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How to become a massage therapist?
Tell us everything we need to do to become a massage therapist.
Note: Given the growing interest in the massage therapy field, we're inviting our experienced professionals to share their knowledge.
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2 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1180
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Michelle’s Answer
Hello, CVOH !
Although I am not a massage therapist myself, I would like to share some advice and thoughts about a career in massage.
I would first advise going to college for at least an Associates Degree in Anatomy. Continue for a Bachelors if you like school and want a Bachelors Degree. After college, you will need to enroll in Massage School. There are more than 245 accredited massage schools to choose from. This study will take between 10 - 15 months depending on which school you go to. You will put in 500 hours of hands on (excuse the pun) training at the school and when you are finished, you will go for your license. At this time, you will want to consider whether or not to get massage insurance. It is not required, but some do take it just in case. It is such a flexible career.
Some places that you can work will be in a clients' home, a massage office, an office in your home, physicians offices and clinics, franchise spas, hospitals and wellness centers, nursing homes, hospice, chiropractic offices, on site at events and health fairs, health and fitness centers, sporting events, hotels, spas, resorts and cruise ships. So there is such a wide variety of what you can do, how you can coordinate this career and regulate how much work you'd want to do.
You would have a very important part in wellness as there are many benefits to receiving massage regularly. You would be helping people reduce or eliminate pain, improve their mobility, stimulate lymph drainage, and loosen up tense muscles. Everyone will love you !
Keep in mind that you should check about having to take a new licensure if you move to a different state. The Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards at https://www.fsmtb.org/mblex/ can familiarize you with all the details you'll need to know about your state. Once you get your license and are ready to work, register at Linked In and Indeed. Decide if you will open your own spa, freelance by going to serve clients through home visits or if you'd like to work for a company. This career has a lot of choice and freedom.
You may find yourself eventually venturing into other types of related but different interests. I know massage therapists that do a variety of wellness services. Things like yoga, tai chi and such. It's also a career that lends itself to having many skills. Most of the massage therapists that I know don't do massage only, they do other wellness services, too.
I hope that this was helpful and all good things to think about !
Although I am not a massage therapist myself, I would like to share some advice and thoughts about a career in massage.
I would first advise going to college for at least an Associates Degree in Anatomy. Continue for a Bachelors if you like school and want a Bachelors Degree. After college, you will need to enroll in Massage School. There are more than 245 accredited massage schools to choose from. This study will take between 10 - 15 months depending on which school you go to. You will put in 500 hours of hands on (excuse the pun) training at the school and when you are finished, you will go for your license. At this time, you will want to consider whether or not to get massage insurance. It is not required, but some do take it just in case. It is such a flexible career.
Some places that you can work will be in a clients' home, a massage office, an office in your home, physicians offices and clinics, franchise spas, hospitals and wellness centers, nursing homes, hospice, chiropractic offices, on site at events and health fairs, health and fitness centers, sporting events, hotels, spas, resorts and cruise ships. So there is such a wide variety of what you can do, how you can coordinate this career and regulate how much work you'd want to do.
You would have a very important part in wellness as there are many benefits to receiving massage regularly. You would be helping people reduce or eliminate pain, improve their mobility, stimulate lymph drainage, and loosen up tense muscles. Everyone will love you !
Keep in mind that you should check about having to take a new licensure if you move to a different state. The Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards at https://www.fsmtb.org/mblex/ can familiarize you with all the details you'll need to know about your state. Once you get your license and are ready to work, register at Linked In and Indeed. Decide if you will open your own spa, freelance by going to serve clients through home visits or if you'd like to work for a company. This career has a lot of choice and freedom.
You may find yourself eventually venturing into other types of related but different interests. I know massage therapists that do a variety of wellness services. Things like yoga, tai chi and such. It's also a career that lends itself to having many skills. Most of the massage therapists that I know don't do massage only, they do other wellness services, too.
I hope that this was helpful and all good things to think about !
Laura Siobhan Pippen
Massage therapy
1
Answer
Austin, Texas
Updated
Laura Siobhan’s Answer
Hey 😊 I've been a massage therapist since 2010 and I've held licenses in 4 states: CA, AZ, NM and TX. All you need to start school is a high school diploma or GED and a FAFSA if you need help with funding it. They'll cover anatomy, physiology and several massage techniques and may even cover how to start and run your own business. It's a great career or could be a good way to support yourself while getting more education. Good luck!