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Does Being a Massage Therapist Require Any Special Training or Additional Education?

Massage therapists treat injuries and reduce stress by manipulating a patient's muscles. The Bureau of Labor Statistics, or BLS, notes that there are more than 80 massage modalities, or specialties. Among them are neuromuscular, Swedish and deep-tissue massage. Massage therapists work in various settings, including nursing homes and private offices. The BLS explains that about 48 percent of massage therapists work part-time.

  1. Requirements

    • A prospective massage therapist completes at least 500 hours of study. Programs are typically approved by the state licensing boards that regulate the practice of massage therapy. As of 2009, only eight states didn't require a license for massage therapists: Wyoming, Vermont, Montana, Oklahoma, Minnesota, Kansas, Idaho and Alaska. A high school diploma or GED is required for admission to a massage therapy program.

    Training

    • In a massage therapy training program, students learn about anatomy and physiology, organ systems, body mechanics and massage therapy ethics. Students can also take courses focusing on a specific modality, such as Swedish massage. Clinical practice is also part of a massage therapy program and gives students the opportunity to use the techniques learned in class. Massage therapy training can be completed on a part-time or full-time basis. Forty-two states regulate the practice of massage therapy; aspiring massage therapists in those states need to graduate from an accredited program to be licensed and establish a practice.

    Licensure

    • The BLS advises aspiring massage therapists to contact their state's licensing board regarding specific requirements for licensure. Typically, candidates take one of two exams: the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination or the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. The exams cover topics such as body systems, anatomy, ethics, massage applications and client assessment. Candidates for licensure must graduate from an approved program before registering for one of the exams. Additionally, massage therapists should be prepared to pay a fee or take continuing education courses to maintain a license.

    Potential

    • Employment for massage therapists is expected to grow by 19 percent through the year 2018. This growth will result from an increased demand for massage treatments and public understanding of the benefits of massage therapy. The BLS advises prospective massage therapists to join a professional association and network to build a client base. Job opportunities will be best for massage therapists who complete formal training and earn a professional credential. As of May 2008, the median hourly wage for massage therapists was $16.78, according to the BLS.

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