Massage Therapist
Massage Therapist: Allied Health Career
One positive side effect of the costs of treating disease is a greater focus on staying well and preventing illness in the first place. Massage Therapy, a division of allied health, is a wellness and stress-prevention strategy whose time has come in western medicine. Healthcare workers who are trained to provide this ancient muscle treatment are called Massage Therapists.
What does a Massage Therapist do?
The Massage Therapist's goals are to:
- 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.
Where do Massage Therapists work?
Many massage therapists are self-employed and/or part-time workers, but as the healthcare industry increasingly acknowledges this treatment as legitimate preventative care, massage therapy is covered by more forms of insurance. Massage therapists may work in alternative medicine clinics, physical therapy offices, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, health clubs and fitness centers, resorts and spas, nursing care facilities, beauty salons, and cruise ships. Some massage therapists travel to clients' homes or offices.
Massage Therapist Certification and Licensure
Many states regulate massage therapy, but training standards vary widely. Because massage therapy as a personal service is on the rise, career education and vocational/technical schools continue to add massage therapy training programs to their curriculum.
Aside from meeting the requirements of any mandatory state licensure, massage therapists can apply for national certification. The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) administers the national certification exam and awards the credential, which must be renewed every four years. States that require this certification also require that candidates complete accredited training programs.
Massage Therapist Earnings
Earnings for a massage therapist vary widely, depending on certification and licensure you hold, your experience, and the setting in which you practice. Based on 2006 data (the latest available), median hourly earnings ranged from $11 to $25, including tips, with a median hourly rate of $16. Some massage therapists earned twice that rate. In general, self-employed massage therapists who do not work in a hospital or similar clinical settings will earn 15-20% of their income in tips. If you acquire the licensure required in your state, build up a clientele, and establish a fulltime practice, you may earn well over $50,000 a year. You may also find that a part-time practice suits your career and financial goals.
Find a massage therapy training program that works for you
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-2009 Edition