How Long Does It Take To Become A Massage Therapist in 2024?

Through the application of expert massage methods, massage therapists provide their clients with relaxation and healing.

It’s a fantastic career for those who are deeply committed to serving others and seek employment that requires regular physical activity.

Becoming a massage therapist can take different amounts of time depending on which route you take. We’ll discuss what a massage therapist performs in this post, how long it takes to become a massage therapist, and the abilities you’ll acquire while preparing for a profession in massage therapy.

A career as a massage therapist is both stable and rewarding.

Because it enables them to interact with others and meaningfully assist people, many people pick this professional path.

It’s a wonderful chance to help people and enhance the lives and well-being of patients. In the United States, it has become more and more common because it is such a fulfilling and satisfying vocation, and every year, more and more people decide to finish their massage therapy training.

Check out here: Best Massage Therapy Schools in Indiana | Cost, Requirement & How To Apply

What is Massage Therapy School Like?

The amount of education needed to become a massage therapist varies substantially by state or region.

Postsecondary institutions, whether private or public, frequently provide educational programs. The majority of programs require at least 500 hours of study, however some demand 1,000 or more.

Admission to a massage therapy program normally requires a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Programs often include classroom instruction with practical massage technique practice.

Programs cover topics like kinesiology, which is the study of motion and body mechanics, pathology, which is the study of disease, business management, and ethics.

They also cover topics like anatomy and physiology, which is the study of organs and tissues.

Programs may focus on particular massage modalities or expertise.

Numerous programs also provide aid for finding employment and continuing education. There are full-time and part-time options for education.

Click here: Best Massage Therapy Schools in San Diego | Cost, Requirement & How To Apply

Is Attending a Massage Therapy School Worth It?

You must enroll in a training program if you want to become a massage therapist before you can submit an application for a license.

How confident are you that everything will be worthwhile before you take the plunge and enroll in your desired school? Even running a successful spa business can be difficult at times. Do you possess the tenacity needed for success?

It’s a fantastic job to heal people with your hands, but not everyone is cut out for it.

Here also: Best Massage Therapy Schools in Southern California | Cost, Requirement & How To Apply

What Schooling Do You Need to Be a Massage Therapist?

A two- or four-year degree is not required to become a massage therapist. A diploma or certification is often given after 500 to 1,000 hours of instruction in massage therapy programs.

Almost all states demand that massage therapists obtain a license before beginning their careers.

Before enrolling in a school, make sure your program complies with your state’s criteria because each state has its own set of professional standards for massage therapy practitioners.

An authorized school should offer a certificate or diploma program for aspiring massage therapists.

The MBLEx has 100 questions and needs to be finished within two hours. The exam covers topics such as ethics, client evaluations, kinesiology, and the physiological results of massage.

Prospective therapists must also submit an application and documentation proving they have met the state’s standards in addition to taking the exam.

A certification that is obtained after completing a set number of clinical hours and passing an exam is not always necessary but might facilitate the application process for a massage therapy license.

There are further massage therapy certificates available, such as:

Massage for animals
Palliative medicine
sports therapy
Managed spas
Clinically therapeutic massage

See here also: Best Massage Therapy Schools in Virginia | Cost, Requirement & How To Apply

How Long Does It Take To Become Licensed Massage therapy?

Most states need massage therapists to get a license before they may work in their field.

This requires passing a nationally recognized exam after graduating from an accredited massage therapy institution. Programs typically include between 300 and 1,000 hours of both classroom and practical training.

This can mean anything from a few weeks to two years, depending on the design of the program you choose to enroll in.

How many methods you learn and how much hands-on experience is provided will determine how long it takes.

Consider a longer curriculum that offers extensive training and equips you with a larger range of massage techniques and procedures if you intend to work full-time.

This will provide you with the knowledge and abilities required to deal with a wider range of clients.

Here also: Best Massage Therapy Schools In Pennsylvania | Cost, Requirement & How To Apply

How Much Does It Cost to Become Licensed in massage therapy?

Depending on the educational path you choose, being a massage therapist might cost a variety of amounts.

Associate degrees from affordable community colleges run less than $7,600 for a two-year program.

Additionally, you should pass the $262 board tests for you to become a qualified and licensed massage therapist.

Check out: Best Massage Therapy Schools In South Carolina | Cost, Requirement & How To Apply

Salary and Job Outlook for massage therapy after Study

The average salary for massage therapists is $46,910 per year. The wage at which half of the employees in a profession made more money than that amount and half made less is known as the median wage.

The bottom 10% earned less than $24,450, while the top 10% made more than $77,600.

Most massage therapists make a living off of salary and tips, with the possibility of perks like free or heavily discounted sessions.

A lot of massage therapists have part-time jobs. Therapists typically operate by appointment, which results in a wide range of schedules and weekly work hours.

Massage therapists, especially those who work for themselves, may also spend time taking notes from customers, marketing, scheduling clients, washing sheets, and managing other routine business operations.

Also, see: Best Massage Therapy Schools in Las Vegas | Cost, Requirement & How To Apply

Job Outlook

Over the next ten years, the employment of massage therapists is expected to increase by 20%, which is substantially faster than the average for all occupations.

Over the next ten years, there are expected to be, on average, 25,200 openings for massage therapists.

Many of those positions are anticipated to be brought on by the need to replace workers who change careers or leave the workforce due to retirement.

Conclusion

Over the next ten years, there will be 23,300 new positions in the massage treatment industry, which is growing rapidly.

At ICOHS College, start your path to a prosperous profession. Our Professional Massage Therapist certificate program is accredited by the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC), which is a state-recognized body. Courses in the program cover the following topics:

Anatomy, Kinesiology, and Client Assessment, as well as Deep Tissue and Eastern Modalities
Western methods
Special Populations, Pathology, and Body Systems
Employment Development

Bodywork and therapeutic massage techniques will be taught to students in order to help customers feel better physically and mentally.

In order to master all relevant medical terminology and get ready for the state licensing exam, they will also participate in classroom activities. For those that qualify, financial aid alternatives are available.

Students can find excellent work prospects after graduating from our programs at massage therapy clinics, spas and resorts, cruise ships, holistic health facilities, and more.

Additionally, students have the option of starting their own companies or hiring freelancers.

Check here: Best Massage Therapy Schools in Atlanta | Cost, Requirement & How To Apply

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth becoming a massage therapist?

The majority of massage therapists are still tremendously happy in their jobs. You might be a good fit for the sector if you have a strong love for health and healing.

The need for massage therapists is likewise very high. They also have good earning potential and can have a meaningful impact on the lives of those around them.

Can you make good money as a massage therapist?

The average yearly salary for massage therapists, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), is $43,620, with the top 10% of earners earning more than $79,000.

How long does it take to train to get a massage therapist?

Depending on the program you choose, massage therapy school might take anywhere from a few months to a year and a half to complete.

The time needed to earn a license or certification should also be taken into account.

How long does it take to become a professional massage therapist?

Depending on the location and state, it may take longer to complete the necessary training to become a registered massage therapist.

However, you should plan to invest, on average, 500–2000 hours; typically, at least eight or nine months. Other information includes the possibility of a renewal cost for the license itself.

How long is massage therapy school in Michigan?

Students must complete programs in Michigan that total at least 500 hours. They must incorporate the following academic program: 200 hours of teaching in the theory, practice, and evaluation of massage and bodywork.

References

https://www.zippia.com/what schooling do you need to become a massage therapist
https://www.indeed.com/how long does it take to become a licensed massage therapist
https://collegegrad.com/salary and job outlook for massage therapist
https://www.cortiva.edu/is massage therapy worth it
https://www.learnhowtobecome.org/how does it cost to become a massage therapist
https://icohs.edu/conclusion and FAQ

How Long Does It Take To Become A Massage Therapist?