thinking of going to school

[~*~3 WKS LEFT~*~]

I have been unsatisfied with my career for years now. The store I work in is closing, and I am thinking of going to school and learning a form of bodywork. This is something , I have always wanted to do and I feel now is the perfect time. I am really, really excited. The therapies that interest me most are Thai massage and reflexology. Which therapy do you think is a "safer bet" to learn first? I naturally hope to be able to earn a living doing this. I wonder if Thai massage would be a good choice because there are not so many therapists out there yet, or is it risky because many people would not know of it? Any advice? Thanks!

 

[Brookie]

It all depends upon what state you live in. Some will let you train in just those modalities, others will want you to get your massage therapy license first, then specialize in those areas. If you read the sections under State, National, County, etc Legislation and Politics you will get a better idea of what you will need to do.

 

[Anabelle]

You may also want to check out the student section to browse some of the threads of interest to you, and to see what other people have studied.

 

[Bahhhh]

thank you

Those are good points. The schools in my area that I have looked at seem to reflexology courses will help you get certification, but with the Thai massage, no mention of it. I will call the schools today and see.

I love this board, have learned so much, and already read through most of the forums. Very educational, encouraging, and supportive.

My dream has always been to work in a spa, but after reading the posts here, it would seem that working for yourself is often the best way. I was very surprised to see someone mention that and aesthatician makes twice as much as a MT!

I am off to read the Legal section now. It does sound very confusing with each state being so different!

 

[cap d]

a beauty therapist can earn a lot more because they can work a lot more hours without damaging their bodies. Someone sitting down a lot of the time doing beauty CAN work a 40hr week and have a long career, someone doing 40hr of massage per week will very quickly realise why "full time" for a massage therapist is usually about 20hr per week, I've never heard of a beauty therapist having to go home and ice hands and forearms - too many hours of massage and that can be a common result if you're not careful.

 

[Galen Marekkk.]

re

That makes sense, melb!