A Career in Massage Therapy

Massage Therapy is a part of an ever growing industry. In fact, our industry has been growing by 800% every year since 1998. Choosing the right school with the proper accreditations is key. I always encourage potential students to research schools in their surrounding areas. Going to the right school is more than just about the cost. You have to consider the program, the educational facility, the National Accreditation it carries (such as COMTA and ACCSCT) and the name that stands behind your education.

Would you like to work and live on a Cruise Ship? Most Certified Therapists train in London, England for 6 weeks before boarding their ship. Once you complete the first 8 month contract you have your choice to go to any ship in any part of the world. One of my massage school friends did just that. She worked three contracts and saved most of her money while sailing all around the world. She has a great nest egg in place for the future purchase of her first home. Or, you can move to a tourist destination like Las Vegas and work on the Las Vegas Strip. Or, you can stay in your own home town and work in a day spa; it's really your choice. For me, I was licensed to have my own private practice, but I also worked at the Planet Hollywood Spa in Las Vegas for a year and a half. Your choices are endless and if you want to own your own spa someday, there is no better training ground.

It is easy to see that I am pretty passionate about the Massage industry. My point here is, don't let anything stand in your way from becoming what you want to be. Nationally Accredited Schools will have financial aid programs available for you. Student loans are usually accompanied with smaller interest rates. You will even have six months after you graduate before you even have to start paying them back. If you don't want government student loans then try applying directly to your own lending institution or a private lending company. With most massage schools it takes a year or less to accomplish completion of a Massage Program. Within another month of that you can have all of your National Certification testing (now required in 38 states) and your state licensing out of the way and earning a paycheck several months before your first student loan payment is due.

It's important to do your due diligence. Try looking up some salary calculators online to see what therapists make in different parts of the country. Go get a massage at a local day spa and ask questions of the therapist who is working on you. Find out which department of your State government regulates massage licenses and then ask them for school referrals or ask about a school you are currently interested in.

I began my training as a Massage Therapist when I was 32 years old. My only regret is that I did not pursue it earlier. Working as a Massage Therapist has been a very rewarding career for me. My private practice has allowed me to help people through some incredible physical circumstances. Watching clients progress through the painful repercussions of an accident, injury, or illness is very fulfilling. I felt honored to have been able to use my training to help those people.

Going back to school after just finishing may seem like a challenge, but when all is said and done, you will have an education and a skill that will provide for you for the rest of your life.

Editorial provided by David Furze, Admissions Representative, Virginia School of Massage.