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What is a Massage Therapist?

Massage therapists manipulate muscles and other soft tissues of the body relieving pain. By using touch, massage therapists can rehabilitate injuries, promote relaxation, relax muscles and increase the well-being of the patient. Massage therapists work in the following locations:

• Home office
• Hotels and resorts
• Massage office
• Chiropractic offices
• Health & fitness center
• Professional sports teams
• Salons
• Nursing Homes

The Pros & Cons of Massage Therapy

When searching for a career, it is always beneficial to know the pros & cons of each job you are considering to pursue. Here are some pros & cons of becoming a Massage Therapist:

Pros:

• Help clients reduce stress, decrease pain and facilitate positive change
• Set your own hours (if self-employed)
• Substantial pay
• Relaxing, not high stress

Cons:

• Takes time to build a client base
• Can feel exhausting on your body at times
• Potential to injure your hand

Massage Therapy Career Tips

• You must be a people person: Do you like working with people? Massage Therapy might be the right career for you! You will have the opportunity to connect with clients and help them achieve their health goals.
• Be prepared for a flexible schedule: Being a massage therapist requires an amount of flexibility in your schedule to accommodate the time a client is actually willing to receive a massage. Be willing to work evenings.
• Choose a quality school: Pick a Massage Therapy school that will prepare you for your career and the steps to receive your Massage Therapy License or Certification. Search our quality schools

Massage Therapy School

Massage therapists can specialize in different modalities such as Swedish massage, deep-tissue massage, sport management, pre-natal massage, hot stone massage and reflexology just to name a few. Different clinical studies have reported that massage therapy has proven medical benefits making this profession extremely valuable in the industry. Steps to achieving a massage therapist certification:

• Choose the best massage therapy school to attend that will qualify you to practice in a location you choose. All the schools Americolleges lists are accredited and approved, so be sure to search your local area for a school near you.
• Obtain a license or credential in your state by passing the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Exam