by CourseAdvisor
One positive side effect of the skyrocketing costs of treating disease is a more intense focus on staying well and preventing illness in the first place. The art and science of Massage Therapy, a division of allied health, is a wellness strategy whose time has come in western medicine.
The Massage Therapist's goals are to:
Find accredited programs in:
- Treat pain
- Decompress muscles
- Rehabilitate sports injuries
- Promote wellness
A massage therapist is trained to achieve these objectives by manipulating patients' soft tissue to improve circulation and remove stress from muscles.
There are many different types of massage, called modalities, such as deep tissue massage, reflexology, and sports massage. During the interview process, the massage therapist sometimes must decide, based on medical and other information, not to begin treatment because of potential harm to the client.
The majority of massage therapists are self-employed and/or part-time workers. Massage therapists work in a variety of locations including offices, hospitals, nursing care facilities, fitness centers, and shopping malls. Some massage therapists travel to clients' homes or offices.
Many states regulate massage therapy, but training standards vary widely. A massage therapist often takes the national certification test administered by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB), which must be renewed every four years. States that require this certification also require that candidates complete accredited training programs.
Salary Range
In general, freelance massage therapists who do not work in a hospital or other clinical setting can earn 15-20% of their incomes as gratuities. Based on
2004 data, as a massage therapist you can expect to earn between at least $7.16/Hr and up to more than $32.21/Hr, with a median earning potential of
$15.36/Hr.
Let the CourseAdvisor Wizard match you to the right program:
CourseAdvisor Wizard
Source: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-2007 Edition; Bureau of Labor Statistics; U.S. Department of Labor
