| There's little doubt that the health care industry is | | | | programs and training programs throughout the |
| one to watch in an economy rife with lay-off. In | | | | country. So just who becomes a massage |
| fact, it is looking to buck the trend. According to | | | | therapist? The American Massage Therapy |
| the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the health | | | | Association reveals that of its membership, 85 |
| care industry should generate 3 million new jobs | | | | percent of AMTA members are female and 15 |
| through 2016--that's more than any other | | | | percent are male. Over half of AMTA members |
| industry. Massage therapy, in particular, should | | | | are ages 35 to 54, with the median age at 44. |
| represent a substantial part of that growth. | | | | Bring on the Masseur! Industry Future |
| So What's the Rub? Career Profile | | | | The demand for massage therapists is projected |
| Perhaps the biggest benefit to this medical-based | | | | to grow by 20 percent over the coming decade, |
| career is the diversity. As opposed to being | | | | which is faster than the national average for all |
| funneled into a common role, message therapy | | | | occupations through 2016. The natural population |
| professionals often shape their career over time. | | | | growth, an aging society, and the interest in |
| Personal choices with respect to work hours, | | | | holistic healthcare are all factors that should drive |
| independence, and choice of practice locations and | | | | career opportunities. |
| types open up the career to endless possibilities. | | | | Time Saving Tips |
| Potential earnings for massage therapists are also | | | | The following to-do list represents a collection of |
| an attraction. The BLS lists the 2007 median | | | | suggestions for the AMTA on earning certification |
| annual salary of massage therapy specialists at | | | | and finding work in the massage therapy career:o |
| $34,870. The top ten percent earned $70,840 | | | | Complete a Program. Earn certification from a |
| and the bottom earned $16,000. Geographic | | | | school that's accredited in your area. Call a |
| location and years of experience also may play a | | | | program representative from any program you're |
| substantial role in determining salary level. | | | | considering to confirm accreditation.o Pass the |
| Beyond the Technique: Educational Requirements | | | | NCETMB. That's the exam that earns you national |
| Another benefit is the sensible preparation periods, | | | | certification in the practice of massage therapy. |
| particularly for those candidates reluctant to | | | | Complete it and you can earn instant nationwide |
| spend several years and several tens of | | | | recognition.o Meet Locality Requirements. Again, |
| thousands of dollars on a traditional healthcare | | | | every state and municipality has its own additional |
| degree program. Many programs can be | | | | certification requirements. Know them and meet |
| completed within two years of part-time study at | | | | them. |
| a fraction of the bachelor-degree price tag. | | | | Imagine getting paid to promote relaxation, relieve |
| The BLS also reports that there are roughly 1,500 | | | | pain, and increase flexibility. Today's massage |
| massage therapy postsecondary schools, college | | | | therapists are doing it every day. |