So, what does it actually take to become a massage therapist, you ask? And what is a massage therapy career like exactly?
To give you an idea of what to expect, Parker University offers all the educational information needed to decide if being a massage therapist is a great fit for you. Let’s get you started on the path to your own career with some great classes to test the waters.
What Does a Massage Therapist Do?
Massage therapy uses a variety of massage techniques to knead and manipulate muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues in the body.
Massage therapy helps to ease pain, stiffness, and muscles tension. It also helps to reduce stress and create relaxation in the person being massaged.
Massage is often used in a variety of integrative medicine practices. It’s used for relaxation, and it’s used by athletes, among others.
Doing massage is a physical practice. You are the one touching and physically manipulating the client.
Massage Therapists in the Work Place
There are a variety of places massage therapists work. Some work as employees and others as self-employed freelancers.
Massage therapists work in a variety of structured settings. They work in therapeutic environments. They work for physicians, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and athletic trainers. They also work in spas, hotels, country clubs, and fitness centers.
Freelance massage therapists build up a client roster and often go to their clients’ homes or offices to do the massage. Some massage therapists rent a space in a spa or other location where they bring in their clients or get referrals.
Freelancers usually own their own massage table and supplies, like massage oil, candles, and ambient music, to bring if they are working at their client’s residence or other location.
Typical Massage Therapist Hours
Massage therapy is a physically labor intensive job and is done usually in half-hour, one hour, or one-and-a-half-hour sessions. If you’re employed at a spa or other location, you are likely to get part-time shifts.
Freelance therapists can charge more and book clients as needed throughout the week. You can see as many or as few patients as you like. Just be sure to calculate drive time into your hours!
As you get started as a freelancer, it will take time to build up your client roster. You will need to network, get referrals, and do some marketing. Word-of-mouth is your best friend in this industry, even if you’re working at a specific location.
A Massage Therapy Education at Parker University
There are a variety of massage therapy types and a variety of educational options. Most massage therapists do a post-secondary training program and certification, like Parker University’s undergraduate degree in massage therapy.
Expect to have plenty of in-class training, as well as hands-on experience. Often, to get certified, you will need a certain amount of on-the-job hours.
There are both licenses and certifications offered by and sometimes required by most states in the U.S.
A Massage Therapy Career for You
Now that you know the big plusses of a massage therapy career, you’re ready to start taking steps to see how you can become a massage therapist.
Give us a call to find out about the Parker University massage therapy program and let us answer any questions you might have. Parker University is here to help you step onto your path, create the life you want, succeed, and thrive in your massage therapy career!
