There is no greater gift than to make a difference in the life of another person.
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!
Massage Therapy Licensing Requirements for the State of Oregon: (Requirements in other states may be different-See Director for information).
* Must complete 500 or more hours of
supervised classroom education
* Must pass the Massage and Bodywork
Licensing Examination (MBLEx) or the National
Certification Examination
* Must pass the Oregon Board of Massage
Practical Examination