Massage Therapist
Comprehensive Sites
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Massage TherapistCreated by the U.S. Department of Labor, this career profile introduces you to the training, work qualifications, employment data, and job outlook for a massage therapist. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to find links to important professional organizations in the field, or click on detailed earnings data.
CareerOneStop: Massage TherapistFrom a complete nationwide career profile database, this site lets you connect to specific information from any state you choose on becoming a massage therapist. You will find, not only a description of a massage therapist, but also a career video, specific tasks and skills needed, work activities, and links to information on training and colleges. A host of related job profile sties is also at this site.
Princeton Review: Massage TherapyThe basics of massage therapy are introduced to you at this site. If you are considering a career as a massage therapist, you can learn about what high school courses could help you, programs following high school that offer courses in massage therapy, and a sample undergraduate curriculum at college.
Accredited Academic Programs
Commission of Massage Therapy AccreditationA schools directory is available at this page, taking you to listings of all schools across the country offering accredited massage therapy programs. These institutions have demonstrated high standards in the field and are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Salary Levels
PayScale: Massage TherapistThe hourly rate by years of experience for a massage therapist is shown at the graph at this site. If you scroll down, you will find answers to questions about salary data and additional depictions of salary data according to the employer type or city of employment.
Professional Organizations
American Massage Therapy AssociationThis organization provides many opportunities in launching a career as a massage therapist. Find out about certification in the field, or access the toolbox for building your own practice. Newsletters and state licensure requirements are provided.
Associated Bodywork and Massage ProfessionalsThis is a professionals’ organization but has information on its massage school alliance. A student membership is also available, and, if you are just getting started in the field, it will provide you with liability insurance.
Licensing & Certification
Federation of State Message Therapy BoardsThis organization supports members and provides resources and links to students who wish to take licensing examinations to become professional massage therapists. Answers to frequently asked questions are provided here, as well as a candidate handbook. Several states accept this licensure and are listed at the site.
National Certificaton Board for Massage and BodyworkThis national certifying board for massage offers information on certification from the link at the top of the site. By clicking this, you will be taken to details on certification and recertification as a professional massage therapist.
Job Opportunity Sources
Indeed.com: Massage TherapistThousands of opportunities as a massage therapist can be browsed at this page, which takes its listings from several nationwide databases and private employers.
Publications
MassageResource.com: Massage Therapy ForumIf you are looking to read and post topics on massage therapy issues, come to this site. After a free registration, you can enter discussions on massage techniques, national certification programs, school questions, instructors, and education.
Career Videos
YouTube: Career in Massage TherapyInformation on good message therapy programs, solid business management, and the jobs of relieving pain and promoting relaxation are discussed in this video, as well as certification and job opportunities.
