Is anybody a massage therapist?

[kdibattista]

I'm currently a nursing student but because of the nursing shortage, the nursing program has become quite popular. I'm getting very tired of being waitlisted for my clinicals and now it looks like I won't start til September . It's very frustrating because we are waiting to get a house and start a family until I'm finished. What's the point of all this? I'm now thinking maybe I should try my luck at massage therapy.

I remembered that there was a school of massage therapy about 10 minutes from our apartment and I decided to check them out. They have a 6 month full time program available that starts in March so I would be done in August and I could still continue on to nursing if I wanted to but I would like to stick with the massage therapy if it would be beneficial to my husband and family.

I am curious about a couple of things:

1) where do you work (spa, gym, home, etc)?
2) how much do you get paid (if that's not too personal)?
3) what hours do you work?
4) is there anything I should know before jumping into this?

I'm sorry it's so long and I really appreciate any help!!!!

 

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

This is not my profession, but I can help with a few answers to your questions. We have a styling salon in the dept. store I work for. The massage therapist works hours simliar to a hair stylist, by appointment, including Saturdays. I dont know if she works evenings or if someone else works the later shift. She also does waxing in addition to massage.

 

[Jenn Lynn]

My DH is a Chiropractor and has a massage therapist in their office. Patients love it. She works the hours the office is open.

 

[kdibattista]

Thanks guys!!!! Anyone else???

 

[Jenn]

My sister is a massage therapist, so I can answer a few questions. She went to school for 18 months and learned several types of massage. After grad she worked in a sports therapy type of gym and didn't like it at all. Everyone who came in was in pain, and it was run by all men who weren't the best group to work with. She left that place and is now working at a salon/spa - where everyone who comes in is pampering themselves. She has a seperate full time day job and does massage several evenings and on Saturdays. She splits the massage sales 50%/50% with the salon owner, and the massages are $30 an hour, so she gets $15 per hour when she has appointments. There is some downtime, she may have a 10 am appointment and another at 1 pm and she is just doing busy work around the salon in between. The salon owner provides all supplies for her (towels, lotions, oils, etc.). Her arrangement is like being self-employed, so no taxes are taken out. She really loves the work, but can't see making a living at it full time. She just got married and is hoping it could be a nice part time job for her once they decide to have kids.

 

[CBRorBust]

and the massages are $30 an hour

WOW! You can't even THINK about getting a massage done at my salon for under $60! Lucky you to have a sister who does that for a living!

 

[Jenn Lynn]

Originally posted by CBRorBust
WOW! You can't even THINK about getting a massage done at my salon for under $60! Lucky you to have a sister who does that for a living!

I agree! DH got me a GC for an hour massage at a spa and it was $90. It was the best Christmas present!

 

[Pinnie]

I see a massage therapist who has her office in my chiropractor's office. Lucky for me, my insurance pays for my theraputic massages as longa s they are recommended by my Dr. The office charges $85 for an hour massage and$100 for the La Stone one.

I know my therapist tried the salon thing and decided she wanted the professional setting. She also does billing for the insurance company too.

pin

 

[kdibattista]

Thanks everyone!!! I have an appointment at the school this morning. I'm really looking for a job that will allow me to work part time once we have kids and still make decent money.

Thanks again... I really appreciate it!!!

 

[Jynohn]

Hi Kim--

Thought I'd chime in on this one...

I'm currently enrolled in a massage and bodywork school and I LOVE it! I haven't taken a massage class yet since I'm taking other bodywork classes, but the school is wonderful and I look forward to going every week.

I plan to focus on the holistic healing side, rather than on sports therapy and salons, but the wonderful part of the profession is that there are so many different options.

I also love the idea of making my own hours and working for myself. I can also tell you that in my area (New England), the ads for massage therapists on our school bulletin boards fall into about the $30/hour range. That is when you're working for someone else. Obviously if you are working independently it would be more...

Hope that helps, and good luck with your decision!

Jynohn

 

[kdibattista]

That's great!!! I LOVED the school. I'm so excited to get started. The classes start March 1st and I would be going full time (graduating August 12). The only problem is that it is a very short time for the financial aid to go through. I'm working my butt off to get everything done and it's in the government's hands now . If it doesn't go through in time then I would start in September and be finished in April.

Thanks for all the replies!!!