How to Become a Massage Therapist

How to Become a Massage Therapist: A Step-by-Step Guide

Have you ever thought about turning your passion for massage into a rewarding career? With the right training and dedication, you can become a licensed massage therapist helping clients heal, decompress and rejuvenate.

This comprehensive guide covers all the key steps involved in launching a successful massage therapy career. Read on to learn the massage therapist job duties, education and licensing requirements, potential earnings, job outlook and expert tips to begin practicing in the therapeutic massage field.

What Does a Massage Therapist Do?

Massage therapists manipulate the soft tissues and muscles of the body to provide therapeutic benefits. During massage sessions, therapists assess client medical histories and any problem areas to create customized treatment plans.

Common massage therapist job duties include:

•  Evaluating clients’ soft tissue condition, joint quality and function, muscle strength and range of motion
•  Discussing desired results and problem zones with clients to determine massage type and technique
•  Tailoring massage treatments to address clients’ needs such as pain relief, improved circulation or relaxation
•  Applying various massage techniques including Swedish, deep tissue, sports and trigger point using hands, fingers, forearms and elbows
•  Adjusting massage pressure, stroke length and technique based on client feedback and reactions
•  Guiding clients through deep breathing techniques and stretches for enhanced relaxation
•  Maintaining proper body mechanics to avoid injury when applying techniques
•  Recommending self-care like ice/heat therapy, ergonomic adjustments and home exercises
•  Charting sessions including techniques used and clients’ response to treatments
•  Building long-term client relationships and referrals through exemplary service

The ultimate goal as a massage therapist is to enhance clients’ physical and emotional well-being through therapeutic, customized massage treatments.

Massage Therapy Education Requirements

To legally practice massage therapy in the United States, proper training and licensure are required. While specific requirements vary by state, all massage therapists must complete a postsecondary education program accredited by an organization like the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA).

There are several educational paths to choose from:

•  Certificate or diploma program: Can be completed in less than 1 year and provides basic training in massage therapy techniques. Graduates qualify for entry-level positions but many states require associate degree training or higher for licensure.
•  Associate degree: Takes about 2 years to complete and includes more extensive training in massage modalities plus general education courses. Graduates qualify for massage therapy licensure in most states.
•  Bachelor’s degree: Takes 4 years and is the most comprehensive massage therapy education option. In addition to advanced bodywork training, curriculum includes areas like business, ethics and science. This degree opens up the most career advancement opportunities.
•  Continuing education: Required by most states on an ongoing basis to maintain licensure. Therapists take continuing ed courses in modalities like sports, prenatal or aromatherapy massage to stay current in the field.

Standard massage therapy curriculum includes coursework and hands-on training in areas like:

•  Anatomy and physiology – Musculoskeletal, circulatory and nervous systems
•  Kinesiology – Body mechanics, gait, posture analysis
•  Pathology – Understanding health conditions, contraindications
•  Business practices – Marketing, recordkeeping, professionalism
•  Massage techniques – Swedish, deep tissue, trigger point therapy
•  Adjunct therapies – Heat/cold application, stretching, aromatherapy
•  Ethics – Boundaries, confidentiality, legal/regulatory standards

Many aspiring therapists boost practical skills further by completing internship hours in a professional massage setting under guidance of an experienced therapist.

Massage Therapy Licensing Requirements

All states except Kansas regulate massage therapy practices. Therapists must obtain proper licensure to practice legally and professionally in their state. While specific licensing requirements vary, the general process includes:

•  Earning a qualifying degree from an accredited massage therapy school
•  Passing the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx)
•  Completing state-mandated application paperwork and fees
•  Passing a background check
•  Providing letters of professional recommendation
•  Meeting minimum hands-on training hours – Often 500-1000 hours

The Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) prepares the MBLEx and administers it in regulated states. The exam evaluates essential knowledge, skills and abilities for safe, effective massage therapy practice.

Renewing massage therapy licenses is required every 2-4 years depending on the state. Renewal often involves completing continuing education credits, paying a fee and possibly retaking the MBLEx exam.

Projected Job Growth and Earnings Potential

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts employment of massage therapists will grow at an impressive rate of 22% between 2020-2030, over three times the average growth rate for all occupations. Business expansion, greater client demand, healthcare integration and licensing requirements in new states are driving this increase.

Additional factors fueling the need for qualified massage therapists include:

•  Greater public awareness of therapeutic massage benefits
•  More doctors recommending massage as complementary treatment
•  Expanding massage therapy settings like spas, franchises and medical offices
•  Rising consumer wellness and self-care awareness
•  Increased athletic involvement and sports therapy demands
•  Aging baby boomer population needing pain relief and mobility support

The 2022 median pay for massage therapists is $47,350 per year or $22.76 hourly according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Income potential varies greatly based on factors like:

•  Geographic location – Urban and coastal regions pay more
•  Employment setting – 5-star resorts and franchises offer higher wages
•  Clientele – Private practices serving high-income executives or athletes pay more
•  Specialization – Sports massage, medical massage or aromatherapy certification allow higher billing rates
•  Experience level – Income increases as therapists gain expertise and clientele
•  Self-employment – Successful private practice owners enjoy unlimited earning potential

Many massage therapists hold part-time roles or work at multiple settings like spas, fitness centers, clinics and private offices to supplement income. Those operating full-time private massage therapy practices can comfortably earn over $75,000 annually through solid business practices.

How to Start Your Massage Therapy Career

Follow these key steps to launch a rewarding, prosperous career in massage therapy:

Choose degree program and school
Select from accredited certificate, associate or bachelor’s degree options. Research schools thoroughly weighing factors like quality of training, learning environment, reputation and cost.

Apply and secure program financing
Apply to desired schools and get approved for financial aid if needed. Grants, scholarships, federal loans and employer programs can help fund massage therapy degrees.

Complete hands-on training
Immerse fully in the program gaining extensive knowledge and bodywork skills. Participate in student clinic hours to refine technique and proficiency.

Get licensed
Upon graduation, apply for state licensure by submitting documentation and passing the MBLEx exam.

Build clientele and gain experience
Start establishing a local client base through internships, networking, marketing and referrals. Consider joining an existing practice or spa to gain experience before venturing solo.

Consider specialty certification
Pursuing continuing education in specialized modalities like sports massage, prenatal massage or aromatherapy can increase opportunities and earning potential.

Establish proper business foundations
Therapists who open private practices must implement sound business models covering legal compliance, accounting, insurance billing, marketing, customer service and risk management.

Join professional associations
Membership in the American Massage Therapy Association provides resources and Continuing education programs, promotes high ethical and professional standards, and helps build credibility.

Ready for a Rewarding Career in Massage Therapy?

With proper training, strategic business moves and a dedication to professional service, massage therapy can be a stable, lucrative and fulfilling career. If helping others heal and relax through the power of touch appeals to your interests and strengths, leverage this guide to successfully navigate the key steps to become a licensed massage therapist. With determination and smart preparation, you will be well equipped to launch a prosperous massage therapy practice and rewarding vocation doing meaningful work you’re passionate about.