A Career in Massage or Spa Therapy

Successful long-term careers are often associated with pursuing something that you find enjoyable and rewarding. An enjoyable career should be one that does not provoke stress on a daily basis yet provides satisfaction of a job well done. On the other hand, a rewarding career is one that is not self- centered, but centered on fulfilling the basic needs of others. If you have ever considered a career of helping others, perhaps massage or spa therapy is just what you have been searching for. The very nature of massage is an instinctive natural response to relieving pain, itching, or to warm cold areas of our body. Today, specialized massage techniques and spa treatments often compliment traditional medicine. To fully comprehend the beneficial effects of such therapies, one only has to receive a massage or spa treatment from a licensed practitioner.

In the state of Massachusetts, there are many schools that offer professional education. When selecting a program, it is very important to choose one that is recognized by the Department of Education and meets or surpasses the state requirement of 500 hours of training. It is equally important to research many schools prior to enrolling. Although towns and cities regulate the practice of massage and educational requirements, most require at least 500 hours. Look for programs with a long proven history. Schools specializing in massage therapy or spa therapy may be your best choice. If you wish to continue your education, you might consider an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in complimentary health care.

Students graduating from approved programs by the NCTMB (Nationally Certified Therapeutic Massage and Body Workers) may opt to take the national certification exam and acquire nationally certified credentialing.

Healthy individuals of all ages and nationalities may enter the career field; however, a high school diploma or GED is often required. Many people work as full time message therapists/spa technicians but others do it to supplement their income. Licensed massage therapists can develop their own practice or work in association with others in medical offices, clinics, spas, with athletes, infants, elderly, or with people stricken with disabilities, injury or illness just to mention a few. The average one hour massage or spa session may cost from $45.00 to $125.00. Some practitioners work in their own business or receive a percentage usually between 60-65% per treatment, or then again some practitioners may seek employment in return for an hourly wage.

Article submitted by Greg St. Jacques, Director, Central Mass School of Massage and Therapy, Inc.