Massage therapists use massage techniques to relieve physical symptoms of stress and pain in their clients. Massage therapy is also used to aid healing in injured soft tissue or joints.
The Cool Things They Do:
- Provide massage treatments to help reduce symptoms of tension in patients
- Work with disabled people to help manage or reduce pain
- Work with injured people to strengthen damaged joints or muscles and help to avoid chronic pain
- Provide advice about exercise, physical activity and proper posture to avoid injury
Working Conditions:
Massage therapists usually work indoors, and many travel to clients’ places of business or residence. Therapy is physically demanding work, requiring standing and massaging for many hours at a time. Traveling therapists must often carry a modest amount of equipment from place to place. Hours depend on the physical stamina of the therapist. Many therapists work part-time.
Most Massage Therapists Work In:
- Massage therapy clinics
- Hospitals, nursing homes, doctors’ offices
- Health and fitness clubs
- Professional sports teams
- Private offices
- Homes or businesses of clients
Personal Characteristics/Skills:
- Genuine interest in helping people
- Excellent physical fitness and posture
- Good interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to work independently
Education and Training Required (For canada) :
Massage Therapy Certificate or Diploma Program at a Community College
Length of Study/Training (For canada) :
2 years post-secondary followed by 2,200 hours of supervised training
Certification (s) (For canada) :
Ontario: Registration with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO)
Helpful High School Courses:
- Biology
- Math
- Health
- English
Employment Prospects - GOOD
Registered Massage Therapists are valued health care professionals who can work in many different settings, such as private clinics, wellness centers, medical/rehabilitation clinics, sports medicine clinics, hospitals, geriatric care settings, or clinics offering chiropractic, homeopathic and naturopathic care. Opportunities also exist in health spas/hotels, fitness institutes, sports organizations / sports trainers, theatre and dance groups, and tourist destinations and cruise ships. Self-employment is also an option through the performance of private house visits.
Earnings:
Average hourly wages ($17.28) are close to the national average ($16.91).
Average annual
income varies depending on location, type
of practice, skills, experience and number
of clients.
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