a masseur.
Here are some career opportunities available:
Spas and Resorts – These environments offer a relaxing atmosphere and attract clients almost every day. One thing to remember is that tipping is very important and a crucial aspect of such an environment. Understanding how much to tip on a massage allows you to train your clients on social customs.
Medical Centers and Clinics – If you are only interested in the medical and rehabilitation aspects, working in a medical facility such as a clinic or hospital may be ideal.
Self Employment- Quite a number of massage therapists prefer to be self employed, offering massage on the go or establishing their own studios. This option allows for greater flexibility and higher income potential but it also means that pocketing business and marketing skills is a must.
Step 7: Build Your Clientele
In building a mobile massage therapy business, strategically, having a loyal fan base is essential to the success of a massage venture.
Look Out for the Right Therapist: Instruction allows potential future clients to determine who to look for while purchasing such services, which helps promote business. Show off your degree, qualifications, and gains of massage therapy in marketing.
Word-of-mouth promotion and referrals: Encourage satisfied customers to talk to their family and friends. A few referrals and positive comments about your services are enough to boost your reputation.
Online Presence: Develop an appropriate website and participate in social networks to get in new clients and have the existing ones stay in touch. Providing clients with the capability to book appointments online can help them to schedule a session with you easily.
What is the vision for the future of Massage Therapists?
After becoming a massage therapist, you can expect stability, more education, and improvement of your career skills as a massage therapist.
Earning Potential
Your earning potential as a massage therapist may differ based on where you are, the level of skills you possess and the working environment that you are placed in. From statistics, a massage therapist earns on average about $49,000 every year. However, those dousing largely with specializations or settling in great job areas risk a great deal in only earning more. Knowing the average figures of massage therapists in the area and particular industry can be helpful in getting reasonable price rates.
Continuing Education
The massage therapy profession requires continuing education and therapists need to add new skills, so new ideas and new skills are always emerging. Like any other profession, it is necessary for therapists in all parts of the world to attend continuing education programs in order to maintain their licenses. Acquiring more skills in the profession will help develop new areas of career growth and, as a result, generate more income.
Career Development
Experience has shown that about 27% of massage therapists work at some facilities but as they gain experience they start running their clinics, teach at primary and secondary institutions or create wellness centers. Some therapists go into other professions related to the treatment of postoperative and chronic patients, like acupuncture, physiotherapy, and other related therapies.
Final Words
Becoming a massage therapist is an interesting career that gives you the opportunity to work in a variety of places, from high-class spas and medical massage salons to self-employment. If you follow the steps in this guide, such as understanding the profession, taking accredited courses, practicing and getting certified, and trying to get clients, you will be able to have a successful career in massage therapy.
Never stop learning, remain committed to improving the well-being and treatment of people through the skills you will acquire or advance. The position of a skilled masseur is very rewarding and has great potential for self-development and professional growth.
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