Massage Therapy as a Career
Massage therapy is one of the fastest growing careers in the country, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, with above average employment growth projected for the next ten years. The spa & resort industry reported that employment of massage therapists doubled in a recent two year period.
Employment growth is fueled by a continued year-over-year growth in demand for massage therapy services. The percent of adult Americans having a massage in the last 12 months reached 16% in 2006, according to the Harstad Strategic Reseach 2007 National Consumer Survey. Consumers visited massage therapists over 241,000 times and increased their spending to more than $11 billion during this period according the same study.
This growth is fueled by several factors:
Growing Acceptance of Massage & Natural Therapies
In a 2007 survey of adult Americans sponsored by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), 87% agreed that massage can be efffective in reducing pain, and 85% agreed that massage can be beneficial to general health and wellness.
Almost 20% of those surveyed reported discussing massage with their doctors and health care providers; and of this group, 59% reported that their doctors either recommended or encouraged its use (AMTA: Demand for Massage Therapy 2006).
The reason for these significant attitudinal shifts is due to the growing body of evidence indicating that wellness involves the body, mind and spirit of the individual. Treating symptoms alone, which has long been the Western approach to health care, will often not solve the problem. More holistic approaches that deal with the whole person on multiple levels are increasingly thought to play an important role. Receiving massage therapy regularly, regulating diet, keeping fit, managing stress and avoiding contact with harmful environmental factors are all elements of a holistic approach to a healthful lifestyle.
Employment Opportunities
One of the most attractive aspects of becoming a professional massage therapist is the versatility it offers, including the choice of either full-time or part-time employment. While many graduates choose to work in their own businesses, as a private practioner, the majority seek more structured employment situations typically offered by day spas, health clubs, hospitals, retirement centers and doctor's offices.
While the massage industry has it's roots in what is often referred to as "relaxation" massage, the type typically associated with spas, resorts and cruise ships, today's massage therapist has a much broader scope of practice, which may include pain management, injury rehabilitation, post-operative recovery, athletic performance enhancement and general health and wellness.
Today, MTTI graduates are active both in private practice, and more-structured employment situations, including health clubs, hospitals, chiropractic offices, day spas, wellness centers, beauty salons, physical therapy rehabilitation centers, retirement homes, sports teams, and so on. Graduates typically earn between $28-$70 for a one-hour session, depending on the employment structure.
Because MTTI is highly regarded in the community, we always have open job orders from potential employers looking to hire our graduates. MTTI's career services teamworks with each student to help them discover the work situation that best meets their ineeds, and then we connect them with employers in the area. While most of our graduates find employment soon after graduation, employment success rests largely with the individual student, and is never guaranteed.
The Importance of National Certification
The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) sets standards for massage and bodywork practitioners across the country by way of the National Certification Exam (NCE). National Certification from NCBTMB protects the consumer, the profession and employers by ensuring that individuals who obtain this credential have skills consistent with specific national standards and criteria. To become eligible for certification, practitioners must possess certain levels of education, experience and training, demonstrate mastery of core skills, abilities and knowledge, and pass a certification exam. NCBTMB also requires continuing education to keep practitioners current with advances in the field.
Graduates of MTTI's massage therapy program are eligible to take the NCE. And MTTI is very proud to announce that graduates sitting for the National Certification Exam enjoy a pass rate of 81%! The national average is only 68%. MTTI's high pass rate reflects our comprehensive curriculum and excellent instruction.
Licensing Requirements for Massage Therapists
In Missouri, licensing is governed by the state. MTTI's 750-hour curriculum exceeds the minimum requirements established by the state of Missouri. Missouri requires National Certification for licensure. In Kansas, licensing is governed by individual municipalities. MTTI's curriculum prepares graduates to meet licensing requirements in all local cities.
Currently, in Missouri and Kansas there are no licensing requirements for personal trainers, wellness counselors, or energy healing practitioners.