Careers in Massage Today

Explore Careers in Massage in the United States and Canada. Today, careers in massage are expected to grow faster than average so occupational outlook is very promising. However, before you decide to pursue careers in massage, it is equally important to acquire the appropriate education and training in order to fulfill individual State/Province requirements for certification and/or licensure to practice.

Why careers in massage?

For starters, the ancient healing art of massage therapy is broadly used as a complementary medicine throughout the world. Besides its healing attributes, massage therapy is proven to relax and revitalize tired muscles and enhance overall wellbeing. In addition, there are well over 80 types of massage modalities in which one can specialize; so the field is wide open to prospective massage therapists desiring certification in more than just one particular therapy.

As an example, typical careers in massage are available to those who have completed a minimum of 300 hours in basic education (anatomy, physiology, pathology); and training in Swedish massage, deep tissue massage and sports massage. However, to become Nationally certified, and to acquire more advanced careers in massage therapy, candidates seek courses that offer a minimal 500 hours training, in addition to specialty instruction in more massage modalities like acupressure, Trigger Point, craniosacral therapy, and the like.

What modalities are taught for careers in massage?

That depends on the healing arts school or massage school in which you enroll. While the vast majority of massage institutes offer general training in the top three modalities (aforementioned), a growing number of careers in massage therapy require professionals to expand on client services; thus, educational programs have begun offering a greater variety of modalities. Some of the many massage techniques offered to students pursuing careers in massage include animal massage (canine/equine massage), infant massage, prenatal massage, geriatric massage, chair massage, Tuina, Thai massage, reflexology, Trager therapy, Esalen massage, cancer massage, lymphatic drainage massage, and meridian therapy, among others.

Is learning other therapies beneficial for careers in massage?

One of the great aspects of acquiring a massage education is that many training opportunities exist at healing arts schools; aside from traditional massage instruction. For example, a number of holistic schools also provide training in kinesiology (muscle testing), energy healing (Reiki, chakra balancing, etc.), nutritional counseling, holistic skin care and nutrition, and other relevant subject matter. Of course the more you learn the better chances for your professional success.

Are careers in massage limited to massage therapy clinics?

Definitely not. Today, certified massage therapists work in hospitals, nursing homes, primary healthcare facilities, aboard cruise liners, resorts, sporting/athletic facilities, physical therapy offices, airports, day spas and other health and wellness clinics.

What earnings do careers in massage produce?

Though income varies according to education, experience and environment; professional massage therapists have the potential to earn over $30 hourly; in addition to gratuities.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in careers in massage, let professional training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.

*Occupational Resources: BLS (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Careers in Massage Today
© Copyright 2007
The CollegeBound Network
All Rights Reserved

NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included; and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.

Resource Box: CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd - Freelance Writer and Web Consultant for HolisticJunction.com, in association with CollegeSurfing.com - Educational Resources for Careers in Massage, Massage Therapy Schools, and other Studies.

Schools of Massage Today

Find Schools of Massage in the United States and Canada. With the many varieties of massage therapy available today, schools of massage offer prospective students healthcare career training for the 21st century. Depending on particular interests, applicants can select courses from training in acupressure to Trigger Point therapy.

In addition to "human" bodywork, schools of massage will sometimes offer specialized training in animal massage and equine massage. These therapeutic programs are usually taught as electives, continuing education or as stand-alone courses for aspiring vet technicians.

Practical instruction in most schools of massage includes base education in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and sometimes CPR and first aid. The differences in curricula vary from school to school, but most schools of massage follow standard educational guidelines to meet academic requirements for certification. In most cases, you will find that training hours range between 300 and 500; but may surpass 1,000 training hours.

Some of the many massage modalities that are taught in schools of massage include Chinese medical massage (Tuina), deep tissue massage, Swedish massage, sports massage, esalen massage, reflexology, geriatric massage, infant and prenatal massage, lymphatic drainage massage, cancer massage, and Trager therapy, among several others.

While most schools of massage provide core training to become certified massage therapists, a number of massage institutes afford extensive training that enable graduates to take and pass the National certification exam through the NCTBMB (National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork). To be eligible for National certification, graduates must have completed a minimum of 500 hours training in massage therapy. As well, schools of massage may offer associate degree programs in massage therapy (i.e., Associates of Occupational Studies Degree in Massage Therapy).

Introducing students to a broad assortment of massage modalities like medical massage, craniosacral therapy, and meridian therapy; additional studies that are offered at schools of massage include healing arts in vibrational healing, energy healing (Reiki), hydrotherapy, aromatherapy and herbal applications, among others. Whichever educational route you take in massage therapy, rest assured that the majority of schools of massage programs can be completed in under a year's time.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding schools of massage let professional training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.

Schools of Massage Today
© Copyright 2007
The CollegeBound Network
All Rights Reserved

NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included; and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.

Resource Box: CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd - Freelance Writer and Web Consultant for HolisticJunction.com, in association with CollegeSurfing.com - Educational Resources for Schools of Massage, Massage Colleges and Universities, and other Programs.