Massage Therapy

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This program prepares students for employment as professional massage therapists. The program provides a solid knowledge base in the structure and function of the human body, ethics, various theories and applications of therapeutic massage along with hands-on experience. The massage therapy program requires 600 hours in total.

• The increasing demand on massage therapy services leads to a continued growth in the business. → Employment of massage therapist is expected to grow at a higher rate than the average employment growth of other occupations.
• Due to expansion of the health care industry, 1.7 million new jobs have been created over the past 5 years.
• The number of day spas have been increased by 400% over the past 10 years and more than 90% of high-end spa packages include massage therapy.
• A quarter of the United States population has experienced massage therapy in the past 12 months and the number is continuously growing.
• Two-thirds of clients want to get the service from the same massage therapist.

Program Length: 30 weeks (Maximum Time Frame: 45 weeks)
Total Hours: 600 Hours

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*LMT 150, 151, 152, 153 are electives
*LMT 101 – LMT 111 – will add up to the required 600 hours

Job Outlook

Employment of massage therapists is projected to grow 21 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Continued growth in the demand for massage services will lead to new openings for massage therapists.

As more states adopt licensing requirements and standards for massage therapists, the practice of massage is likely to be respected and accepted by more people as a way to treat pain and to improve overall wellness.

Similarly, demand will likely increase as more healthcare providers understand the benefits of massage and these services become part of treatment plans. However, demand in some healthcare settings will be tempered by limited insurance coverage for massage services.

Massage also offers specific benefits to particular groups of people whose continued demand for massage services will lead to overall growth for the occupation. For example, many sports teams hire massage therapists to help their athletes rehabilitate from injuries and to relieve or manage pain.

The number of massage clinic franchises has increased in recent years. Many franchised clinics offer more affordable massages than those provided at spas and resorts, making massage services available to wider range of customers. (Source: https://www.bls.gov/ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Medium Salary

From the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, medium pay for massage therapist in 2019 is $20.76 per hour (up to $35.99 + tips).

Wages for Massage Therapists in MD in 2019

Wages for Massage Therapists in VA in 2019

Future Career

After graduation, a certified massage therapist usually works for:

• Spas
• Fitness centers
• Hospitals
• Hotels and resorts
• Private homes and offices
• Chiropractic clinics
• Massage therapy clinics

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