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Posted on: October 28, 2013

Massage therapy is growing in its popularity as a career, because it has proved effective in the treatment of stress and injury. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics estimates massage therapy will grow by 19% between 2008- 2019.

Preparation for a career in massage therapy can follow two different routes. The associate degree program generally requires two years to complete. Students enroll in college courses that include anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology. Possessing knowledge from these courses enables the massage therapist to understand the physiological processes behind injury and healing. An associate degree may also be rewarded by some therapy schools upon completion of specialty areas. These areas include, but are not limited to: medical massage, prenatal massage, and trauma and sports injury. (“The Massage Therapy Career Guide”).

The basic certificate in massage therapy usually takes one year. This certificate is attained by attending a school certified by the state in which it is located. According to the American Massage Therapy Association, there are 300 accredited massage therapy schools in the country. The average number of hours required to obtain the certificate is 624. These hours include classroom courses in anatomy and physiology as well as hands on training in the techniques of massage therapy.

There are many elements to consider in choosing a school. The most important factor is to ensure the school is certified by the state. This is essential in order to obtain a license in the state the student wishes to practice. Cost is also a consideration. Cost ranges, depending on whether it is a private or public school, between $5000- $9000. If the school is state certified, it is possible to obtain federal grants and loans. Finally, a student should choose a school that offers the specialty he or she may be interested in, whether that be medical, prenatal, sports injury, or spa elements.

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