If you are passionate about helping others in a relaxing environment, consider becoming a massage therapist! A massage therapy career path can be rewarding; massage therapists get to help those in pain recover from stress, injury, and tension. Massage therapy makes people feel good, and patients look forward to their appointments. Find your sense of purpose in a spiritually peaceful environment; let the soft music, warm linens, and soothing smell be a part of your daily life. Explore a massage therapist career path if you thrive in a hands-on profession and love helping people.
Learn more about Dorsey College’s massage therapy training in Michigan
What is being a massage therapist like?
Massage therapists all have one thing in common, they help people relax and feel better. A massage therapist career requires a lot of physical labor. They use their hands and elbows to knead muscles and soft tissue. This can help to relieve pain, improve range of motion, and reduce stress in clients. When a massage therapist ends a massage therapy session, they must organize and prepare the room after each client. Sessions can run from 15 minutes to an hour or more of constant movement.
A massage therapist is expected to communicate effectively with clients about symptoms, stress levels, tight spots, and recovery. Clients may want education on the techniques that are being used such as Swedish massage, sports massage, deep tissue, trigger point massage, prenatal massages, and more!
A massage therapist’s career path is individualized; there are a variety of work settings to seek employment (once licensed), which is great because there are many options to choose from! Massage therapists can work in a spa, clinic, resort, health club, or private chiropractic office. No matter the location, a chance to relax and heal your client is within reach.
Taking the massage therapist career path
The path to a massage therapy career requires schooling and the necessary training. An aspiring massage therapist must complete a training program at a state approved massage therapy school. Prerequisites for a massage therapy school often include a GED or a high school diploma. Once a massage therapist program is completed, meeting the state requirements is a must. Usually, exams are required for credentials, such as the MBLEx (Massage & Bodywork Licensing Exam). When all steps are completed, a candidate is one step closer to becoming a massage therapist.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of massage therapists is projected to grow 20 percent from 2021 to 2031, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. (1)
Is becoming a massage therapist hard?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the level of difficulty in becoming a massage therapist can vary. Education requires commitment, and learning new things can push one out of their comfort zone, but exchanging time for learning opportunities and growth is always worth it.
A future massage therapist’s curriculum in school is usually demanding, but can also be exciting. Much of the courses required include hands-on experiences such as learning about massage therapy techniques. Topics such as ethics & business practice, and Anatomy/Physiology, Kinesiology & Pathology will also likely be covered. So while the difficulty level may vary, ultimately becoming a licensed massage therapist does require some effort and dedication.
How long will it take?
The massage therapy program completion time is determined by the time a student can commit to their training and the length of the program they choose. Programs can take anywhere from months to years. This could depend on if the student is full or part time as well as which program the student is enrolled in. In a massage therapy program, clinical hours are required to be completed.
Why become a massage therapist?
Compassionate people are needed in the massage therapy field. If you are caring and empathetic, pursuing the path of becoming a massage therapist may be the right fit for you! Clients need to be heard and cared for, regarding their needs. Having a career that allows you to give back and help change the lives of others for the better is one of the biggest perks of massage therapy.
Learn about Dorsey College’s Massage Therapy Program!
If you are in Michigan, consider training with Dorsey College’s Massage Therapy program!
Students can learn how to treat injuries and improve wellness through techniques that help with stress relief and can improve blood flow. Hands-on massage opportunities are available with clinical hours on campus as well. Students will also have the opportunity to learn about the therapist-client dynamics from expert educators.
Dorsey College strives to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and professionalism to become highly qualified professionals! Students will also have the opportunity to prepare for the state exams for licensure, however, Dorsey College makes no guarantees of a student’s outcome on a certification or licensure exam. To gain more information about becoming a massage therapist, contact Dorsey College today!
The Dorsey College Massage Therapy curriculum fulfills the educational requirements for licensure in the state of Michigan. Dorsey College has determined that its Massage Therapy program curriculum is sufficient to fulfill educational requirements for licensure in the State of Michigan only. No educational determinations have been made for any other state, district or US territory in regards to licensure requirements.
