Massage therapy has become a mainstay in holistic healthcare practice. Massage has been clinically shown to decrease pain, strengthen the immune system, lower stress levels, elevate mood, and generally improve wellness.
Learning how to become a massage therapist is an excellent first step for those interested in working as a practitioner who provides an alternative approach to health and wellness. In as little as 36 weeks, students can complete a massage therapy program and prepare to launch a flexible career with reliable job security.
What Does a Massage Therapist Do?
Massage therapists are trained professionals who use muscle manipulation techniques to assist clients who have any of a variety of health and wellness issues. Some specialize in one or more types of massage, including Swedish, trigger point, sports, or deep tissue massage. Massage therapists work in a wide range of settings, including fitness centers, spas, and medical centers. Many self-employed massage therapists work in either their own or their clients’ homes.
Part of learning how to become a massage therapist involves understanding the day-to-day duties and responsibilities associated with the role. Though their responsibilities may vary from one client or setting to the next, most massage therapists perform the following tasks:
Using their hands to apply varying pressure to muscles and other tissues in the body
Keeping records that include their clients’ treatment goals, plans, and progress
Talking to clients about their symptoms and what they hope to achieve through massage therapy
Teaching clients about lifestyle choices that can improve their health and wellness
Recommending stretches and exercises to clients that can improve their flexibility or range of motion
Developing individual treatment plans that suit their clients’ goals and needs
Steps to Become a Massage Therapist
For those interested in becoming a massage therapist, the steps can vary from one state to the next. Individual states, counties, and cities set their own rules, especially when it comes to licensing requirements. Generally, the steps include earning a postsecondary nondegree certificate, developing skills, gaining experience, obtaining licensure or other credentials, and pursuing ongoing education and professional development.
1. Complete a Massage Therapy Program
No state has a college degree requirement for massage therapists, which is one of the reasons why massage therapy is gaining ground as a popular career choice. Instead, most states require massage therapists to complete a postsecondary nondegree massage therapy program before seeking employment in the field.
Though the program length can vary depending on an individual student’s needs and schedule, most can earn their massage therapy certificate in about nine months. The certificate shows that the student has mastered important concepts such as pathology, anatomy, and kinesiology and is ready to begin working in the field.
2. Develop Key Skills
Successful massage therapists hone key skills during their massage therapy program. These skills help massage therapists become more effective in their role, increase their client satisfaction rate, and make a real difference in their clients’ lives. Anyone researching how to become a massage therapist will discover that students focus on the following hard and soft skills:
Communication: Massage therapists must be excellent communicators to effectively understand and treat their clients’ specific needs. They must be able to listen carefully and respond appropriately in person, on the phone, and via written communication such as email.
Anatomy and Physiology: A solid understanding of the body and how it functions is essential to a massage therapist’s success. Gaining relevant knowledge of human anatomy and physiology prepares massage therapists to choose the right therapies and apply the proper techniques during massages.
Empathy and Compassion: Clients seek massages for a wide range of reasons, some of which are personal. Empathy and compassion are vital to understanding clients’ emotional needs and helping them feel at ease.
Physical Stamina: Massage therapists need to be able to use the strength in their hands and arms, often for several hours a day. Knowing how to conserve their energy, strengthen their movements, and maintain the proper pressure allows massage therapists to successfully do their jobs.
Good Hygiene: Massage therapists are in close contact with their clients, and excellent personal hygiene skills are important. By employing frequent hand-washing and other hygienic practices, massage therapists help their clients stay healthy and feel comfortable.
3. Obtain Licensure and Credentials
As of 2023, massage therapists must be licensed in 45 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia. Each state determines its own licensure qualifications, including renewal times and requirements. Students are encouraged to contact the massage therapist licensing board in the state in which they will seek employment. Obtaining licensure in any state requires passing the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx).
Aside from licensure, many massage therapists seek one or more optional certifications. These may require students to participate in a specialized massage program at a specific facility and pass the related exam.
4. Gain Work Experience
The first work experience that a massage therapist gains takes place during a comprehensive certificate program, which combines classroom training with hands-on learning. At the entry level, massage therapists may work as apprentices. At first, a massage therapy apprentice will likely observe a more experienced therapist. Later, they may practice their own techniques under another therapist’s direct supervision.
5. Continue Professional Development
Learning how to become a massage therapist is the first step in the process. Continuing education (CE) is important for maintaining massage therapy licensure, and the requirements in each state vary. The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) offers free online CE courses for massage therapists that cover topics such as self-care, business and marketing, ethics, massage education, general education, and research.
Many massage therapists choose to participate in workshops, conferences, and expositions, where they can learn more about the latest research and discover new technologies that could improve or impact their practice.
Job Outlook for Massage Therapists
The massage therapy services market is expected to grow by 8.4% between 2024 and 2034, according to a 2023 report by Future Market Insights (FMI). Increasing awareness of the health and wellness benefits associated with massage, advanced technology that makes it easy to schedule appointments, and consumers’ interest in a holistic approach to their health are expected to fuel this growth. FMI estimates that the massage therapy industry is worth more than $65 billion in the United States alone as of 2024, forecasting that it will grow to more than $146 billion by 2034.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that positions for massage therapists will increase by 18% between 2022 and 2032 for many of the same reasons. More consumers than ever are interested in massage therapy as a safe and natural alternative to pharmaceutical solutions for stress, anxiety, and pain, and the increased demand for these services is expected to fuel significant growth in the field over the next decade.
Promote Health, Wellness, and Relaxation by Becoming a Massage Therapist
As more people seek the benefits of massage therapy, the demand for qualified, skilled professionals will continue to rise. You can learn how to become a massage therapist with the Massage Therapy program offered at the Fortis Institute in Towson, Maryland and Fortis College in Richmond, Virginia campuses.
Our comprehensive program can prepare you for a career as a licensed massage therapist with the ability to pursue job opportunities in your choice of setting, or to set yourself up for self-employment for more flexibility. Find out more about turning your love of the healing power of touch into a fulfilling career.
Recommended Readings
Becoming a Massage Therapist Offers the Freedom of Being Your Own Boss
Trends in Massage Therapy: Commitment to Wellness for More People
Massage Therapists Help Address Stress and Other Physical Conditions