How'd you like to be responsible for the best part of other peoples' days? Good massage therapists are rarely out of work, and the job outlook may be about to get even rosier, with a rapidly aging baby boomer population requiring more hands-on treatment than ever. But don't be fooled: there's a world of difference between the DIY rubdowns you give loved ones, and the targeted techniques applied by a professional. Massage therapists study and train extensively before getting licensed, but ultimately find themselves in a rewarding hands-on profession.
Manipulate the body's soft-tissue muscles. Hands-on treatment is the bread and butter of a massage therapist's practice, with varying techniques used to treat pressure points, knots, and injuries.
Discuss patient medical history and explain treatment options. There are over 80 different styles (aka "modalities") of massage, and most RMTs are trained in several. Symptoms, injuries, and desired outcomes need to be discussed with clients in order to design an appropriate treatment plan.
Design stretching or strengthening programs for at-home use. When massage therapy is being used as part of a rehabilitation program, clients will typically meet regularly with a physical or massage therapist, but also perform exercises on their own between sessions.
Record-keeping, client management, business development. For massage therapists who are self-employed or work freelance hours, managing finances, building a client base, and maintaining patient records may require significant time investment.
Income varies widely due to variables such as work environment (e.g. private practice vs. hospital or doctor's office) and time invested (only 1 in 3 RMTs work full-time). The median annual salary in 2012 was $36,000, with the top 10% of therapists earning nearly double that amount: $70,150.
How do I become a Massage Therapist?
Education Requirements. Patients are often surprised at the cost of massage therapy, which can be high but for good reason: RMTs go through extensive training to learn their trade. Most States require them to be licensed, which typically requires a high school degree and completion of a post-secondary program consisting of between 500 and 1,000 hours of study. Programs typically include both classroom study of human physiology and anatomical structure, and hands-on practice that covers dozens of different massage modalities. A State-approved examination must usually be passed for certification.
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