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If you are planning for your future, you should consider enrolling in a massage therapy program. Massage is increasingly being used as part of integrated medicine that addresses whole-person wellness. A massage therapist these days is just as likely to work in a hospital, nursing home or doctors' office as they are to work in a luxury resort. In fact, the Bureau of Labor and Statistics estimates that jobs in massage therapy will grow 19 percent by 2018. There are a variety of things to consider when looking at enrolling in a massage therapy program:

Basic Program Description
In a massage therapy program, you'll learn how to use therapeutic tough for preventative maintenance, stress management, rehabilitation, relaxation, injury recover and general wellness. You'll be trained in a range of different massage techniques, including Swedish massage, massage designed for the elderly and pregnant women, low back pain and headaches, Asian theory and body work, condition-specific massage for treating ailments like carpel tunnel syndrome and more.

You'll also gain a working knowledge of anatomy, pathology and kinesiology. You'll also gain interpersonal skill, as making the patient feel comfortable is an essential component to the relaxing techniques of massage. Professional ethics are also important components of a massage therapy program.

Job Outlook
As more people learn about the benefits of massage, the job outlook for massage therapists is expected to grow. Massage has become important in nursing homes, doctors' offices and hospitals. Some companies have even been known to employ massage therapists in order to offer their own staff stress management. As the benefits of massage gain prominence, many insurance companies are accepting it as a verified form of alternative medicine because it is also cost-effective. Those who enter a massage therapy program enjoy a robust job market after they graduate.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics expects a 19 percent growth in jobs through 2018, as these trends are expected to continue. The health care industry overall enjoys a positive job outlook and as massage therapy becomes better recognized as a health therapy, massage careers will continue to grow.

License and Certification
It is important that the massage therapy program be licensed and nationally credited. Requirements differ from state to state and students who graduate from an accredited institution will be eligible to apply to sit for the National Certification Exam for Massages Therapy. Once you graduate the program, you must then apply for a state license.

Program Length
Most massage therapy programs take about 10 months to complete, although supplemental training may be a good idea as well. You can take supplemental classes on working with cancer patients, the elderly, and even courses that deal with different spine and muscle conditions.

Many in this difficult economy are going back to school. Federal and state funds have become available to encourage job training and education opportunities, including loans, scholarships and grants for massage school.

Work Environments
There is a wide variety of job opportunities available to Licensed Massage Therapists. For those who love to travel or want to live in exotic destinations, job opportunities exist with luxury resorts around the world and even on cruise ships. If you are interested in working with sports teams, athletes or other people who are physically active, many physical therapists and professional sports teams employ massage therapists. In addition, massage therapists can find employment in doctor's offices, clinics, holistic wellness centers and other health and wellness facilities.

About the Author:

Beth Glick is the Communications Specialist for Pima Medical Institute, a medical career college with a wide range of certificate, associate's and bachelor's degree programs and campuses in AZ, CA, CO, NV, NM, TX and WA. For more information about massage therapy programs, visit our website.

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