Massage therapy is a popular career field. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that more than 118,000 professional massage therapists currently work full-time. The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) estimates that the number of massage therapists in the United States, including full-time, part-time and students, is between 250,000 and 300,000.
So why is massage therapy such a popular career choice? Why be a massage therapist?
Here are some key reasons for choosing this career path:
• Flexibility. There is no such thing as a “standard” or “average” massage therapy job. Therapists can choose to work full time or part time. Some travel to their clients’ homes or offices while others work in such diverse locations as hotels, hospitals, day spas and cruise ships. As a professional massage therapist, you can choose the location and schedule that works best for you.
• Qualifications. Thirty-seven states, plus Washington D.C., currently require massage therapists to undergo an accredited training program and then be licensed prior to going to work. Fortunately, professional massage training programs are plentiful and many can be completed in as little at nine months. Continuing education and specialty training is also available in many communities for people interested in expanding the variety of techniques they offer.
• Income Potential. According to the BLS’ most recent data (May 2008), the median annual income for massage therapists nationwide is approximately $34,900, with half making more than that and half making less. Nationally, the bottom 10% have an average annual income of approximately $16,670 while the upper 10% have an average annual income of approximately $69,620. Note that income potential varies significantly from state to state and from city to city depending on local economic and employment conditions, as well as the number of hours you choose to work and the type of facility where you choose to practice. For more information, please consult the Bureau of Labor Statistics and your local state labor department Web site.
• Job Prospects. Again according to the BLS, employment opportunities for massage therapists are expected to be better than average compared to the job market as a whole, with opportunities particularly good for people seeking part-time work. On a national level, employment for massage therapists is expected to have increased 20 percent between 2006 and 2016, according to the BLS. Projected statewide 2006-2016 growth projections in the massage therapy field currently ranges from a low of 7% in New York and Idaho to a high of 55% in Nevada. (Occupational growth rates are projections only, and will vary from community to community.)
• “It’s a ‘People’ Job.” It’s difficult to imagine an occupation more “hands-on” than massage therapy. Although the field is physically demanding, it can be an excellent occupation for people who don’t like being trapped behind a desk and who enjoy helping and interacting with other people. Successful massage therapists tend to be those who develop good rapport and relationships with the clients and are able to establish a strong repeat business.
Professional Massage Therapy Training Courses Offered at Everest College
Everest College is one of America’s leading providers of professional massage therapy training.
Because Everest has dozens of urban campuses conveniently located throughout the United States, men and women interested in pursuing this exciting and rewarding career can likely find a campus conveniently close to their home or work. Everest’s courses are designed to prepare students for the licensing exam most states require in less than a year. Everest’s Career Placement teams work to prepare each graduate for their job search and interface directly with major health care employers to help fill new job openings. All Everest campuses also provide financial aid services for those who qualify.
People interested in training in massage therapy should contact Everest today for information on class schedules.
