Massage therapy is an ever-expanding industry, offering massage school graduates the opportunity to pursue a career in this rapidly expanding field. After graduating from a massage therapy program, you have the potential to pursue various careers based on both professional objectives and personal preferences.
Finding work in this exciting field may not always be straightforward, but with the appropriate education and training, you can have an enriched and rewarding career in this exciting industry. Here are a few career options for massage school graduates to consider.
5 Career Options for Graduates of Massage School
1. Massage Therapist
If you're thinking about a career in massage therapy, the options are endless. From working at clinics or spas to becoming an independent businessperson and even traveling the world! Whatever your desired path may be - massage therapy has something for everyone!
In most states, you'll need to obtain a license in order to practice medicine. This can be accomplished by passing the Medical Board Exam (MBLEX), which is an industry-wide assessment that most states require.
Some people opt to begin their careers working under an experienced therapist. This can be a great way to learn the ropes of the industry, build a client base, and earn a steady income from clients.
2. Massage Instructor
Massage school graduates have the potential for many career paths. If you wish to instruct students on how to become therapists, start by networking with schools offering courses in this field and finding out what qualifications are necessary for teaching positions.
When searching for a school, check if they adhere to the Entry-Level Analysis Project (ELAP) standards, created by an alliance of massage organizations to set minimum requirements for training new massage therapists at entry-level professional work. This ensures you get an accurate representation of their curriculum.
Some schools require instructors to have a certain number of years working as massage therapists before they can be certified to teach the trade.
3. Acupuncturist
As an acupuncturist, you use sterile needles to stimulate areas of the body which can reduce pain and inflammation. Furthermore, you help patients reclaim their health and balance.
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine practice that utilizes the energy in your body (qi) to heal and restore balance. You can practice acupuncture in many settings, such as hospitals, wellness centers, and medical spas.
To become an acupuncturist, the initial step is obtaining a degree from an accredited school. You should also research licensure requirements and the certification exam process in your state.
4. Chiropractor
After graduation, you can embark on any career that provides therapeutic relief to people struggling to feel better and get their lives back on track. You can work in a medical setting or create your own practice from home.
You must learn how to communicate effectively with insurance companies and market your services effectively in order to make a living. Furthermore, you'll need to locate patients and establish an excellent reputation within the community.
Chiropractic schools typically provide a three-phase education, beginning with basic science coursework related to the human body. You'll then explore clinical and chiropractic sciences as well as complete an internship experience in which you take on real patient cases.
5. Physical Therapist
As a physical therapist, you'll assist people in managing their physical well-being through prescribed exercise, manual therapy, and patient education. You may work in various settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, or private practices.
To become a physical therapist, you must earn your Doctor of Physical Therapy degree (DPT) from an accredited school and pass the state licensing exam. When selecting your program, look for one that offers both online coursework and on-campus clinical experiences.
While you will certainly need more training than just massage school for some of these careers, it’s possible to go into them and use your new skills. Most massage school graduates will go on to become massage therapists first before entering any other career.