Massage therapy does wonders to the body, as it promotes relaxation, increases circulation and reduces stress. Special massage techniques are used to heal injuries, relieve pain, increase blood and lymphatic circulation, loosen the body’s connective tissues and promote mobility.
A masseuse, often referred to as a massage therapist, is the person you see if suffering from muscular stiffness, tightness or injury. This wellness professional is an expert in applying pressure on various parts of the body using hands-on tools and techniques learned in an accredited massage training school.
Below are some helpful tips and information to assist you in determining if massage therapy is the career track for you. Here’s how to become a masseuse.
- Explore the different types of massage therapies. There are many different types of massage therapy techniques. As a masseuse, you can choose to concentrate on one or more types. Most massage therapists learn a variety of techniques while specializing in one or more areas of expertise.
Swedish, Shiatsu, Thai, sports and clinical massage are just some of the varieties of massage available. It is important to learn more about these types of massages by experiencing them hands-on. It may be helpful to interview your own masseuse to find out the behind the scenes information surrounding this career.
Visiting a massage therapy school and meeting with an admissions counselor is also helpful in determining if a career as a masseuse is the right path for you. A guidance counselor should be able to provide further information about the career and the type of schooling that is required in your state. - Gather information about your state’s licensing requirements. It is important for you to know if your state will require you to obtain a license in order to become a massage therapist. Visit your state’s licensing board to find out the education and massage training you need to complete as well as other requirements that may be needed to become a masseuse. A wealth of information is available online through your state agency’s website.
City and county requirements for licensing may also be needed. Before initiating your schooling and pursuing a career in massage therapy it is important to have investigated all licensing requirements for your area. - Search for a massage therapist training program. Most massage therapist training programs lead to a certificate or degree depending on the program. Only massage therapy training schools and programs that are accredited should be considered. It is important to look for programs and schools accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation, or COMTA.
Several things to consider in a massage therapist’s training program include cost, time required for completion, certification and licensing credentials, supervised instruction availability, and hands-on techniques offered. - Complete your training. The length of time that you need to complete your massage therapy training will depend on the number of classes you take, your area of specialty and the number of hours required to get a license in your county, city or state. Most accredited massage therapy programs require 500 in-classroom hours of training under a licensed instructor. Hands-on experience is also required and may be done outside of the classroom and in the field. Many students clock experiential hours massaging friends, co-workers, relatives or fellow students.
- Obtain a certification and get your license. If your area requires that you become a certified massage therapist in order to be a practicing masseuse, certification is highly recommended. The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) is the organization that certifies all massage and bodywork professionals. Although a certification is not required in all states, favorable employment opportunities and advancement is contingent upon an individual being certified. It is difficult to advance without certification in the field.
To get your license, some states require the professional to pass the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx). For further information on this examination and its requirements, visit the Federation of State Massage Therapy Board's website.
Self-employment options are also available. Licensing is required in order to become a self-employed massage therapist. Local government agencies provide information on the requirements of licensing your own business.
Massage therapy job openings are expected to grow by 19% from now until 2018 which is about twice as fast as the average occupation. The median hourly wage for a massage therapist in the United States is $17 an hour including gratuities.
A career in massage therapy can be highly rewarding. Servitude and compassion are helpful qualities to possess if pursuing the career. Dedication and sound mental health are a must as the training can be grueling and take time to complete, but the benefits of the career make the sacrifice worth the effort.