How to Become a Massage Therapist

Do you desire to help others? Does the thought of placing hands on another with the intent of facilitating healing and stress relief appeal to you? Are flexible hours, rewarding compensation, and a positive job outlook top priorities for your career choice? If you are like so many that answered yes to the above three answers, a career in massage therapy may be for you.

Over the last ten years, the need for skilled massage therapists as well as the interest in becoming a massage therapist has increased. Whereas, before massage was mostly a second career choice or side gig for stay at home moms or "peace loving hippies" now massage therapy careers appeal to the masses. Because massage therapy is a perfect blend of art and science it seems that individuals from such diverse life experiences are drawn to it.

So if you are interested, what do you need to do? There are three basic steps to becoming a professional massage therapist. I assume you will do your research about the industry (Continue reading articles like this and visiting websites) as well as,speaking with successful massage therapist. In other words make sure you have decided this is something you want to do before you get started. Agreed?


Now that you are ready let's begin:

1. Attend massage therapy school - Every state has specific requirements for the number of massage education hours you must complete. The hours range from 200- 1000. Keep in mind more isn't necessarily better and less isn't necessarily best. Do your research. Look for schools that are accredited by COMTA (Commission on Massage Therapy Schools) and ACCSCC (Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges). Schools with these distinguished credentials have established themselves as leaders in massage therapy education. They have agreed to be held to a higher standard of accountability and professionalism. COMTA and/or ACCSCC accreditation doesn't guarantee that the school you are looking into is a great school but it's a good start. Ask questions. Speak with the faculty and staff and most importantly speak with current students and past graduates.
2.  Become Nationally Certified - Thirty-five out of fifty states, as well as the District of Columbia, use the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork Exam as a part of the State licensure process. The cost of the exam is $225. Once certified, you will need to participate in approved continuing education courses in order to maintain your credentials.
3. Get your license - Most states require massage therapist to obtain a state massage therapy license that is issued by a specific board (usually a massage therapy or nursing board). For those states that have yet to implement that requirement you will most likely need a standard business license, especially if you are self-employed. The best way to learn about the specifics of getting your local license will be to inquire of your massage therapy school. As the rules continue to evolve, massage therapy schools are usually the first to learn of the changes.

So, that's it. To become a massage therapist you must attend a state approved massage therapy school, become nationally certified (in most states), and get your local state, city, or county license. Once you have completed these three task you are well on your way to being able to pursue those dreams you originally had of having a rewarding career that would allow you to help others through touch.

Nicole Harris is a licensed massage therapist, educator, business consultant, and contributing blog author for MySpaClassifieds.com, a classified portal that caters exclusively to the beauty, fitness, and wellness industry. If you like what you're reading go to My Spa Classifieds.com to learn more.

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