Massage Therapy

[smilie]

Has anyone gone to school for this? I was wondering about how long it took to graduate, how easy it was to find a job, basic pay in your area, any benefits you receive.

If anyone has any information about this, I'd really appreciate it. PM me if necessary!

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

I had a boss that left to go to Swedish Massage School. I think it was an 15 month course. Always thought it was odd that she ditched a 6 figure salary on Wall Street for massage school.

Good luck with it. I really love massages so if you need practice time just give me a call!

 

[ducklite]

I would think the employment situation would be regional. If you are in an area with a lot of spas and resorts, it shouldn't be too hard to find a job. If you in an economically depressed town in the rust belt or coal country, it might be almost impossible without relocating.

Anne

 

[barkley]

i have several friends who are certified massage therapists. the one comment i have heard over and over from them is if a person is interested in having this as a career transferable to a state other than the one they reside/train in-make sure to get into a program which qualifies you for lic. in as many states as possible. i have one friend who paid a HUGE sum to attend one of the many schools that have opened in our area that offer fast paced training nesc. to meet our states lic. standards-what she is learning now is that her 'fast track' classes don't meet the lic. standards in several states she has looked into relocating to. she would have to take many more course hours of training to even qualify to test in some states for her lic.

that said-i have a few good friends who work as private contractors-they use space in area beauty salons and do very well (some salons charge no rent or share in profits simply because they want to be able to say they are 'full service' and have a cmt on site). one worked for years in a chiropractic office and in addition to doing fee for service massages, also did massage for patient treatment. she enjoyed that greatly, and she found that she gained allot of knowledge in body mechanics.

i think one thing that can make for a much more marketable cmt is being able to do specialized massages. hot stone massages are realy popular around here-but finding a cmt who has the training and experience is difficult and they get paid dearly for their services. another specialty that's lacking and can be profitable is massages for pregnant women. i was lucky enough to find a cmt trained in this and used her for my second pregnancy. the difference in the way my body was able to handle that pregnancy vs. my first as a result of these massages was incredible. at the first signs of leg swelling i was able to address the problem and had no further issues. existing back problems (with arthritis and scoliosis) did'nt cause nearly the issues i had with baby number 1. it's a neglected area of expertese-but i think correctly marketed it could be a tremendous buisness.

good luck on your research-from all i hear it's hard work, but a very enjoyable way to be 'your own boss'.

 

[golfgal]

I have a cousin that does massage therapy and worked at a resort. She was paid minimum wage by the resort and then depended on tips to make ends meet. She said that unless you own a business you really can't make descent money doing massages. Benefits were pretty much non-existent for her but some resorts might be better then others.

 

[binny]

one thing to keep in mind is that the "life span" of employment is very short. I have a good friend who is a massage therapist and while the money is ok her hands and muscles are worn out. She said the average massage therapist can only work 6 or 7 years in that field because it takes such a toll on your body.

 

[Jynohn]

one thing to keep in mind is that the "life span" of employment is very short. I have a good friend who is a massage therapist and while the money is ok her hands and muscles are worn out. She said the average massage therapist can only work 6 or 7 years in that field because it takes such a toll on your body.

I agree with this. I went to massage school for almost a year, and ended up dropping out because it wasn't enjoyable for me. I used to dread class because my back, shoulders and arms hurt so much from all the practicing. They do try teach you proper body mechanics, so it was probably my own fault, but I just couldn't see myself doing that day in and day out.

Many people do it and love it though, so I'm only speaking for myself!

 

[curlybop]

My DH is a certified massage therapist. He took classes for about 8 months I believe. He only does it as a part time thing right now, but yes, it is hard on the therapist's body.

The pay all depends on what you wish to do. He's in with some others at a massage clinic, they can work 8-10 hours a day or just a few. He pays a small rent when he uses one of the rooms. Other places have told him they provide clients, he shows up, and they split the money 50/50. Then there's always the option of opening your own clinic, but it can get pricey.

You must also allow time for continuing education, and have to have a certain # of hours in our state (Va.) to renew the license each year. Plus you need a table (or 2) and the creams, hot stones, etc. Most places he's thought of working require you bring all of your own things.

Good luck!

 

[UrsulasMyHero]

I just graduated from The Humanities Instute in Florida, with honors. it was a 7 month program and I am not only certified in most massage technique I am also certified in Neuro Muscular Massage. With the training in proper body mechanics, I'm hoping that I'll be able to make this a life long career. I have friends who have been doing this for many years, who love their work.