A Career in Massage Therapy

Massage Therapy

as an Emerging Career

Many people are seeking more meaningful work in today's hectic world: work that creates connection and a sense of belonging. Massage Therapy has become a desirable profession because it is an effective treatment and provides a unique relationship between the client and therapist. Loving human connection is becoming a scarce commodity! 

Educationally there are two categories of training: becoming a Massage Practitioner requires 250 Hours of study, and having the title of Massage Therapist requires 500 Hours. The laws have recently changed, and by 2015 everyone will be trained as a Massage Therapist, and there won't be any shorter programs offered. Good programs are highly academic as well as holistic and teach students both the art and science of Massage. Students learn basic anatomy, physiology, kinesiology (the study of movement) ethics, history of Massage, and the therapeutic application of the art of Massage itself. It also requires excellent interpersonal skills, ability to listen deeply, and compassionate communication.

When looking at curriculum for Massage Schools, people are quite surprised at the content and complexity of what is being taught. We are a quiet profession with a surprisingly deep body of knowledge. To be an excellent practitioner, in my view, students must have an academic hunger as well as an inherent gift of touch.

Interestingly, California is one of the few states left that has no state licensure; in most states we are Licensed Health Care Providers. Fortunately we are moving in that direction. I strongly advocate state licensing for professional credibility.

Some schools focus on the intuitive aspect of Massage, others clinical, and others more holistic. A highly successful practitioner would ideally possess all of those skills and find a program that incorporates everything. Intuition is as vital to our work as is the core understanding of anatomy and physiology.

It is crucial to understand how the body works and why you're doing what you are doing in terms of technique, because Massage Therapy has a direct effect on every body system. Its efficacy goes without question, and Massage Therapy treatments have now been received by 60% of all health care consumers.

Our profession is emerging rapidly, and according to the US Department of Labor statistics (2010-2011), we are expected to grow “faster than average” with an expected growth of 14-19% between 2008 and 2018. These statistics express the value of our profession and the opportunities for employment are equally encouraging.

Graduates can open their own office, work together in a Wellness Center, with a Chiropractor, Salon, Spa, or Hospital. Forward thinking hospitals are incorporating Massage for their patients and staff. With some ingenuity and good marketing skills, the possibilities are innumerable. It is an excellent avocation or a serious vocation, and provides freedom, flexibility, and mobility.

In a part-time program, students can expect to devote about 20 hours per week in study, practice, and receiving including class time.  Every school has its own schedule. Tuition costs range nationally from $11 to $20 per clock hour.

If you love learning, have a desire to be of service to others, and intuitively understand the need for human touch, Massage Therapy might be an excellent career choice.

Deborah Heartwood is the Director of the Massage Therapy Learning Center in Pismo Beach - in conjunction with Lucia Mar Adult Education