Frequently Asked Questions

Some of the most frequently asked questions about a career in massage usually have to deal with the everyday things that a massage therapist will have to do to be successful. For the most part, none of these things really matter, but they will keep you from becoming a massage therapist if you let them. Making a decision about a career in massage therapy (or any career) will really push your buttons and make you get clear about what it is that you want, need and love to do.

There is no right or wrong answer. Only what is right for you. How much money can I make doing Massage?

The answer is you can make as little or as much as you want. Most massage therapists start their own business. There are starting to be more jobs in the field, but the hours are long and the money goes to the employers as you slave over the table. It is important to create your own job and negotiate a wage you can live on.

Will I be able to find a job?

Will you be able to find a job in any career that you choose? It will be just as challenging in the massage therapy profession. But the good news is massage is really in it's infancy. If you are committed and creative enough you should not have any problem.

What education requirements are there to get into massage school?

You will have to check with each school but basically you only need a high school diploma.

What school should I choose? What school is the best?

I can't really answer that. You have to make that decision yourself. I have a check list of questions in the schools section.There are currently more that 1,500 massage schools in the US alone and more are cropping up every day. Choose the one that best fits your needs. Find out what your state requires as far as licensing and then make sure that school will provide that.

For more information on how to choose a massage school, purchase my Ebook - The Massage Therapy Career Guide- The truth about becoming a massage therapist". You will get much more information on how to decide on a massage career and pick the school that is best for you.

Will I be able to make it as a massage therapist?

I am a 50 year old mother of 3, with no business experience.I am a retired engineer looking for a second career.I am a 30 something single parent.

If I can do it anyone can... It is really up to you. You won't have to do it alone. There is the support of my other website www.thebodyworker.com

How long will it take to go to school and how much will it cost?

It depends on what state education requirements you have. If there aren't any yet in your state, there probably will be soon. School can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $12,000 depending on the length of the program.

My state only requires 500 hours of training but most schools offer more than that. Is more training better? Is it worthwhile or even needed?

It really depends on how much of a self- starter you are and how much you feel you need to know to be successful. I have seen many therapist take the minimum requirements and do fine. I have seen therapists take the 1,000 hour training and come out not wanting to start a practice because they feel they still don't know anything. Starting a practice or finding a job really depends on you. To find out more information on the number of hours of training that are required and what is best for you see the 'The Massage Therapy Career Guide -

How long will it take for me to find a job or build a practice?

Like any business venture, be prepared to live a year or two without adequate income. This of course varies by your skill and self confidence levels. Most massage therapists do not have adequate funding to start their careers. You can get ahead of the game by saving now.

I heard that there is a high risk of injury because of the physical demands of the profession.

While there certainly is a physical demand it doesn't seem any different than sitting at a desk for 8 hours a day. The physical demand, like anything else, just requires that you become self aware and take care of yourself. While there are many different posture alignment and body mechanic issues, I believe that the real issue is deeper than that. If you end up with an injury, you may want to look at what purpose the injury is serving you. (There is one even though you may not be conscious of it.)There will also be signs along the way that you are doing too much and not taking care of yourself. We often ignore these signs and sacrifice taking care of ourselves for others. Ignoring these signs is what leads to injury.

I am right out of high school and am wanting to go to massage school. What challenges will I have?

Doing massage and working closely with people requires maturity. You will be dealing with people who are in pain, are injured, have diseases and various conditions. It is more than just applying a technique that you learn in massage school. Life experience, business experience and relationship experience will all be beneficial in a massage career.

I just want to help people. It's not really about making money.

Then forget about a career in massage. It is about making money as money is really about freedom. And let's face it, you need money to live, to save and to retire. A career in massage therapy is much more than just helping others as you will find out more on this website and in my Ebook -The Massage Therapy Career Guide.

Still have a question that hasn't been answered? Submit your question through the following form that will make it into a webpage on this site for others to see. I will still answer all posts personally but you now have the whole massage profession to help you! Thanks!

Or if you are serious about learning more about the massage profession be sure to pick up my Ebook for $16.95 -

'The Massage Therapy Career Guide - The truth about becoming a Massage Therapist. What massage schools and associations won't tell you about becoming a massage therapists." When you purchase my ebook, you will also get a Free pdf file of this entire site without the ads!.

Submit your question and have it answered by the author and owner of this website - me! Julie Onofrio
and share your question so that others may learn too!

Be sure to include your email address to get your replies.

Click below to see what questions others have and

click on the comments to read the answers

Legally when can I start giving massages?  I am currently enrolled in a program for massage therapy. I am wondering if I can legally give massages to people before I finish school and get my certification?...

A Mans Field??  what is the likely hood of a man succeeding as a LMT. Isn't it a predominately a career for woman?

Answer:
This question has been asked many times....

starting jobs  I have a career portfolio project that I have to do to graduate high school. I was just wondering if there were any starting jobs in the field of massage ...

how long -  how long does it take to become a massage therapist? a year ? 2 years?

typical day for massage therapist  What is a typical day like?

sorry if this may sound stupid.  I've decided to do massage therapy for a good portion of my life, but a friend told me that it might take a toll on my body doing it, and I don't think ...

Arthritis???  Hi, does anyone know about anyone working as a massage therapist with Rhemathoid Arthtitis?
I am wondering about going to school to learn this, but i ...

self insured  does a therapist have to be self insured after completing school and have there certificate ? do all hospital hire massage therapist?

male vs female sports massage therapists  Are male sports massage therapists any more successful than female sports massage therapists?
As a student and a male working towards becoming a certified ...

cost of massage school  How much will it cost to go to massage therapy school?

established massage busineses  HOW MUCH CAN I EXPECT TO MAKE IF I HAVE AN ESTABLISHED BUSINESS?

I have a bachelor's degree and currently work a job in my career field. I want to start ...

what courses do i ned to take in highschool for massage therapy  what courses do i need to take in highschool so that im prepared for college to be a massage therapist

How do I know if massage therapy is right for me?  I am 39 years old. I've been attending college for nursing and not really sure if this is for me. How can I find out if massage therapy is for me? I have ...

National License as Massage Therapist  Is there any such thing as a National Licensed Massage Therapist, which would allow you to practice in any state in the US . . and abroad? I'm a Licensed ...

how much money does a massage therapist make?  how much money does a massage therapist make

What classes are mandatory to become a massage therapist?  What classes are mandatory to become a massage therapist?

Massage Therapist...  What High School Classes would you take to become a massage therapist?

I can't find any information on what classes you should take in high school for ...

benefits  what are some benefits after completing training and becoming a massage therapist?

physical demands of massage therapy  what are two physical demands for being a massage therapist?

who will i be working with  who would i be working with

Is there any demand for men in the massage Therapy field?  Hi,
I have been interested in Massage therapy for quite a while, however I was discouraged when somebody told me there is not as much demand for Men ...

Requirements for becoming a Massage Therapist  I'm in high school right now and i was just wondering what courses do I have to require to get excepted into a massage therapy program? What average is ...

national massage license acqusition  If I have already had a certificate issued by California. How can I get a national license to practice states other than California?

Working around the world as a massage therapist  If I do my Massage Therapy training in BC Canada, am I able to work in other places in the world such as the US, Australia, or Europe without having to ...

Sports Massage   What is the average income when working in sports massage therapy?

massage licensing requirements  how much schooling is required to become a licensed massage therapist?

clothing for a career in massage therapy  will i need to wear a uniform or suit for this career

What do i need in high school?  What kind of courses do i need in high school to become a massage therapist?

massage liability insurance  Hi Julie

I read your article and must say its complete.
Thanks so much for the info you have available
I wanted to ask u about insurance. I live in ...

massage school requirements  if you did not finish hi school can you get into massage schooling?

More about if Massage is a profitable career  I'm considering becoming a massage therapist, with acupressure training and eventually acupuncture. Since I was a teenager I've received a lot of positive ...

Most Popular Massage State  I'm a massages therapist looking to relocate. Can anyone tell me statistics as far the more popular states for massage usage?

RSI and massage  If have have repetitive stress injury in my right wrist, is that going to affect me being a massage therapist? I have heard of massage therapist's developing ...

Legal aspects of practicing massage  What should an MT look out for in splitting costs, IC situations, renting space, working with other practitioners (esp. chiropractors), etc.?
There are ...

how much will a massage therapist make in Pueblo Colorado a year?  How much will a massage therapist make in Pueblo Colorado a year ?


(See comments section for answers to this question or submit comment to answer....

What are the Benefits of being a massage employee  What kind of benefits can I expect as a Massage Therapist? Would it be worth being self-employed if there are no benefits (health insurance, life insurance,...

Am I strong enough  I have heard people say I shouldn't do massage because my hands are small and weak. I have heard others say that having small and weak hands shouldn't ...

Is a massage profession for men?  I'm a guy 35 thinking of a career change to massage therapy. Is massage therapy really for guys? Do you need strong hands?


(See comments section for ...

The pros and cons of massage businesses  hello,

My question is: what are some of the pros and cons of owning your own business verses working for somebody else.
Lacie

(See comments section ...

Communicable diseases and massage  With all the diseases and sicknesses out there is it safe to practice with a sexually transmitted disease or treat people with similar diseases?


(See ...

how long do you have to go to massage school?  how long do you need to go to school to be a massage therapist?




(See comments section for answers to this question or submit comment to answer....

flex hours  My husband is Active Military and I am a stay at home mother. Obviously we don't need the extra money but this is something I have wanted to do. I hear ...

California massage schooling  In California how long is the massage therapy school and process for?


Answer:

Please see the licensing section for California

Career Change  I recently quit corporate america as I was approaching 40 and miserable at my work. No plan, no money in the bank. Just jumped off the cliff and bringing ...

Have you ever had problems with your hands?   I am scared that if i go into the business i might get hand problems at a early age. Have you ever had hand problems?

Answer: I have never had any ...

what kind of classes would i need to take  is there special classes that you need to take and does all of the studies need to be done at the same school. And can i take classes online?


Answer:...

Massage requirements in European countries  I am currently in school at Blue Cliff School of Massage and am interested in moving to Europe to seek employment there. What are the requirements to work ...

no certificate  I have a deep love for massage but did not finish school for personal reasons is there any way I can still get my certificate?

requirements for massage business  what are the requirement to start my own massaga therapy buessines?

what classes do i have to take to become a masseur  i really what to do this because i love doing it and i am all ready good at it i gut need to go to college to learn the setback and get a deplane. but ...

Massage Therapy  will there be a background check?

what do you need to provide(diploma, cpr/first aid certification, etc.)

what are the total costs for your licenses?...

money  How much money can a massage therapist make in a year?

How old do you have to be to go to massage school  Hello I was wondering if you had to be 18 to go to massage school. I know community colleges have dual enrollment programs so I was wondering if there ...

Massage Therapist Schooling outside of Canada  I took my massage therapist schooling in phoenix, az. What do I need to do to practice massage therapy in BC? My schooling was 700 hours, and have been ...

How do i start on the road of Massage Therapy after high school?  I am an 18 year old wishing to go in to massage therapy what is the criteria such as what classes do I need to take in college.

How much schooling do I need to go to massage school?  What core subjects do I need to pass in High school ?
how much education do I need ?
How long is schooling in collage ?

how long do you have to go to school to become a massage therapist?  How long do you have to go to school to become a massage therapist? i am in middle school and i dont really understand all of these big words and phrases ...