Becoming a massage therapist?

[Marissa]

Hey all

I'm currently enrolled in a community college taking prereq's for physical therapy. I think it would be great to have some experience as a massage therapist before becoming a Physical therapist. I haven't done much research, but how easily can i get certified and hired as a massage therapist, and how much do they make?

I'd be working part time since i'd still be going to school for some time...

 

[mistify]

Considering the amount that massage is used in PT (very little) as compared to exercise and manual therapies, etc, and the cost involved in going to massage therapy school, it may not be worth it. If you spend $10,000 to become an MT, consider it's probably going to take you at least an extra year to finish your BS and apply to PT school (at least an extra $10,000 in tuition right there). Also consider that the job market for MTs is currently quite poor. You'll learn all the massage you need to know as a PT in about a week of PT school. Once you understand anatomy, physiology and pathology (part of the PT coursework), massage becomes rather intuitive to the PT.

...If you aren't an MT already, I'd say it's a poor investment if your goal is to actually become a PT. You could become a CNA in 6 weeksfor much less money and have better job opportunities and benefits as compared to an MT. ...and the experience of working with patients as a CNA will be more valuable than working with people in a spa as an MT.

 

[Roberto R]

Depends on the state you live in. In most states it is regulated by the health department so you can go to your states health department website too get the info you need. It can vary from as little as 500 hours to 1500 hours of school. On average it takes 6 months to a year, you then have to take a board exam, and then go through the stat to get you license. As far as being hired it depends on the demand in your area but once you have your license you should be able to get a job within the first month. Now on to pay unfortunately as a new massage therapist you will start at the bottom of barrel as far as pay go again this depend where you live but i would have to say between $8-$13.