Guide to Health Careers

Massage Therapist

from: http://www.communityhealthcareers.com/careers_massage.htm

Massage therapists use massage techniques to relieve physical symptoms of stress and pain in their clients. Massage therapy is also used to aid healing in injured soft tissue or joints.

The Cool Things They Do:

Provide massage treatments to help reduce symptoms of tension in patients
Work with disabled people to help manage or reduce pain
Work with injured people to strengthen damaged joints or muscles and help to avoid chronic pain
Provide advice about exercise, physical activity and proper posture to avoid injury

Working Conditions:

Massage therapists usually work indoors, and many travel to clients’ places of business or residence. Therapy is physically demanding work, requiring standing and massaging for many hours at a time. Traveling therapists must often carry a modest amount of equipment from place to place. Hours depend on the physical stamina of the therapist. Many therapists work part-time.

Most Massage Therapists Work In:

Massage therapy clinics
Hospitals, nursing homes, doctors’ offices
Health and fitness clubs
Professional sports teams
Private offices
Homes or businesses of clients

Personal Characteristics/Skills:

Genuine interest in helping people
Excellent physical fitness and posture
Good interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to work independently

Education and Training Required:

Massage Therapy Certificate or Diploma Program at a Community College

Length of Study/Training:

2 years post-secondary followed by 2,200 hours of supervised training

Certification (s):

Ontario: Registration with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO)

Helpful High School Courses:

Biology
Math
Health
English

Employment Prospects - GOOD

Registered Massage Therapists are valued health care professionals who can work in many different settings, such as private clinics, wellness centers, medical/rehabilitation clinics, sports medicine clinics, hospitals, geriatric care settings, or clinics offering chiropractic, homeopathic and naturopathic care. Opportunities also exist in health spas/hotels, fitness institutes, sports organizations / sports trainers, theatre and dance groups, and tourist destinations and cruise ships. Self-employment is also an option through the performance of private house visits.

Earnings:

Average hourly wages ($17.28) are close to the national average ($16.91).

Average annual income varies depending on location, type of practice, skills, experience and number of clients.

More Information:

Canadian Massage Therapist Alliance
http://www.cmta.ca

College of Massage Therapists of Ontario
http://www.cmto.com

Canadian Massage Therapist Alliance
http://www.cmta.ca

Canadian Sport Massage Therapists Association
http://csmta.ca

Craniosacral Therapy Association of North America
http://www.craniosacraltherapy.org

Massage Therapy Canada Magazine
http://www.massagetherapycanada.com

Massage Magazine
http://www.massagemag.com

Job Futures:

Other Technical Occupations in Health Care (Except Dental)
http://jobfutures.ca/noc/323.shtml