Image courtesy of Royal Treatment Therapeutics
Are you considering transitioning into the world of massage therapy?
Have you ever received a massage at a day spa? Did you leave the table feeling relaxed, and saying to yourself, “Wow I wish that didn't end!”
Now is the time to take charge of your future and make the switch. Keep in mind that massage therapy demands lots of training, time, and dedication. Massage therapy is something you need to learn in the classroom first, before you can do it in real-world settings.
If you are ready to make a career switch with multiple benefits, then massage therapy is a field you want to consider.
Why study massage therapy?
In a message therapy program, you'll:
Take courses on the human body including anatomy and physiology, kinesiology (human movement), myology (muscles), and palpation (touch) to name a few.
Attend lectures and receive information from qualified staff members, and interact with professionals in the field.
Have the opportunity to practice and hone commonly used massage techniques when actually conducting a massage.
Gain real-world practical skills such as ethics and customer relations, as well as marketing and promoting your services and business.
Learn about taking SOAP notes (subjective, objective, assessment, plan), and the importance of documenting patient sessions.
Did you know?
If you've never given a professional massage before, no worries! Students learn their trade by practicing massage techniques on each other in a supervised setting, and sometimes the public (who pay a discounted rate).
The route to becoming a massage therapist
Did you know that you need a license to become a massage therapist in the US?
When you are searching for a massage therapy program, make sure the school is accredited by COMTA (Commission on massage therapy accreditation.)This will ensure you are receiving a quality education from qualified staff.
Massage programs can last from six months up to two years, depending on the school. Students must complete a required number of school hours (lecture and practical) and pass courses, to qualify for to sit in for the licensure exam.
The MBLex (Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam) is the required exam you will take upon successfully completing a massage therapy program. If you pass, you are then able to practice massage.
Schools generally require applicants to be 18 years of age, possess a high school diploma or GED, and go through an interview before being considered.
Did you know?
The most widely used examination in massage therapy in the United States, is the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination or MBLEx test. More information can be found at MBLEx.org Other countries have their own respective examinations.
How to succeed in a massage therapy program
Time management
Devote 10-20 hours a week to studying and coursework. There is lots of information to learn, so break it into small chunks, and try not to take on everything all at once. It's a trade not to be taken lightly, so plan ahead and schedule time to stay focused.
Networking
Reach out to your fellow classmates and staff in your program for any questions or concerns. This can help gain new insights and reveal job opportunities. Remember you're not on this journey alone!
Professionalism
Always conduct yourself in a respectful manner. Whether interacting with peers, staff, or future clients, this is a trait that should be a constant during your journey. Past traumatic experiences, possible reintroduction to juggling academics with personal lives, and nervousness are factors to be considered.
Quiz
Tracy is shy and has trouble talking to people. What will help her improve her networking skills?
Did you know?
Massage therapy originated in the 1700s, when massage therapists were referred to as "rubbers".
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Career choices to consider in massage therapy
Massage therapy is a multi-faceted field, with lots of options to choose from.
Options:
Massage therapists can work in spa settings, doctor's offices, hospitals, and for sports teams.
They can work as independent contractors or mobile therapists in different business settings.
Flexibility is definite with control over schedules, whether you want to work part time or full time.
Tired of working for someone and want to be your own boss? It allows for self-employment and entrepreneurship chances, and delivering specialized care to their clients.
There's also a wide variety of massages that massage therapists can deliver! Here are some examples of some areas you could specialize in:
Swedish: popular relaxation massage
Deep tissue: focus on layers of muscles and surrounding tissues
Reflexology: massaging of the feet
Hot stone: use of hot stones on the body
Quiz
Steve wants to specialize in reflexology (foot massage). What is his best approach to learning this craft?
Take Action
Begin exploring the exciting and rewarding field of massage therapy. Who knows, massage therapy may be field that brings you joy and happiness, and without any second thought jump starts the rest of your life.
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