Being a massage therapist can be one of the most exciting vocational careers out there. By applying massage therapy techniques, massage therapists can help relieve pain and fatigue, and help people feel better overall. Completing a massage therapy education at a massage therapy school could open you up to a number of wonderful career opportunities. If you are considering enrolling in a massage therapy school read on to learn some things you may want to know about this career!
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What is massage therapy?
Massage therapy is the manipulation of the body’s muscles and other soft tissues for wellness-related purposes. Massage therapists treat clients using touch to knead the body’s tissues, often to relieve pain, heal injuries, improve circulation, relieve stress, etc. Those who love helping others and are passionate about natural living find massage therapy a compassionate and rewarding career.
Massage therapists typically help with:
- Locating painful or tense areas of the body
- Manipulating muscles and other soft tissues of the body
- Providing clients with guidance on stretching, strengthening, overall relaxation, and improving their posture
By talking to their clients, massage therapists can suggest individualized treatment plans or relaxation techniques to practice outside of sessions. Additionally, massage therapists often offer different types of massage, including Swedish massage, deep-tissue massage, and sports massage, depending on the needs and health conditions of the client.
What is massage therapy school like?
Education requirements for massage therapists depend on the state or locality; however, most state licensing agencies require you to have a high school diploma or its equivalent to enroll.
A good massage therapy training program is expected to teach students all these therapeutic techniques and more. These classes help students learn about massage therapy – as both a self-care treatment and a medical therapy that is used to complement other medical practices like chiropractic care.
How long is a massage therapy program?
It varies based on how many hours your state requires for licensing and how long you take to complete the program. Many schools offer a choice of day or evening massage therapy programs, with distinct starting and ending dates. The programs can range from a couple of months to 2 years.
Careers in massage therapy
The many diverse employment options make massage therapy school an attractive option. Apart from owning a private practice, massage therapists can choose from a number of diverse employment opportunities. The most common employers for massage therapists are:
- Self-employed workers
- Personal care services
- Offices of health practitioners
- Chiropractors
- Accommodation (hotels, resorts, etc.) (1)
Another great advantage of a career in massage therapy is its flexibility. It’s possible to grow your massage practice while pursuing other jobs or education on the side.
How much does a massage therapist make?
It generally depends on where you work and the type of massage therapy you offer. Some other factors that will contribute to licensed massage therapists’ income are the demand for it in your area, the rate you charge per hour, and if you provide other services or products with your massage therapy services.
Massage Therapy Classes At Mildred Elley
Our massage training program at Mildred Elley is designed to ensure our students’ success. We value and emphasize hands-on learning, which is why we offer you the chance to practice with real clients in our massage therapy clinics.
Our program benefits include:
- Financial aid & scholarships for those who qualify
- Approved for Veterans Education Benefits at our New York campuses
- Free career assessment
- Online learning for classes that don’t involve practicals
We also offer lifetime job placement assistance to graduates who have earned a certificate or degree from Mildred Elley. Graduates in NYS must pass a licensure exam to qualify for employment in New York. Massage therapy is an incredibly rewarding career that helps change lives through the healing power of touch.
Learn more about Massage Therapy training at Mildred Elley
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