Why You Might Want To Choose Massage School Over A Four Year Degree

  Massage therapy is one of the fastest growing career fields in the United States. With a median salary of around $40,000, massage therapy can provide steady employment in a pleasant environment. There really is no cap on the upper salary limit, that depends solely on the ambition and drive of the massage student and the venue in which he or she seeks employment.   One very attractive benefit is that massage therapists can work as much or as little as they want, which makes it ideal for those who want massage to be their primary occupation as well as for those who want steady but flexible income on a part-time basis.   Massage therapy can be an excellent career choice for those who want a career in a health-related field but not the expense and liability that comes with nursing or becoming a doctor. The desire to help others, an affinity for physical contact, compassion, dedication, and a pleasant demeanor can help the therapist achieve both maximum enjoyment and maximum financial compensation from this career path.  

Employment opportunities for massage therapists are abundant and quite varied, such as:

•Day spa •Cruise ship •Casino •Professional sports team •Sports facility •Rehab facility •Chiropractor's office •Animal rescue facility •Racehorse facility •Private practice   Most states require professional training and license in order to practice as a massage therapist. Training costs and duration vary, from relatively inexpensive at a community college to the more expensive training received at a private college. Costs range from a few hundred at the community college level to a couple thousand at a private school.

Completion of the community college program will take from one to two years, depending on the number of units the massage student carries. Training at a private school can take as little as six months, at which time the massage student should be licensed and able to practice; employment at a day spa is an excellent entry into the field.

  Massage is one of the fastest growing career fields in the U.S. because the government has recognized that it has a positive impact on the human body, both physically and psychologically.