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Why Choose a Career in Massage Therapy?
Thursday, August 29, 2024, 10:37 AM
This blog was originally published on September 21, 2022. It has been revised to include new information and links.
Top 5 Reasons to Become a Massage Therapist
Choosing a career path can be difficult. As you will be spending many hours a week in your chosen profession, it's essential to get it right!
Massage therapy is quickly becoming more popular among students and professionals looking for a career change. Some benefits of pursuing a career in massage therapy include flexible work hours, steady income, and shorter education and training — all of which contribute to a healthier work-life balance.
Here are the top five reasons why a career in massage therapy could be right for you:
Quick Certification
When choosing a career, time and money are often the most significant deciding factors. How long are you willing to stay in school? How much money are you ready to spend? In most cases, the longer you stay, the more money you spend.
Massage therapy programs can be completed within one and a half to three years, consisting of a minimum 2,200 hours of training.
Your training includes in-depth knowledge of the human body and its systems, extensive anatomy training, clinical assessment, research, palpation (using hands and fingers to assess a client's muscles and soft tissues), hands-on massage techniques, communication, and much more.
Education is an investment, and in two years, you can start seeing the return on that investment with massage therapy.
Some schools even offer massage therapy programs with flexible schedules, like weekend classes and online learning. You could keep your current employment while training for a new one!
The NHPC recognizes massage therapy programs from over 25 schools across Canada.
Career Stability and Security
If you spend a lot of time and money on your education, you want to ensure a place for yourself in the job market.
Our economy continuously fluctuates. We've endured recessions, budget cuts, and, most recently, a global pandemic. Job uncertainties put significant strain on your overall well-being.
CBC reports that the pandemic has increased the demand for massage therapists. More Canadians are putting greater emphasis on their mental and physical wellness, turning to massage therapy as beneficial and affordable care.
Job Bank Canada also reports a fair prospect of job opportunities for massage therapists over the next three years.
In 2022, massage therapists made an annual income of $73,000 to $78,000 ($40/hour) on average. The average salary in Canada is estimated at $44,000 per year ($22/hour).
Unforeseen circumstances, like a pandemic, can substantially impact job prospects in any profession. A career in massage therapy can sufficiently provide for you and your family.
Work Flexibility
Massage therapists have the flexibility to set when and where they work. As a massage therapist, you may choose to work in a variety of settings:
- Clinic: this includes massage therapy, physiotherapy, and chiropractic clinics, as well as other multidisciplinary settings
- Spa: this relaxing setting aims to help clients relax and recover
- Mobile Massage: massage therapists travel to the client's home to provide treatment
- Home: massage therapists set up a separate treatment room in their own homes
- Athletic Facilities: specialize in sports massage and work with athletic teams, in gyms, and more
Many massage therapists are self-employed, allowing them to set their own hours. You can work full-time or part-time, in the mornings or in the evenings, depending on your personal or professional needs.
While self-employment comes with many benefits, there are some considerations when starting your own business, such as if you should incorporate your massage therapy practice.
Opportunities for Growth
Massage therapists have many growth opportunities. As with most professions, your education doesn't end when you receive your massage therapy diploma.
You will have endless opportunities to learn new techniques or add other holistic health therapies to your practice.
More massage therapists are integrating other holistic health practices in their massage therapy sessions. NHPC members have included myofascial cupping, energy work, stone therapy, and aromatherapy in their sessions.
Incorporating different techniques into your massage therapy treatments will help you combat fatigue as a practitioner by preventing repetitive use of the same muscles.
Make a Difference
For some people, a job is just a job! It's a way to make ends meet. But as a massage therapist, you can take pride in making a difference in someone's overall well-being.
As a massage therapist, you can:
- help reduce anxiety and fatigue in cancer patients
- improve people's immune function and physical strength by loosening the muscles, allowing for greater mobility and function, which leads to better physical performance
- aid in treating acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions
You will be integral to another person's physical and mental wellness journey.
Join the Largest Canada-wide Holistic Health Association
Are you ready to start your career in massage therapy? Learn how the NHPC can support your journey in holistic health care.
Once enrolled in your first or second year of massage therapy, you can apply for our free student membership!
With a student membership, you will have access to:
- exclusive discounts on products and services (e.g., internet, cable, phone plans, life and medical insurance, clothing, footwear, etc.)
- one-on-one advice on how to start and manage your practice
- virtual and in-person events and education
- optional discounted insurance for your practicum
We're a community of over 6,500 practitioners working with you to strengthen your career as a holistic health practitioner!