Massage Therapist
 

Is anyone familiar with this occupation? I've been thinking about getting into it. My brother-in-law is a doctor that owns his own group. He has 14 other doctors that work for him. The other day he told me that he was thinking of expanding into other areas and providing massage therapy was one idea. He doesn't know that I'm considering it yet. So, whaddya think? If it never works out with him, can I make it on my own? There are local programs where I can get a degree or certificate but they take 2 years so I need to be sure before I start.

Massage therapy is an awesome career. If you're right for it. The best way to see if it's for you is to go take a tour of a school, ask the administration a zillion questions.

It can take up to 5 years to really build your own business. I know some places are also now requiring two years of college before they'll accept you. Not sure where you are, so check the requirements for your area.

What specific questions do you have? Feel free to PM me if you'd like ;)

sillygirl,

I've been looking for a career change anyway. Right now I'm a mechanical designer but it feels like it's getting quite old.
Are you a massage therapist? I'm in Ohio.

A friend of mine went to an accredited program here in NC that only took about 10 months - she's thoroughly licensed and board certified and all that. I don't know if the regulations differ from state to state (I assume they do). She hasn't started doing it full time, but a number of other friends are doing it full time and loving it, and making a comfortable living. The better ones have a 2-3 month waiting list for an appointment. I think it could be a great career. Good luck!

I've been think about looking into this career also.

Do you know of any sites that could provide me with a list of accredited program or schools? If you need to know my state, I'm in Michigan. Thank You, in advance.

Take a look at http://www.amtamassage.org

Ah:) Thank You very much!!

I just graduated from massage school here in NC. I cant practice yet, as I still havnt taken my certification exam.

Now is a good time for getting into massage. Clinical massage, especially, is taking off (Neuromuscular therapy for one). Insurance companies are starting to recognize that they can save money by paying for people to see Massage therapists instead of paying for costly surgical operations. Do it.

I havnt gotten to work in the feild yet, but we did have to do a student run massage clinic while in school.

One of my teachers said "Since I got into massage therapy, it feels like I havnt worked a day since". After working in the clinic, I could definately relate. Its work that doesnt feel like work.

i've always wanted to be a massage therapist. i have another question. does an associate's degree look that much better than just a certificate?

we have a few schools here in AZ and the difference in price for an associates versus a certificate is about 5,000-6,000 dollars.

Well, I was going to take the "Go for it" approach, but everybody has done it for me. So let me tell you the downsides -

You have to touch people, even people that you don't want to touch. Fat people, hairy people, oily people, flabby people, funny-smelling people.

People will tell you their problems, even if you don't want to hear them.

You will have to deal with the occasional boner. If a random boner freaks you out, avoid this profession.

I'm actively considering it as well, although I would have to find a way to take evening classes (Baltimore School of Massage offers them) since once I get my masters in mechanical engineering I'll want to start paying my bills. Massage is a fantastic way to connect with people, and make them relax. I've taken a few classes and studied it a bit, and I love it.

a random boner?

lol, I was wondering how common a random boner is for people who do that for a living...

What about Male Massage Therapists? Do you think that they have a much harder time getting jobs? Cause I honestly don't care, guy or girl, if you can massage me good than I love you regardless of what you are packing underneath your pants. But some people I know are like..."I don't want some dude massaging me" or "I don't want some guy massaging my girl" and even "I don't want some icky looking guy massaging me".

I once asked my massage therapist about the "common boner" thing. She said that she has to deal with it on occasion, but she acts like it's just not there and she doesn't take it personally so it hasn't been a problem. I think it helps that she screens her clients and has a selected client base that she works with.

try www.massageregister.com as well.

Massage therapy is a growing field. You can work in a lot of different setting from spa type places to rehab facilities to chiropractic offices. Some have their own offices or some go to people's houses. I have a friend who works full time at a different job but does massages for friends in their homes. An extra fifty bucks here and there.