Therapeutic Massage
Career Facts
Nature of Work
Massage therapists manipulate the soft tissues of the body including muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and joints to relax or reduce pain in patients or customers. Massage therapists may be self-employed in private practice, employed in a variety of health care settings, in health and beauty spas, in sports or exercise complexes, or in large lodging and travel facilities.
Employment prospects
Jobs in massage therapy are expected to increase faster than
average. Graduates of this program are eligible to take the National
Certification Exam, which is necessary in order to advertise as a
"certified" massage therapist. Most graduates are self-employed
which requires building a clientele, however many hospitals and
chiropractic offices are using massage as a enhancement to medical
treatment.
Skills you need
To succeed as a massage therapist, you will need physical
strength, mobility, and good interpersonal, communication, listening
and critical thinking skills.
Expected earnings
Average earnings for self-employed practitioners is between $40
and $60 per hour. If employed in a clinic, spa, salon, etc.,
practitioners earn a percentage of the client fee.
Allied Health and Human Services
Health and Human Services Bldg, Room 108
Phone: (517) 483-1410
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