Massage therapy is a great career choice for many different people. Massage therapists help heal the body by using various techniques, such as Swedish massage and deep tissue massage. If you are considering this career, then it is important to understand what to expect before committing to anything. This article will provide an overview of the profession and discuss some of the benefits of working in this field.
How to become a massage therapist?
A person interested in becoming a massage therapist will need to be licensed or certified. There is no one path, but most people complete an accredited associate degree program with classes in anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, marketing, and business before obtaining their license. The majority of states require applicants to take both written and practical exams as part of the licensing process. Some states also require a criminal background check and an interview with the board of massage therapy examiners before granting licensure or certification; this can vary by state, so be sure to research your particular requirements for becoming a registered therapist in your area.
Training and Skills required to become a Massage Therapist
A typical massage therapist depends on their particular area of expertise. A general practitioner typically needs a bachelor’s degree in any field, with additional training for licensing and certification; however, many people choose to study kinesiology or anatomy as part of this program. Specialists may need an associate’s degree from a specific school that specializes in the desired specialty before they can take the licensing exam.
As part of the licensing process, massage therapists need to complete a minimum amount of supervised hours or work as an apprentice at various locations. Massage therapy is very hands-on and can physically be demanding; it may not be possible for people with physical disabilities to do this type of profession without special accommodations.
Most states require therapists to have completed an accredited massage therapy program, which typically takes from 600 and 800 hours. The curriculum usually includes anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, marketing, business management skills in addition to hands-on training with techniques like Swedish massage and deep tissue massage. In order to become licensed as a registered therapist in specific states, there are also certain requirements, such as a criminal background check and an interview with the board of massage therapy examiners.
Job Prospects for Massage Therapists
A career as a massage therapist can be rewarding, with excellent growth potential. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for therapists is expected to grow by 27% from 2012-2022. This compares favorably to other professions projected to have slower or lower rates of job growth during this time period such as postsecondary teachers and registered nurses.
The most common way to find employment in this field is through self-employment or freelance work. Some employers hire massage therapists on an independent contractor basis and pay them per hour of service instead of offering benefits. These include spas, chiropractors, and physical therapists.
Becoming a Massage Therapist is rewarding work by helping people to feel better physically and emotionally. If you are interested in this profession, then it is important to understand what the requirements are before committing yourself to anything.
Becoming a registered therapist is only one step in starting your career as a massage therapist; you will also need to find clients who have an interest in receiving treatment. Though there may be more competition due to this, it does not mean that opportunities do not exist. As the popularity of massage therapy grows, more and more people are looking for qualified professionals to provide this service.
Benefits Massage Therapists Enjoy
Massage therapists have many different reasons to love their chosen profession; including helping others, having flexible hours with a variety of clients available each day, enjoying work-life balance while still making an income, and the ability to work on their own schedule. Additionally, this profession is rewarding for many other reasons including helping others heal from injury or illness through physical touch and enjoying a low-stress environment that encourages relaxation.
Massage Therapists and Insurance
Many clients choose to pay for massage therapy services out of pocket or through private health insurance plans. Some state and local governments offer their employees a reduced fee, but it is not always an option.
Massage therapists may also have the ability to receive reimbursement from other sources such as Medicare or Medicaid. This will depend on whether they are licensed in that particular state and whether they are a part of certain professional organizations.
Some massage therapists are uninsured, which means they do not have access to affordable healthcare. This can become problematic because the profession is physically demanding and injuries can result from too much bending or stretching for long periods of time.
Massage therapists are not typically covered under traditional insurance plans, which means that they will need to find other ways of paying for their services. However, some companies provide this type of coverage as an employee benefit.
Since massage therapists are sole proprietors and not employees, they are usually not covered by a company health insurance plan. This means that they will need to pay for their own medical care and may even be able to purchase a plan through an employer if associated with an institution such as a hospital/ chiropractor/ spa etc.
Massage Therapist Salaries in USA
The average salary for massage therapists in the United States is $39,410-$43,000 per annum at an annual growth rate of 27%. This can vary depending on a number of factors such as location and type of work (self-employed or working for another company).
Most people who are employed by companies will receive benefits packages that include health insurance, paid time off, retirement savings plans, etc. The amount of money that massage therapists make varies greatly. This is because some work part-time and others full-time hours.
Massage Therapist Salaries in UK
The average salary for a massage therapist in the United Kingdom is £46,000 per annum. This can also vary depending on location and type of work (self-employed or working for another company).
Massage Therapist Salaries in Australia
The average salary in Australia is AU$76,000 per annum. This can also vary depending on location and type of work (self-employed or working for another company).
Massage Therapist Salaries in Canada
The average salary for a massage therapist in Canada is CAD $48,500 per year. Again this will depend on the location, type of work and number of hours.
Massage Therapist Salaries in Malaysia
The average salary in Malaysia is MYR $28,000 per year. Again this will depend on the location, type of work and number of hours.
Massage Therapist Salaries in Singapore
The average salary in Singapore is S$900-1000 per month. Again this will depend on the location, type of work and number of hours.
Massage Therapist Salaries in Switzerland
In Switzerland you can earn between CHF 26400 to CHF 41000 annually or even up to 54000 which are equivalent to €25600 to €41000 monthly. Again, this will depend on the location and type of work (self-employed or working for another company).
Massage Therapist Salaries in Vietnam
The average salary in Vietnam ranges from VND 20,601 to 25,200 per month which is equivalent to $900 to $1100 a month.
Again this will depend on the location and type of work (self-employed or working for another company).
Massage Therapist Salaries in Brazil
In Brazil, you can earn between R$2400 to R$6000 a month which is equivalent to $800-$1800. Again, this will depend on the location and type of work (self-employed or working for another company).
Massage Therapist Salaries in India
In India, you can earn between Rs. 14000 to 21000 a month which is equivalent to $500-$800 monthly. Again this will depend on the location and type of work (self-employed or working for another company).
Massage Therapist Salaries in Nepal
The average salary in Nepal ranges from NPR 16600 to 22900 per month which is equivalent to $500-$800 a month. Again, this will depend on the location and type of work (self-employed or working for another company).
Massage Therapist Salaries in Thailand
The average salary in Thailand ranges from THB 18000 to 24000 per year which is equivalent to $900 to $1200 monthly. Again this will depend on the location and type of work (self-employed or working for another company).
Massage Therapist Salaries in Sri Lanka
The average salary in Sri Lanka ranges from LKR 15500 to 17500 per annum which is equivalent to $650-$800 monthly. Again, this will depend on the location and type of work (self-employed or working for another company).
Drawbacks and Risks of working as a Massage Therapist
- Being a massage therapist can come with some drawbacks. Some of these are:
- The hours are often long and they work closely together in small spaces. This means that there may be disputes or disagreements among the employees who share space.
- Massage therapists often have to deal with people’s health issues which is not always an easy task.
- They are not always paid very well and many massage therapists have to work two jobs in order to make ends meet.
- Massage therapy is a profession with no shortage of risks. These can range from the physical dangers to violence, and legal troubles that may arise due to clientele or working conditions.
- Some of the drawbacks include not being able to lead a work-life balance and little or no vacation time.
- Some people might not like working with unknown clients in intimate settings. Massage therapists are required to perform naked or partially-clothed sessions with clients. This can be uncomfortable for some people, but research has shown that a large majority of massage therapy professionals do not report feeling any type of shame or humiliation while performing these services.
Is this the right career path for me?
If you are considering a career as a massage therapist, there are many things to consider.
It is important to remember that anyone can pursue this profession with the proper training and education. You may find more job opportunities if your area has an abundance of spas but it isn’t necessary for success in this field. The most important qualities needed for this profession are:
-Patience
-Good listening skills
-Ability to read and understand the body’s energy field. This is done through learning the meridian system in order to identify any blockages or imbalances.
Salaries for massage therapists vary from country to country, but they tend to be higher in non-developing countries.
If you have an interest in helping people heal their bodies through various types of massage therapy, then this could be the perfect career for you. The profession offers a variety of benefits and a low-stress atmosphere that can provide balance in your life; it is important to understand what to expect before committing though. Once you feel comfortable with the idea, there are many ways to get started in this rewarding field.
Physical Therapist Vs Massage Therapist
Physical therapists are a healthcare professional who help people to overcome or lessen the effects of disability, injuries, and illness by using therapeutic exercises. Massage therapists typically use their hands (and sometimes other parts of their body) to manipulate different muscles in order for them to relax and heal themselves.
Physical therapy focuses on treating injuries or illnesses that affect mobility; they specialize in helping people recover after injury, while also preventing future problems with their health. Massage therapists focus primarily on prevention by providing therapeutic benefits through touch for the overall wellness of body and mind.
Massage Therapist Vs Masseuse
The term “masseuse” is used to reference a person who performs massages for their clients. This includes Swedish massage and Shiatsu, as well as other types of techniques that are often marketed at spas or day spas. Massage therapists typically have more training than someone who provides just one type of service; in this case, the term “masseur” is used to reference someone who provides a quality massage and specializes in that one type of technique.
A masseuse may be able to perform different types of massages, but it would not necessarily be their primary focus or area for specialization; this can make them less qualified than some other professionals.
Is a massage therapist an entrepreneur?
Yes, a massage therapist can work in self-employment or for another company.
The requirements are the same whether they are working on their own or as an employee of someone else. Massage therapists must be licensed and have at least 500 hours of training before being able to practice legally; this will depend largely on state regulations but it is often required in most places.
Where can one get a job as a massage therapist?
Some of the best places to get a job as a massage therapist are:
- Spas
- Hospitals
- Retail stores or centers. This is usually when you would be providing people with “on location” massages which may include hotels, resorts, cruise ships and other tourist destinations. It also includes in home visits.
- Personal Training companies
- Gym facilities
- Traveling to provide massages at festivals and events for temporary work. This may include sporting events, fairs, concerts and other special occasions.
Age Requirements for Massage Therapists
There is no age limit for massage therapists in most countries.
The only requirement would be to receive proper licensing which usually requires 500 hours of training and passing a test or exam (depending on the country).
The only requirement most places have is that you must be at least 18 years old before applying to take the licensing test; this has been set by law so there are no exceptions. It varies from country to country, but it is often between the ages of 18-25.
How is a day in the life of a massage therapist?
This can vary depending on the clientele and type of work a massage therapist does. Some people may spend hours at one location providing massages to clients while others are able to set their own schedule with more freedom. The majority of massage therapists will have some down time in between sessions which is important for recovery; it can also be used for planning, scheduling the next appointment or other business-related tasks.
Some massage therapists will offer a variety of services while others may specialize in one type (such as sports therapy).
Additional activities that might occur during an average day for a massage therapist include:
- Discussing treatment plans with clients and creating appropriate schedules
- Finding new leads or following up with existing clients
- Catching up on paperwork. This is important for any business, but it can be especially difficult to keep track of everything when working by themselves.
- Massage therapists may also offer their services as a group in an office setting or clinic where they are not able to visit every client at home; this includes day spas, medical offices and other businesses.
Final Thoughts
Massage therapy is a rewarding profession, but it does require significant time and effort to get started. If you are interested in pursuing this career path, then be sure that you have enough free time for the hours of required training as well as physical strength if needed. As with any business or field, there will also be competition; however opportunities do exist despite this reality. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts growth over the next decade so now might just be your chance to jump on board before its too late!
