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College/ Career Research

As massage therapy has become increasingly important in the health and wellness
professions, the number of massage therapists has risen dramatically. AMTA estimates that the
number of massage therapists in the United States, including students, is between 300,000 and
340,000.
There are currently more than 350 accredited massage therapy institutions in the United
States, with a total of more than 700 campuses accredited. Many institutions have multiple
campuses.Training programs in massage therapy generally require a high school diploma,
though postsecondary education is useful. Previous studies in broad subjects such as science
(especially anatomy and physiology), business and humanities are helpful.
I plan on pursuing my dream hopefully through Central Michigan. I choose this career
because I have been brought up around sports and over the years I have noticed how many
athletes get injured and how severe the injuries can be. Therefore I would absolutely love to be
able to help them with their dreams, not only would I be helping them do what they admire but I
would be doing what I admire as well.

Job Description:
Most of us have had to deal with strained or stiff muscles, whether it was from playing sports,
waking up with a stiff neck, or even dealing with a stressful personal crisis. This discomfort is
usually caused by stress and injury to soft tissue (such as our muscles, nerves, and tendons),
and can result in diminished flexibility and chronic pain. Fortunately, therapeutic massage can
help relieve these problems.
Working Conditions:
Massage therapists may be self-employed in their own practices, work in group practices with
other health care practitioners, or work for employers such as resorts or sports teams.
They work in a variety of settings, including private offices or massage therapy clinics,
chiropractors or doctors offices, holistic health clinics, and health clubs and fitness centers.
They also work in spas, nursing homes, hospitals, and sports medicine facilities.
Some massage therapists have portable equipment and work at their clients offices or homes.
Others even open practices in shopping malls or airports.
Therapists treat one client at a time, usually on a massage table, using oils, powders, towels,
and sheets. Therapists who travel to clients offices and homes must supply and transport their
own equipment.
Therapeutic massage is a physically demanding job, requiring a lot of arm and shoulder
strength. Therapists may spend long hours standing or sitting, depending on the techniques
used. Those who travel to appointments must lift and carry all of their equipment, including the

massage table. They need to establish a healthy lifestyle and maintain physical strength of both
the upper and lower body.
Because of the physical demands, many therapists work fewer than 40 hours a week. For
example, they may work 20 to 30 hours a week. Everyone is different, however, and some are
able to work longer hours.
Therapists may be required to work evenings and weekends in order to accommodate clients
schedules.
Earnings:
Michigan Wages
Occupation: Massage Therapists
Level of Experience

Hourly

Annual

Entry Wage

$10.03

$20,860

Median Wage

$15.68

$32,600

Experienced Wage

$24.80

$51,580

Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics http://www.bls.gov

Education:
Massage therapists usually complete a training program that includes a minimum of 500 inclass hours of instruction. These programs are offered at private schools and 2-year colleges
across the country. They often take about 1 to 2 years to complete. A high school diploma is
usually required for admission, and many schools also require a personal interview.
Massage therapy is regulated in most states and the District of Columbia. In almost all of these
states, you are required to take at least 500 hours of training (though in some states it is a
minimum of 1,000 hours) from
a recognized training program. For specific state requirements, see the link to the American
Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) on the Other Resources page.

When youre ready to begin your massage therapy training, its important to look for a reputable
program. The AMTA recommends enrolling in a training program that is approved by a national
accreditation agency such as the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA).
Accredited programs typically include training in assessment, a variety of massage techniques,
and CPR and first aid. Students also receive instruction in anatomy and physiology, the ethics of
massage therapy, and business practices. Many therapists are self-employed, so accounting
and marketing skills are necessary.
Individuals who meet education standards and pass an exam are eligible for professional
certification from the National Certification Board For Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork
(NCBTMB). Completion of the NCBTMB exam is a requirement in most of the states that
regulate massage therapists.
Sample Career Path:
People take different pathways through their careers, but no one starts at the top. This is an
example of how the earnings, education and experience requirements, and responsibilities
might progress for someone in this occupation.
Level 1
Sample Title

Entry-Level Therapist

Earnings

$17,000 to $25,000 a year

Requirements

Completion of massage therapy school

Responsibilities

Treating patients with a wide variety of

health problems; keeping up to date on
new techniques.

Level 2
Sample Title

Experienced Massage Therapist

Earnings

$25,000 to $50,000 a year

Requirements

Additional training in massage or other

healing techniques

Responsibilities

Treating patients; taking additional

classes.

Level 3
Sample Title

Self-Employed Therapist

Earnings

$25,000 to $69,000 a year

Requirements

Several years of experience as a

massage therapist
Established clientele
Completion of additional courses to
develop and improve your technique
Completion of business courses

Responsibilities

Advertising business and creating a

network of referrals with other health
care professionals; managing and
increasing client base; running a
successful business; treating patients
with a wide variety of health concerns;
taking additional training.

I feel that my plan will work because I am headstrong about what I want, this is my
dream and I always try my hardest to achieve my goals, and this would be one of them. This
goal may take 5-6 years,4 years in college and possibly 2 more years for additional training,
maybe even include an internship through a doctors office or an athletic program. I see myself
being a massage therapist for a college athletic team, and traveling with them to their games.
Then wanting to settle down, I would like to open up my own athletic massage therapy office
within the area that I will be living, & working on making my own family.