Seven Steps to Start Your Massage Therapy Career

A career in Massage Therapy can be quite rewarding. With the proper training, you can earn a living by bringing comfort to those in pain. Like with anything else, it's all based on what you put into it.

Here's a fact. The Massage Therapy field is expected to grow faster than average until 2016! This means that there's going to be more and more people vying for jobs and opportunities which in turn will make it difficult for those who wait the longest. Now is the time.

If you're interested in getting into Massage Therapy, but are unfamiliar with the steps involved, don't worry. We've taken the time to assemble the seven steps to start your massage therapy career. Check them out!

Enroll in a COMTA accredited massage school or program

In order to receive proper training and certification, you must find a school that is COMTA (Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation) compliant. Knowing this will ensure the said school or program has been thoroughly scrutinized and inspected to high national standards. Enrolling in a school with specific standards will in turn make your learning experience more successful.

Become licensed to practice massage therapy

Upon completion of your courses, you will take a competency examination for Massage Therapy.

After you pass your competency exam, you will then need to apply for your Massage Therapy license through the Illinois Department of Professional and Financial Regulation by submitting an application and other required documents. For more information visit http://www.idfpr.com/.

Our school will make sure you are prepared for both of these tasks.

Join the AMTA (American Massage Therapy Association)

To get a head start on your career you may want to take advantage of the AMTA student membership. Visit http://www.amtamassage.org/. This will allow you to become familiar with the Massage Therapy industry while you learn. The AMTA offers discounted rates for a student's budget. You can also contact an AMTA rep for a list of benefits.

Find an internship or volunteer position

Like any other job field, you may want to consider interning or volunteering as a way to get hands on experience. Not only will you gain "real time" knowledge, you will also get the opportunity to network and meet prospective employers in the Massage Therapy arena.

Stay in shape

Massage Therapy is physically demanding and takes quite a bit of stamina. Make sure you take special care of yourself to avoid cramping and injury. Remember, your hands will be your livelihood.

Getting clients

Be sure to keep track of job postings in your area. Like we said, the demand for massage therapy professionals is on the rise, so be aware of all possible employment opportunities.

You may find that you'll want to go solo, taking on your own clientele. If so you wouldn't be alone. More than 64% of Massage Therapy professionals are self employed. If that sounds right for you, be sure to keep an entrepreneurial mind about you. Having a good attitude and a hard work ethic will allow you to succeed in finding residual client opportunities.

Get extended learning

There is always room for improvement. Many expert Massage Therapists offer traveling workshops and extended learning programs. The more continued education and experience you can get, the better off you'll be.