With the stresses in life everyone needs a little relaxation in their lives, a place to get away and be pampered. With this ever growing stress Message therapists are in high demand and have a variety of opportunities in the work force. Massage therapists are employed by multiple venues such as community service associations, retail centers, and the more popular places such as health clubs, resorts, and country clubs. Some message therapists are self-employed and have their own set of clients or may be hired by businesses for the day to give massages as a treat for their overworked employees. There is a wide variety of techniques that you will need to study and master to become a massage therapist.
Massage therapist use a variety of lubricants on the customers body to create a workable surface then proceed to massage the body by kneading, rubbing, and stroking the flesh. They also use different treatments such as dry heat, ultraviolet and infrared light, and a multitude of water therapy. These treatments can be requested by the customer or perhaps the costumers physician. Therapist may also instruct their clients in weight reduction, exercise programs, and body conditioning regimens.
Massage Therapist Training
A person can train to become a massage therapist through a massage therapy program, offered through a technical school where they will earn formal training. Massage Therapy Schools will accept applicants with at least a high school diploma or its equivalent, and training typically last anywhere from 6 months to a year. During the massage therapist education training students will be taught the theory and practice of massage along with many health courses. Some of those courses will include anatomy, physiology, pathology, hygiene, public health, kinesiology, business management, and professional ethics. These courses will highlight how the structure of the body and how it works and then how they can help it to work better. And along with the anatomy courses students will need to complete professional courses to train them to own their own company and deal with customers.
Most massage therapist schools focus on a comprehensive curriculum that fuses intellectual discipline with technical expertise. Students will learn the value of client care, communication and ethics, real life clinical experience, and the study of the human body with structure, function, and disease. At masseuse schools you will learn scientific foundations and will get hands-on instruction. Most training programs can also provide post-graduate job placement and massage continuing education services. Massage therapist courses are available at these following massage therapy schools and some even offer online massage therapy classes:
1. Cortiva Institute
103 Morse Street
Watertown, MA 02472
(866) 267-8482
Cortiva Institute is a group of wellness schools that focus on creating a new standard of excellence of massage therapy and wellness education. Their programs prepare people for a successful career in helping others. You will lean how to tap into the compassionate side of your technique to practice at the highest level. There is a Cortiva Institute located in 10 major cities across the united states such as: Scottsdale Arizona, Tucson Arizona, Pinellas Park (Tampa Bay Area) Florida, Chicago Illinois, Crystal Lake Illinois, Watertown (Boston Area) Massachusetts, Piscaaway New Jersery, Wall New Jersey, Oaks (philadelphia Area) Pennsilvania, and Seattle Washington.
2. School Of Massage Therapy
8991 Harlan Street Suite B
Westminster, CO 80031
(303) 426-5621
The School of Massage Therapy offers state-of-the-art training in massage, body work therapies, and highly effective career services. They offer exclusive recruiting and job fairs with the leading massage therapy employers, helping you earn the joy you deserve directly after you are finished with your schooling. Specialized massage therapies offered include: private practice, sports massage, clinical massage, corporate massage, infant massage, rehabilitation, and geriatric massage. These courses are offered in 7 different campus’ across 4 states: Utah, Nevada, Arizona, and Colorado.
3. Everest University
8226 Phillips Hwy.
Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 731-4949
At Everest University you will be introduced to over 20 different modalities including Spa and Wellness, Sports, Deep Tissue, and Shiatsu. Students attending Everest University will also lean anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology to become great massage therapists. The courses are divided between classroom and a hands-on lab. There are Everest universities scattered across North America in such places as California, Canada, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Virginia, and Washington.
4. UEI College
1323 6th Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101
(858) 492-4200
The objective of the program offered at UEI College is to prepare students for a long lasting career in massage therapy. Focusing on those who wish to be self-employed but providing opportunities to be employed in health and wellness center, resorts and hotels, and rehabilitation and physical therapy offices. They offer hands-on training, small class sizes, and Career readiness.
5. National Massage Therapy Institute (NMTI)
10050 Roosevelt Blvd. Suite 8
Philadelphia, PA 19116
(215) 969-0320
At National Massage Therapy institute you will receive hands-on, real world training in a professional setting that will give you personalized guidance from their experienced instructors. You will also have access to NMTI’s active job education and placement assistance during and after your instruction. They offer Financial Aid options as well as convenient day, evening, and weekend classes offered in four states: Philadelphia Pennsylvania, Falls Church Virgina, Wilmington Delaware, and Atlantic City New Jersey.
After completing the courses required at a trade school students will obtain a license after graduating prior to practicing massage. They will need to pass an examination that will consist of a state exam or one of two nationally recognized test. The national recognized tests are the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB) and the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx). A Massage therapy licensure board will decide which certification and test to accept on a State-by-State basis. Some states require that therapists continue their education and technique through a continuing education program.
Massage Therapist Job Description
As was mentioned before, there are a variety of techniques used to relieve stress in the muscles of your clients. The most traditional way is to apply oil or a lubricant to the skin to create a workable surface of the skin. The therapist will use their hands, fingers, for arms, elbows, and mechanical vibrating equipment to massage the body focusing on specific points of your client. Massage stimulates the blood circulation, relaxes tight muscles, and more beneficial effects.
A massage therapist will need to confer with their client about their medical histories, and if they are having any problems with stress and pain in order to determine the correct therapy or technique to use. After the initial consult the therapist will need to develop a treatment plan that specify’s which types of massage is needed. They will need to massage and knead the muscles and tissue of the body in order to treat injuries. Prepare oil blends and apply the specialized oils to the customers skin. Massage therapist are also required to maintain accurate treatment records as well as consult with other health care professionals in order to develop the correct course of treatment for their clients. They will also be asked to treat clients in a variety of places such as their own massage office, travel to clients’ homes or offices.
Massage Therapist Salary
There are lots of opportunities in this growing field of therapy. For those massage therapists that work in a health club, resort, or country club they typically earn an hourly wage plus tips. Gratuities can account for 15-20 percent of a massage therapist’s income and can greatly effect the average massage therapy salary. Wages for massage therapist can range from a minimum of $20 to $50 or more per hour depending on their experience. Many massage therapist add to their income by giving massages to their clients in the comfort of the clients homes. Employers generally provide paid vacations, holidays and offer health insurance. If the therapist decides to be self employed their salary and benefits will be determined for themselves.
There are things to consider if you decide to own your own massage therapy business. You will be responsible or your own facilities and building your client base. There is money to be earned if you decide to be your own boss though. A massage therapist in the city may charge $60-$70 an hour, and in the rural communities may only earn $35-$50 an hour. Therapist that work at an hourly rate may not earn as much income; however, they do not have as much overhead expenses.
Most massage therapists work less than 35 hours a week, this is due to the emotional and physical demands this career has on you. A large percent of therapist practice part-time, even working less them 10 hours a week. This type of work schedule will open up a lot of time to devote to family or even hobbies. Your income and work week can vary on your desire, they can increase by the number of clients you see on a day-to-day basis. This, however, is limited by the intensive one-on-one nature of massage therapy.
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