Why Choose Massage Therapy as a Career?
Consumer
Demand
Massage therapy is gaining credibility
among healthcare professionals and acceptance among the general
public as a valuable therapeutic treatment. Statistics show
that one in five adults received a massage in 2004, with nearly
half seeking pain relief; using massage therapy as their
preferred method for relieving pain (American Massage Therapy
Association). The U.S. Bureau of Labor & Statistics said
that, the profession is expected to grow at a faster than
average rate, 35 percent by 2012. Competently trained therapists who have a passion
for the field of massage will be needed to meet the demand as
we move into the next decade.
Vocation of Helping
People
There is no greater gift than to make a difference in the life
of another person. As a massage therapist you focus on the
whole person and provide therapeutic solutions for overuse
injuries, chronic pain and relief from emotional and physical
stress. As a garden grows, this vocation cultivates your own
intuition, individuality, and caring qualities to produce a
career that is congruent with whom you are.
Run Your Own
Business
The American Massage Therapy Association defines a full time
practice as sixteen or more billable hours per week. Running a
business is not just about giving massages. As a small business
owner: scheduling clients, marketing, recordkeeping, billing
insurance companies and communicating with other healthcare
providers fills the rest of the week. Graduates choose full
time or part time work hours depending upon their most
important priorities in life at any given time. This vocation
allows flexibility for parenting, pursuing educational goals,
contributing time to charities or even another part time
career.
Lifetime of
Learning
Even though serving others is a reward
in itself, a career in massage therapy opens the door to a
lifetime of learning about the human body, health, and touch
therapies. With the scientific advancements proving the
effectiveness of massage, a student with an insatiable appetite
for knowledge, will be perpetually challenged.
Physical
Career
If you enjoy hiking, biking, walking, rock climbing, skiing,
working out in the gym or another physical endeavor: this is
the profession for you! Giving a quality massage will take
physical, emotional, and spiritual energy; however like any
form of exercise: the after effects of working hard are always
physically and personally fulfilling!