CAREERS IN MASSAGE THERAPY

As massage therapy has become increasingly important in the health and wellness professions, the number of massage therapists has risen dramatically. AMTA estimates that the number of massage therapists in the United States, including students, is between 300,000 and 350,000 in 2018. Many more are still needed in this growing industry. The massage therapy industry is going to grow 26% by 2025.

Training programs in massage therapy generally require at minimum a high school diploma or GED, though post-secondary education is very useful. Previous studies in broad subjects such as science (especially anatomy and physiology), business and humanities are helpful.

Massage therapists practice in a variety of setting and locations and in a variety of contractual arrangements. Some examples of locations in which massage therapists practice are:

• massage office
  
• office in home
  
• massage office
  
• physician offices and clinics
  
• franchises
  
• hospitals and wellness centers
  
• nursing homes/hospices
  
• chiropractic offices
  
• on-site (chair massage in offices, airports and at public events, for example)
  
• health clubs and fitness centers
  
• sports teams and events (amateur and professional)
  
• hotels
  
• spas and resorts
  
• salons
  
• cruise ships
  

46 states currently regulate massage and several others are moving toward statewide regulation/licensing. Most states require a minimum number of hours of training, passing an exam to demonstrate competency (for instance, passing the MBLEx), and continuing education to practice. The MBLEx is administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards.