How to Become a Massage Therapist

Do you have magic hands and a wish to improve peoples’ wellbeing? Well, massage therapy could be the perfect career for you.

There’s good news too: there’s set to be a 32.2% increase in employment growth in the industry between 2020 and 2030. That, according to the same source, is equivalent to 46,500 new jobs opening up! Your services would be in high demand as soon as you qualified.

All that’s left is figuring out how to make it happen! Want some help with the task? Keep reading to learn exactly how to become a massage therapist.

Educate Yourself

The first step we recommend is learning more about the field itself. Why? Because there are dozens of different massage modalities you could specialize in!

From deep tissue massage to Swedish massage and sports massage, each modality’s unique. Moreover, the training involved varies as well. Most massage therapists specialize in multiple disciplines, but no one specializes in all of them.

Researching the options should reveal which path’s right for you.

Set Some Goals

You’ve done your research. Now you have to decide which type(s) of massage therapy to pursue. Not only that, but you also need to figure out whether you wish to work for an established spa or massage practice, or as a solo practitioner.

Going solo gives you more freedom and control, alongside the potential to earn more money. However, you also have the responsibility of finding clients and running your own business! Many new therapists do a few years of employment before venturing into to self-employed space.

Train

Now you know what you want to do, you can find and complete a program to learn massage therapy, like those at Crsmt.com, which permits you to work in the field. These programs, usually require you to have a high school diploma, take 15 months or so to complete, and take place at a career training college.

When deciding on colleges, pay attention to the classes that are required for graduation. Make sure the program includes key modules on things like physiology, anatomy, and clinical massage applications.

Get Licensed

Congratulations, you’re now a certified massage therapist! Now all you have to do is obtain licensure in your state so you can practice legally.

Some states (such as Wyoming and Vermont) don’t regulate massage at all, allowing you to practice without a license. For others (like Colorado), you’ll need 500 hours or so of practice in a professional massage setting and your massage program must have been nationally accredited.

From there, you pay a fee to take an exam, and voila, you’re ready to go! Assuming you pass the exam, you’ll become a licensed massage therapist.

Wondering How to Become a Massage Therapist? Now You Know

Massage therapists perform an invaluable role in society, helping people loosen up, destress, and relax, as well as recover from longstanding health issues.

If you want to train to be one, then we hope the insights on how to become a massage therapist in this post will help do accomplish your goal! Check out the rest of our blog for more useful information like this.