| Massage therapy is increasingly becoming in high | | | | business, work out of their home, or work for a |
| demand not only for recreational purposes but | | | | business in an area of their choice. Other career |
| also within the medical field. With consumer | | | | options include working for physical therapy |
| demand on the rise gaining a certificate in | | | | offices, hospitals, spas, cruise ships, and resorts. |
| massage therapy provides many different | | | | States that provide regulating requirements for |
| avenues for individuals to choose when picking a | | | | massage therapists will continue to provide jobs |
| career within the industry. Many colleges offer | | | | for individuals who have completed formal training. |
| accredited programs for massage therapy that | | | | However, new massage therapists should expect |
| adequately prepare students to enter the | | | | to work only part time in a variety of places until |
| profession. | | | | they build their client base and work towards |
| The growth of employment is estimated to rise | | | | becoming a full time massage therapist. Because |
| 19 percent for the next eight years according to | | | | of the fact that the business is centered on |
| the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Currently, 42 | | | | referrals from other clients building strong |
| states provide licensures for massage therapy | | | | relationships with them will help a massage |
| and more schools that offer this program are | | | | therapist rapidly increase client base and success |
| appearing throughout the country. Certification | | | | within the chosen area of work. |
| requirements are standard from state to state | | | | Many massage therapists use their work as a |
| giving individuals the ability to successfully enter | | | | second income. Because of this yearly earnings |
| the industry. Attending an accredited program | | | | vary significantly within the industry. In bigger |
| typically has a student working within six to seven | | | | cities a therapist may charge $60 to $70 an hour, |
| months after full-time study. | | | | in a rural community the average rate is $35 to |
| Colleges that offer massage therapy typically | | | | $50 an hour. With the demand increasing yearly |
| offer subjects including anatomy, physiology, the | | | | massage therapists should see a direct increase in |
| study of tissue, body movement, body | | | | earnings, places to work, and client base. |
| mechanics, massage techniques, and business | | | | Consumer confidence is rising due to the health |
| management. The continued growth and demand | | | | benefits of receiving a massage. More doctors are |
| for massage therapists will lead to new | | | | increasingly talking with patients about massage |
| opportunities in career choices. Graduates will | | | | therapy, which will have a direct impact on the |
| typically find a strong client base in metropolitan | | | | success of the career. However, outside the |
| areas, spas, and cruise ships. With the increased | | | | health benefits massage therapy is becoming |
| medical benefits from having a massage more | | | | more popular for relaxation and pleasure. With |
| hospitals and physical therapy organizations are | | | | many people needing a moment to relax from |
| hiring massage therapists as well. | | | | the stresses of life the demand for massage |
| After completing an accredited massage therapy | | | | therapy will only continue growing. With massage |
| program and passing the final examination a wide | | | | therapy gaining in popularity more schools will open |
| job market is available depending on skill level and | | | | to accommodate the demand and leave qualified |
| techniques mastered by individuals. Upon | | | | massage therapists in a positive and secure |
| graduating massage therapists can start their own | | | | career. |