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What does it take to be a massage therapist?

I'm looking to become a masseuse. #physical-therapist

physical-therapist
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Holly’s Answer

I want to give you an honest answer okay. I do not want you to fail. If you want to make any money or get a job as a masseuse is not the field you want to take. There are NO jobs I know so many people unemployed in this field. Please do not take it. IF you want to make money and be a maseuse, then take Physical Therapy. You will help people recover from injuries by massaging parts of the injured area that have atrophy, from not walking on or an arm injury, hand injury etc you do massage those areas and guess what you will make great money and get a great job for sure. The U.S. has a huge huge shortage in this area of P.T. so I would get on board with that and you can start as an assistant to P.T. or O.T. right away. Even an assistant in this field has great benefits and is very high in demand. I am sorry, I am truthful and I do not want you to make a mistake. Please look at the stats on unemployed Massage Theapist. Huge. If you do not want much schooling, I suggest a community college where they specialise in areas, and college classes that you will need for any degree. Start with your General ED. YOU must have those no matter what you take. English, math, reading all the good stuff. Once you have completed those, I am sure by then you will know more about the programs offered that have growth and you want to take a program that is high in demand or you will not work in this economy. I wish you the very best in whatever you choose to do. Good luck!
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Beth’s Answer

Massage therapists attend a licensed massage therapy program. They are usually private schools and last 3-6 months. Be sure the school is licensed and accredited. You will practice your skills on real people while supervised by your instructors.
You will work in a clinic - lots of chiropractic and therapy, pain management offices hire massage therapists, or in a spa or private massage clinic. I agree with Holly’s answer, it is hard to find a steady massage job that will pay the bills.
Massage is a very small part of what physical therapists do. Physical therapy is a graduate degree (6-7 years of school), Physical therapist assistant is an associate/bachelors degree (3-4years of school) They are both competitive to get into the program. (Very good grades, test scores, active in sports or community volunteer). You will do some massage to increase flexibility and decrease pain, but you will also help stroke recovery, strengthen weakened or injured muscles, get people moving after surgery and help children gain better coordination and function and much more.
Physical therapy is a very in demand profession and pays well but does require a much bigger academic commitment.

Beth recommends the following next steps:

APTA.org for more information about physical therapy
Natural healers.com for massage information ( there are other sites too)
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