Careers in Massage

Skilled massage therapists are in high demand today. With Americans interested increasing in holistic medicine, the massage therapy job market is projected to grow by a robust 20 percent by 2016. Licensed therapists work in a variety of settings, using specific techniques to relax their clients or to help rehabilitate injured muscles.

Athletes are discovering that improved performance can be achieved through the addition of sports massage to their weekly routines. Rehabilitation clinics and chiropractors are now hiring massage therapists to manage injuries and conditions ranging from chronic pain cases, to migraines, whiplash, lumbar sprain/strains, rotator cuff injuries, temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ), thoracic outlet syndrome, and post-surgical rehabilitation. Corporations are realizing that massage in the workplace is cost-effective, reduces lost time due to sick leave, and increases employee morale and, therefore, productivity. Parents are learning infant massage techniques to enhance bonding, stimulate development, and ease the pains of colic. Retirees are finding that while massage does not reverse the ravages of time, it can still provide consistent relief by increasing flexibility and joint range of motion, as well as decrease levels of pain.

Private Practice

Many graduates establish their own private practices, either individually, or with other therapists. Being your own boss is both challenging and rewarding. As a massage therapist in private practice, you will cultivate referral sources from many other professionals, such as psychologists and psychiatrists, obstetricians and midwives, chiropractors and personal/athletic trainers. Your practice may cover a wide range of services, from injury prevention and rehabilitation to relaxation therapy to health maintenance.

Spas & Resorts

The fastest growing career opportunities for massage therapists are in the spa and resort industry. In fact, there are approximately 10,000 spas in the United States that are generating more than 10 billion dollars in revenue annually. This has increased over 100% between 2000 and 2002 and continues to grow at an annual rate of 20% each year. Approximately 1/3 of massage school graduates are now employed in the spa industry.  As a bonus, you can work in some of the most beautiful settings in the world.

Clinical Settings

A career in massage therapy offers many exciting opportunities for working with people in the healthcare industry. As a massage therapist in a medical or clinical setting, your practice will range from increasing range of motion in a joint after surgery to reducing unpleasant side effects of anticancer treatments. Working as a healthcare provider in a medical or rehabilitative setting can be extremely gratifying. Many heath conditions can be managed effectively with massage therapy. Chiropractic clinics, hospitals, physical and occupational therapy clinics, hospices, home health agencies, pain management clinics, dentists, podiatrists, psychiatric clinics, and even veterinarians are now hiring massage therapists.

Massage therapists can practice in a wide variety of settings and opportunities for employment extend far beyond private practice. What a graduate can do after graduation is limited only by his or her dedication, resourcefulness, and imagination. Career options include:

• Acupuncturists

• Airports

• Athletic teams

• Bed & breakfast inns

• Chiropractic clinics

• Corporate wellness programs

• Cruise lines

• Dance companies

• Day spas

• Fitness & luxury resorts

• Golf & tennis clubs

• Health clubs & gyms

• Hospitals

• Hotels

• Massage therapy clinics

• Nursing homes

• Onsite massage in offices

• Pain management clinics

• Physical & Occupational Therapy clinics

• Private practice

• Salons

• Shopping malls

• Sports medicine clinics

• Veterinary clinics

Besides preparing the graduate for an opportunity in a variety of settings, the massage school experience nurtures, supports, and challenges the student to achieve new levels of personal growth, self confidence, and emotional health.

Whatever your career’s direction, our graduates have the satisfaction of knowing that, each day, they have the opportunity to help others, change lives through the power of touch, and improve health and well-being – both physically and emotionally.