A massage therapist is often self-employed or works for a health clinic or nursing home, as well as in fitness centers or spas. They are often found in chiropractic clinics, at favorite vacation resort destinations or on cruise ships. This job can be hard on one’s feet, wrists and hands, as standing all day and strenuous repetitive movements of the wrists and hands are a job requirement. A massage therapist must be in good physical shape, with strength and dexterity. Also, they must be good communicators, and perhaps more importantly, good listeners and empathetic to other’s needs. Another requirement for being a successful massage therapist are some business skills since many massage therapists are self-employed.
There is an increasing number of massage clinics and spas in the last decade showing that there is a growing demand for massage therapy. The Bureau of Labor Statistics backs this up with a projected 21% growth in employment between 2018 to 2028. This growth rate is around 4 times faster than average, creating a wide open job industry. According to U.S. News and World Report, Massage Therapy is ranked #11 in Best Healthcare Support Jobs and #64 in 100 Best Jobs.
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Everyone has the occasional kink in their neck or shoulder, either from working tirelessly on a laptop or due to a physical injury from lifting too much weight. Rather than reaching for the aspirin bottle, many prefer to go to a massage therapist to help relieve the pain or tension.
At the moment, our research has found that the U.S. Career Institute Degree Program in Massage Therapy appears to be the only school offering a massage therapy program ONLINE and it is 100 PERCENT online!
Jump To Q and As:
- What does a massage therapist do?
- How do I become a massage therapist?
- Do I need certification or licensure to be a massage therapist?
- How much money can I earn as a massage therapist?
- Can I learn to be a massage therapist through on online distance learning program?
- What school offers an online program in massage therapy?
What does a massage therapist do?
A good massage therapist is trained to enhance blood circulation, as well as, relieve muscle tightness by applying pressure with their hands using many techniques, such as deep-tissue or Swedish massages. A good massage therapist will advocate for good health through stress-relief, stretching exercises, and proper lifting techniques. They often combine several types of massage therapies, such as acupressure, reflexology or deep-muscle pressure. As your clients describe their symptoms, you will use your expertise to locate the source of the pain and work to manipulate the soft body tissues and muscles to improve or eliminate the nuisance.
How do I become a massage therapist?
First and foremost, you should locate a program that meets the requirements of your state’s licensing board. Post-secondary certification programs require a high school diploma or GED to enroll. Helpful prerequisite classes, such as in science and business-related classes are suggested.
Through an online massage therapy program, you will learn the basic principles of human anatomy, pathophysiology, myology, human relations, therapeutic massage, pathology, and kinesiology, as you focus on how the muscles and tendons in our bodies interact with each other. Also, you will learn about medical law and the ethical practices of massage therapy. If you choose, you may specialize in sports massage, pregnancy and labor massage, aromatherapy, meditation or yoga, as well.
Your certification award could take between five months to two years to complete, depending on your applicable state and program requirements. An associate and bachelor’s degree can also be earned in this occupation.
Do I need certification or licensure to be a massage therapist?
Yes, generally, most states do require a minimum of 500 to 1000 hours of training before taking a certification test, such as the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) or the National Certification Board in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB), depending on your state’s regulations. The MBLEx exam includes 100 questions based on client assessment, kinesiology, the physiological effects of a massage, along with, professional ethics. Also, your state may require you to pass a local and state licensure examination. If you plan to be self-employed, you may need a business license and liability insurance, as well. To keep your certification, you must participate in continuing educational opportunities, which also varies by state.
How much money can I earn as a massage therapist?
As of May 2019, the average salary for a massage therapist was $43,620 annually. Furthermore, as most massage therapists are self-employed, your profits will depend on your schedule, client base and tips. The job outlook for massage therapists is expected to grow 21% over the next eight years which is much faster than average.
Can I learn to be a massage therapist through an online distance learning program?
Due to the nature of the career, you can complete a portion of your coursework through online distance learning classes; however, hands-on clinical work is a requirement. Technical instruction can be obtained through an online program; therefore, offering you convenience and flexibility. Please verify that your massage therapy program is accredited adequately per your state’s regulations.
and, lastly…
What school offers an online program in massage therapy?
The U.S. Career Institute offers an online program in Massage Therapy that will prepare you to sit for the MBLEx, if you complete both their Academic & Hands-On portions and attend their Colorado campus for clinical practice. The academic portion of your program can be completed online. U.S. Career Institute’s program offers classes in Swedish Massage, Hydrotherapy Techniques, as well as, Theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and many other topics.
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