As the massage therapy industry grows, there’s no better time to become a ‘masseuse’ or ‘masseur.’ A massage therapist can professionally perform massage therapy to relieve clients of pain or ailments in their soft tissues. Today, massage therapists can practice in different job roles and workplaces, with some working at health or chiropractic clinics and others at spas and vacation resorts. Many fitness centers also offer massage therapy services, while other massage therapists choose to work freelance and stay self-employed.
Because massage therapy is now more accessible for the average consumer, more and more people treat it as a necessary part of their lifestyle, they schedule regular appointments and have favorite massage therapists. Some even place as much importance on getting a massage as visiting their local medical clinic for minor health problems.
There is a science behind what massage therapists do. They use touch, movement, and pressure to help people relax, manage pain, reduce stress or tension, and recover from injury. Aesthetic massage therapists practice techniques such as aromatherapy and Swedish massage to tone clients’ tissues and encourage relaxation. On the other hand, medical massage therapy focuses on the medical applications of massage for pain relief and specific conditions. Though many massage therapy programs provide students with the basics, professional massage therapists continue to hone their craft. A few even specialize in particular treatments such as sports or prenatal massages.
According to the American Massage Therapy Association’s (AMTA) 2019 Research Report, the number of massage therapists increased by 25% from 2008 to 2018. Though the road to being a massage therapist can take less than a year, massage therapy as a career can last a lifetime.
Complete a massage therapy training program
Potential massage therapists must pursue and complete a certificate or diploma degree program from a school that offers studies in massage therapy. Their state’s licensing board must accredit the school. Often consisting of at least 500 hours of clinical and academic work, the courses immerse students in lessons surrounding anatomy, physiology, body mechanics, professional ethics, and medical terminology. Some courses offer management, accounting, and marketing lessons to help students who plan on being self-employed once licensed. Programs may also reach 1,000 hours, but the best way to determine the right program length is to check the number of hours required by the state. While classes do involve hands-on coursework as part of students’ training, the amount of hands-on instruction that schools provide may vary.
There are almost 400 massage therapy schools in America accredited by at least one of the five massage therapy accreditation groups: National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences (NACCAS), Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSC), Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA), and Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET).
Complete the requirements of the state
Every state has its own rules and regulations and requirements that one must meet before he or she can take the massage therapy licensing exam. Candidates must ensure that the minimum number of hours of hands-on experience is achieved either through school training or an internship. However, it all depends on the student’s state. Some states are strict about what a massage therapy student can and cannot do, while others require them to work at a student clinic and dip their toes in the professional world.
Training in a public clinic or facility may require the student to acquire liability insurance beforehand by becoming part of a professional association. Joining a professional association need not be expensive and may offer benefits specifically for students, such as mentorship programs or study guides.
Prepare for and pass the licensing exam
Many US states use the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx), but others have their own specialized state exams. The Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) administers the MBLEx, a two-hour-long, 100-question exam covering kinesiology, ethics, and client assessments, among others. Several states also accept the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork’s (NCBTMB) Board Certification Exam in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.
Sometimes, students that have yet to finish their program can take the exam, as long as they have had enough training and study hours. Students have to choose which one state board to which their exam results are sent. After around a week, they may receive approval to schedule a licensing exam at an accredited testing center. If a student fails, they can retake the exam but only after 30 days and after paying additional fees. The FSMTB offers a candidate handbook and a preview of exam content for applicants’ perusal.
Apply for a state license
It isn’t uncommon for passing exam scores to be sent to the student’s licensing agency less than a day after taking the exam. Prospective massage therapists must then complete an application for a state massage therapist license with attached proof that they met all the state’s requirements. They can expect to receive their license online or in the mail. However, some states also require potential massage therapists to complete fingerprint-based background checks or pass exams regarding the state’s laws on massage therapy. Florida, for instance, requires applicants to pass a background check and acquire malpractice insurance.
A license allows massage therapists to advertise their services or work for organizations that provide massage therapy services. Every couple of years, massage therapists are required to take state-approved Continuing Education United to renew their licenses.
Consider earning a certification or getting board-certified
Massage therapists can earn certifications in different fields, such as palliative care and veterinary massage. Those who aim to have the highest voluntary credential in the industry can apply for board certification from the NCBTMB.
Get a job
According to the AMTA, 76% of practicing massage therapists are sole practitioners, with 56% working part-time in the client’s home/business/corporate setting, 25% in healthcare, 24% in a spa, and 29% at home. The highest 10% of massage therapists earn over $74,870 from tips and wages.