What Will I Learn in a Massage Therapy Degree Program?

Getting a degree in massage therapy will allow you to help clients work through injuries, chronic pain and muscle aches. Students will learn how to work with the muscles of the body to provide pain relief and relaxation. They may also take courses in kinesiology and anatomy to help further their understanding of how the human body is put together and how all of its moving parts work. Students may want to specialize in one type of massage treatment or may want to work more generally to learn a wide variety of techniques that can be applied in their future workplace. For many students, taking courses in business and communication can also be a big help in founding a future practice and working with clients.

Massage Tech. Cert.

What Can I Do With a Massage Therapy Degree?

After completing your massage therapy degree program and the accordant licensing process, you'll be ready to enter a rewarding career helping people improve their health. Many massage therapy grads will find work in spas and wellness centers dedicated to relaxation and treatment of the body and mind. Many others will begin their own practices and work in offices and make home visits to clients. Because so many massage therapists work independently, it's essential to gain good networking skills while in school. Other career options include working with athletic teams and in sports facilities, as well as providing massages in fitness centers and gyms.

What Is the Career Outlook for Massage Therapy Degree Students?

There is a growing demand in many places around the nation for skilled massage therapists, and graduates of a degree program should have little trouble finding employment. To be successful, graduates will need to ensure that they keep their licensing up to date and that they're able to tackle the business aspects of working in this field. Pay for massage therapists averages about $15 an hour, but will vary depending on experience, the specific services rendered, and the location and type of facility. Tips from customers comprise a large part of the money therapists earn, so good communication and relationships with clients are essential.