Massage Therapist Career, Education, and Training

Career Outlook

The massage therapist career is expected to increase quicker than most professions.  Massage therapy uses natural healing techniques to relieve stress, anxiety, sore muscles and other health concerns, therefore health conscious Americans are expected to seek this treatment as opposed to surgery or medications.  In 2008, nearly 122,000 people held careers as massage therapists, 60 percent of which were self employed.  The other 40 percent held jobs at salons, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and hotels.

Education and Training

Before becoming a massage therapist, it is important to review the licensing regulations for massage therapists in the state you wish to practice.  Some states will require a license and completion of hours at an accredited massage therapy institute or program.  Others will just require that you complete a certain amount of training hours.  To verify the credentials needed to practice massage, check with the state board for licensing requirements.  Once you are certified, you must renew your certificate every four years and meet education standards.  Many massage therapy schools offer training online for continuing education.