Have you ever received a massage from a licensed massage therapist? The feeling is amazing, and the long-term benefits are undeniable. Massage is known to reduce pain and anxiety, while transporting the recipient to a place of comfort and deep peace. If you’re looking for a job that provides natural healing, but doesn’t require long-term schooling, massage therapy may be the perfect career for you.
The Benefits of Massage
If you’re considering massage therapy because you like the idea of helping and healing people, you’ll be delighted to know that this alternative medicine has a number of benefits. According to the Mayo Clinic:
“It’s increasingly being offered along with standard treatment for a wide range of medical conditions and situations…While more research is needed to confirm the benefits of massage, some studies have found massage may also be helpful for:”
- Anxiety
- Digestive disorders
- Fibromyalgia
- Headaches
- Insomnia related to stress
- Myofascial pain syndrome
- Paresthesias and nerve pain
- Soft tissue strains or injuries
- Sports injuries
- Temporomandibular joint pain
Massage Therapy Offers Increased Job Security and Satisfaction
Better Health Washington reports that the massage industry is on the upswing, continuously growing as more individuals recognize its health benefits. After you finish your certification, there’s a good chance you’ll be employed quickly. Alternatively, you could go into business for yourself, and work out of your home or travel to your customer’s home. As a licensed massage therapy, you’re treated to long-term job security.
The article also sites an increase in job satisfaction. You’ll be using your hands to help others achieve heightened relaxation, as well heal from the above mentioned disorders. It’s a proven fact that helping others can improve depression and quality of life, and as a massage therapist you’ll be helping people improve their health; thus, improving your own.
Flexible Hours and Good Pay
If you’re running your own business, you’re able to set your own hours. Most massage therapists work approximately 25 hours per week, and make between $30,000 and $40,000 annually. If you’re working within an already established business, you can expect to make between $9 and $20 per hour, depending on the popularity of the establishment. 25 hours is considered full time for a massage therapist, so imagine what you could be bringing in if you worked “overtime.”
Massage Therapy Supplies
Massage therapists don’t require a lot of supplies, which is another bonus! The lack of tools results in a low overhead, which is more money in the pocket of the therapist. All massage therapists require a massage table to start their business. A good investment is having both a stationary and an electric massage table because you may draw in more customers.
Additional supplies:
- Fresh towels
- Robes
- Oils, creams and lotions
Massage Therapy Tuition
In general, an individual can become a licensed massage therapist in approximately eighteen months. Schooling takes about a year, and then you may be required to practice under an already licensed therapist before you’re allowed to begin practicing on your own. Luckily, the last six months (while working under the guidance of an already licensed massage therapist) comes with a paycheck.
The actual cost of licensing depends on what state you live in. Some states have minimal requirements, which results in shorter programs and cheaper tuition. More commonly, states require that you attend massage therapy classes for 600 hours. The cost of those hours depends on the school you attend. You can expect to pay anywhere from $6,000 to $11,000 for 600 hours of training. Make sure to apply for financial aids and loans to help offset this cost.
So, what are you waiting for? Embark on this fruitful, holistic career path now!
