Find Massage Therapy Careers in the United States and Canada. Candidates seeking massage therapy careers discover that a great deal of training and education goes into becoming a professional massage therapist. Students drawn to this natural therapy should possess an outgoing personality, effective communication skills and an entrepreneurial desire for success.

are on the rise as more and more clients and patients are turning to alternative and complementary medicines to combat common health disorders and conditions. For example, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, part of the National Institutes of Health, has ongoing clinical trials and studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of mind-body medicine as a complementary healing system (so often facilitated by those in massage therapy careers).

In addition to spas, salons, chiropractic clinics and medical facilities, massage therapy careers can be found in non-traditional healthcare settings - such as resorts, cruise ships, airports, convention centers, hotels, racetracks, and other sporting events.

Individuals must first, however, acquire appropriate training and education from one of several massage schools, colleges or universities to gain entry-level . General training encompasses anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, deep tissue massage, Swedish massage and sometimes, sports massage. While standard training entails a minimum of 300-500 classroom hours, some programs well exceed 1,000 hours. In addition, a number of massage colleges provide degreed massage therapy courses.

Students seeking massage therapy careers can also apply to advanced training programs in myofascial release therapy, craniosacral therapy, lymph drainage therapy, Tuina, chair/corporate massage, medical massage, among other subject matter.

Overall, massage therapy careers are comprised of natural healers and massage practitioners who have a strong desire to help others. In addition to having a meaningful profession, persons who have successfully met all academic and training requirements can expect ample job opportunities - according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, massage therapy careers are on the rise and expected to grow throughout the coming decade. Furthermore, professional massage therapists can earn well over $30 an hour.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding massage therapy careers, let professional training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore near you.

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