What Does A Massage Therapist Do
- Massage therapists are required to understand basic massage therapy techniques and principles as well as possess an understanding of human anatomy and physiology. These professionals must be excellent communicators, exhibit time management and basic business skills, and maintain the physical dexterity and stamina required of their work.
- Massage therapists assist a wide range of clients with muscle pain and stress relief. Through manually manipulating a persons muscles, massage therapy treatments can lessen symptoms of pain, reduce stress, assist with healing of injuries and improve overall circulation.
- Massage therapists can be found working in a number of health and wellness businesses, including hospitals, nursing homes, alternative medical clinics, physical therapy offices, spas, resorts, and private practices.
- Most schools offer the same curriculum for their online programs as they do for their on-campus ones.
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How Do I Become A Massage Therapist
First and foremost, you should locate a program that meets the requirements of your states licensing board. Post-secondary certification programs require a high school diploma or GED to enroll. Helpful prerequisite classes, such as in science and business-related classes are suggested.
Through an online massage therapy program, you will learn the basic principles of human anatomy, pathophysiology, myology, human relations, therapeutic massage, pathology, and kinesiology, as you focus on how the muscles and tendons in our bodies interact with each other. Also, you will learn about medical law and the ethical practices of massage therapy. If you choose, you may specialize in sports massage, pregnancy and labor massage, aromatherapy, meditation or yoga, as well.
Your certification award could take between five months to two years to complete, depending on your applicable state and program requirements. An associate and bachelors degree can also be earned in this occupation.
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Associates In Massage Therapy Careers
Not everyone who graduates from the associates degree program in massage therapy becomes a licensed massage therapist. Many professionals also work in wider roles like becoming a spa manager, entrepreneur, or spa director.
A good majority of massage therapists are self-employed, and the good news is that the field is expected to grow substantially over the years. While its true that massage therapists can virtually work from wherever they want, its highly recommended that they frequent higher traffic areas like hotels, resorts, spas, cruise lines, fitness centers, and more. Most of these locales are in metropolitan areas. In addition to these popular locales, massage therapists are also found working in chiropractors offices, hospitals, nursing homes, and sport centers.
The salary for massage therapists vary greatly. You could be making as little as $10 an hour, or $30+ an hour depending on what you do and where your experience lies. Massage therapists usually make most of their incomes through gratuities, so customer service and an overall good experience is a must. Once you build a loyal client base, your business can easily take off, and you can charge higher rates.
How Much Can You Earn With A Degree In Massage Therapy
According to PayScale, the average wage for a massage therapist is just under $20.00 per hour. However, the income a massage therapist can expect to earn depends on a variety of factors, not the least of which is their level of education and experience. Typically, massage therapists with advanced degrees, certifications, and experience can command higher wages than massage therapists that have minimal qualifications and experience.
Another factor that influences the income for a massage therapist is their area of expertise. Therapists with a specialization in applying massage in sports therapy, neuromuscular therapy, and physical therapy situations are typically paid more than average.
Self-employed massage therapists tend to make more money than average as well. PayScale notes that self-employed massage therapists make anywhere from $50,000 per year to over $120,000 per year. Conversely, massage therapists that work in an institutional or clinical setting report salaries of $25,000-$65,000 per year.
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Massage Therapy School Basic Requirements And Coursework
Whether the program is for a diploma, degree or certificate, the coursework may include the following: Biology I and II, Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Nutrition, Medical Terminology, Treatment Methods, Assessment , Clinical Internships, Kinesiology, First Aid and CPR, Pathology, Contraindications, Communication, Business and Legal Issues and specialization in any of the various modalities, such as soft tissue, Feldenkrais, or sports massage. Most massage programs require a high school diploma or equivalency as courses such as Biology and English are necessary for successful schooling in massage therapy.
Associate Of Science Degree In Massage And Natural Health Degree Program Sandy Springs Campus
The Sandy Springs campuses provide graduates of the degree programs with the opportunity to transfer the course credits awarded and earn their associate degrees by completing additional courses. College students completing the Massage Therapy diploma program at the Sandy Springs campus can transfer their credits into the Associate of Applied Science Massage and Natural Health degree program.
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Massage Therapy Certificate Popularity
It is a popular profession more than 1500 diploma, degree and certificate programs are available throughout the United States. Many of these programs are accredited or certified by national professional organizations. Degree, Diploma and Certificate Programs A program in massage therapy from an accredited school, college or university can lead to earning a certificate, diploma or an Associates Degree. According to the American Massage Therapy Association, there are approximately 250-300, 000 massage therapists in the United States, and this number continues to grow.
Faq On Earning Your License In Massage Therapy
Some states require massage therapists to get individual liability insurance, even if their employer has coverage.
In order to keep a massage license current, professionals must complete a certain number of continuing education credits at schools approved by their state. Topics may include business, general massage, ethics, research, or marketing. Some continuing education classes are available online through the American Massage Therapy Association. In addition, the organization provides information on schools where students can take these courses in their local area.
Some massage therapists learn a specific type of massage in order to help them build their practice. There are several massage modalities to choose from, including the following:
- Deep tissue massage
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There are several factors that influence what school massage students choose. Whether they are concerned about the length of the program, taking courses online versus on campus, or the amount of tuition, students need to compare programs before making a decision. The search tool below can help.
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What Is The Difference Between An Associate And A Bachelors Degree In Massage Therapy
The primary differences between an associates degree in massage therapy and a bachelors degree in massage therapy are the time it takes to complete the degrees and the type and difficulty of the coursework thats required.
Associates degrees are intended to be an introduction to the field of study, and as such, they focus on general course requirements that offer students a well-rounded education. For example, a student thats pursuing an associates degree in massage therapy would be required to take courses in history, English, mathematics, science, and other core courses that lay the foundation for advanced knowledge.
Beyond that, many associates degree programs in massage therapy introduce students to studies related to the field, like anatomy and physiology, biology, and kinesthetics. Associates degree programs usually consist of about 60 credit hours of coursework, which can be completed in a two-year time period.
Bachelors degrees, by contrast, typically require around 120-hours of study to complete the program. Students that first complete an associates degree will have about half of those requirements completed, depending on transfer rules for credits, of course. That leaves about two more years of studies remaining to complete a bachelors degree.
Massage Therapy Accreditation Certification And Licensing
When selecting a program for study, it is important to determine its accreditation status. This may affect whether professional certification and licensing can be granted. Accreditation demonstrates that an institution or program meets a defined level of academic or professional expertise.
The U.S. Department of Education recognizes the following organizations that provide accreditation for massage therapy:
- Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation
- National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences
- Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
- Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology
- Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools ,
- Accrediting Council for Continuing Education Training
- Council on Occupational Education
Accreditation is voluntary. Each organization lists the schools and programs for which it provides accreditation. Certification is often required in order to practice in a state or municipality to ensure that practitioners have achieved professional standards. The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork , lists its standards for certification on its website. Several professional organizations such as the American Massage Therapy Association , require certification in order to become members.
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Advantages Of A Qcc Education
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Queensboroughs Massage Therapy program is the only degree program offered at a public university in the New York metropolitan area
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New York State residents can qualify for New York City resident tuition rates
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Electives include: Sports Massage, Hospital-based Massage, and Pregnancy Massage where students get real-world experience through our affiliation with North Shore Manhasset Hospital
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Sports Massage prepares students to work on athletes and dancers
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Level of instructors education is comparable or better than any other massage program
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Course Instruction is provided for the State Board review to ensure student success
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Tutoring services provide students support for academic success
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Experience in the field is available through our student clinic as well as various off-campus service learning projects at locations such as the Catholic Charities Bayside Senior Center, Queens College Law School, Health Fairs, and others
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Students take courses similar to the courses they will be taking in a Doctor of Physical Therapy or Occupational Therapy program giving them an advantage
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Students can attend part time or full time.
What Can You Do With A Degree In Massage Therapy
A degree in massage therapy may open up many career possibilities.
Some massage therapists work in a clinical or hospital setting to provide rehabilitative massage services to patients that have suffered some sort of injury. In these settings, massage therapists often work as part of a team of professionals including occupational therapists, physical therapists, nurses, and medical doctors to develop a short-term and long-term program of care for the patient.
Similarly, a massage therapist can work in a therapeutic setting as well, such as a health or wellness center, a rehabilitation facility, an inpatient treatment center, and so forth. Again, in this setting, youll often find that massage therapists are but one member of a much larger team thats responsible for the treatment of patients.
Other massage therapists choose to work in environments that focus on pampering clients and helping them to relax. These work settings, like spas, hotels, resorts, cruise ships, and so forth, offer massage therapists a less stressful career than a clinical setting. Additionally, massage therapists often work by themselves or perhaps with a small group of other massage therapists when employed in this sector.
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Massage Therapy Courses And Licensing Requirements
At the end of the course graduates apply for the licensed Board exam through the Federation of State of Massage Therapy Boards who govern and administer the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination .
In compliance with the FSMTB and the Program approved by the Board of Massage of Florida, students will receive all the education and training necessary in all subject areas of the MBLEx Content Outline from an approved massage therapy education program.
To enroll online click on the following link.
Career Outlook And Average Salary
Nationwide massage therapists receive higher compensation in some industries than others. Healthcare tends to be a little more lucrative than personal care .
Wages are highest in the Baltimore/ Columbia/ Towson area. Here the median is $21.73. This is also the area of the state with the highest massage therapist employment levels, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics . The small number of Maryland massage therapists employed in the greater Wilmington metropolitan area, though, may enjoy higher wages. The median for this tri-state area is $31.29 this makes it the tenth highest paying metropolitan area in the nation.
In the Silver Spring/ Frederik/ Rockville area, the median is $17.59. In Salisbury, the median is $17.88.
What type of work are some of Marylands most skilled and savvy massage therapists doing? One can drop by the webpage of the University of Maryland School of Medicine Center for Integrative Medicine to take a look .
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The Gwinnett College Experience
Because you are making the commitment to seek career-focused Massage Therapy and Spa Management training courses, we commit ourselves to providing you with exceptional customer service each step of the way. All of our school instructors possess education or career experience in Massage Therapy and Spa Management which provides you with a quality learning experience. While we do not guarantee employment, we provide continuous career services assistance upon graduation from your Massage Therapy and Spa Management program. Get started on your new career by attending a school that offers programs in the area.
For disclosures related to the Department of Educations Gainful Employment Rule, click below.
Do I Need Certification Or Licensure To Be A Massage Therapist
Yes, generally, most states do require a minimum of 500 to 1000 hours of training before taking a certification test, such as the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination or the National Certification Board in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork , depending on your states regulations. The MBLEx exam includes 100 questions based on client assessment, kinesiology, the physiological effects of a massage, along with, professional ethics. Also, your state may require you to pass a local and state licensure examination. If you plan to be self-employed, you may need a business license and liability insurance, as well. To keep your certification, you must participate in continuing educational opportunities, which also varies by state.
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Job Outlook For Massage Therapists
The future is bright for massage therapists, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimating the career will see triple the growth expected for all occupations from 2014 to 2024. It’s one of several similar occupations expected to experience significant job growth in the coming years.
However, the difference between massage therapists and these other professionals is their education requirements. While some fast-growing jobs may require a four-year bachelor’s degree, massage therapy degree programs can typically be completed in less than two years. In short, massage therapists can earn an income comparable to these other professionals but by spending only half as long in the classroom.
Take a look at the chart below to see how massage therapists stack up against other, similar occupations.
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$46,940 |
What Can You Do With A Massage Therapy Degree Or Certificate
The massage therapy program graduates may become licensed massage therapists, registered massage practitioners or may enter other fields including nursing, athletic training, personal training and physical therapy. Massage therapists offer their services in a variety of locations such as private practice clinics, physicians and chiropractors offices, rehabilitation clinics, spas, health clubs, fitness centers, nursing homes, hospitals, resorts, and cruise ships.
For outlook information about specific careers, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook .
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Total Credits Required For The Aas Degree In Massage Therapy: 60 Credits
Students must be aware that the program is academically intensive. Approximately two hours of preparation are required for each hour of class.
Because students must devote extensive time to the program, full-time employment during the academic year is not recommended, and planning for financial and family obligations should be done prior to starting the program.
What Is A Massage Therapy Degree
The educational requirements to become a massage therapist actually vary widely based on location, meaning, what someone is required to do for a massage therapy degree in California will likely be different from the requirements expected of someone in New York to fulfill a similar degree.
That being said, there are some common education requirements that most massage therapy students must meet before they can practice, beginning with completion of a massage therapy program of at least 500 hours of study .
To be admitted to massage therapy program, a student must first have a high school diploma or GED. Once admitted to a program, students learn the essentials of massage therapy and running a business, including:
- Types and forms of massage treatments, including sports massage treatments, Swedish massage, and deep tissue massage.
- Anatomy and physiology, or the study of human organs and tissues.
- Kinesiology, which focuses on body mechanics and the ways in which the body is able to move.
- Pathology, or the study of diseases.
- Ethical practices, which teaches students how to conduct themselves in a manner that is respectful, lawful, and ethical.
- Business practices, which delves into starting and operating ones own massage therapy business.
These studies take the form of both classroom-based learning as well as real-world experience working with actual massage therapy patients.
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Massage Therapy Licensing Requirements
A program may require between 300 and 1,000 hours of coursework plus a specified number of hours of clinical experience. Completion of an accredited program should prepare the student for a certifying exam and state licensure. Make sure that you check to make sure that the program you are interested in provides enough hours of training to satisfy the licensing body in your state. Programs can take from six months to two years depending on the kind of degree pursued and whether it is full- or part-time. Check with your school as requirements vary from institution to institution, as well as from state to state.