Massage therapy has become recognized and respected as a profession therapeutic profession which has a great job outlook over the next decade.
Massage therapy is among the first known therapeutic treatments and in recent years has obtained more recognition and respect as a therapeutic profession.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) acknowledges massage therapy as a vital non-invasive method of treatment in health care. Currently there are ongoing studies investigating more into the restorative effects of this type of therapy in different groups of people and clinical settings.
What Degree is Offered by Massage Therapy Programs?
Massage Therapy programs can offer either an associates in science (A.S.) or associates in applied science (A.A.S.) degree. These 2-year programs are becoming more widely available at various academic institutions in order to fulfill the increasing interest and growing demand for licensed massage therapists.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for these therapeutic specialists is projected to increase over 20% through the year 2020. It’s important the program meet state Department of Education requirements for massage therapy training.
What Do You Learn in a Massage Therapy Degree Program?
A typical massage therapy curriculum develops a solid foundation in the biological sciences, in addition to a core liberal arts and sciences base. Extensive theoretical understanding and practical application of both Western and Eastern massage therapy methodologies is offered by most programs. Students are taught via classroom lectures, lab presentations, and through evaluating and practicing various techniques under the supervision of a licensed massage therapist. Most massage therapy associate’s degree programs are built around a holistic health structure - for example, students are exposed to alternative therapeutic methods that complement the core techniques. Usually work opportunities will be made available in a range of settings upon graduation. Also, students will be able to take the state licensing examination after successful completion of the program.
Courses You’ll Find in a Massage Therapy Degree Program
The following is an example of the type of liberal arts and biological and applied science courses that are part of massage therapy associate’s degree curricula. Certain subjects may be taught over more than 1 semester, such as Anatomy & Physiology I and II.
- English/Literature
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Kinesiology
- Eastern Massage Techniques
- Western Massage Techniques
- Massage Therapy Business Practice
- Massage Therapy Ethics
- Massage Therapy Practicum
After Graduating from a Massage Therapy Degree Program You’ll…
- Have a solid base in the general health sciences, as well as a basic liberal arts education
- Have an understanding and working knowledge in massage therapy as a science, health care treatment and art form
- Be able to demonstrate both theoretical and applied knowledge of Eastern and Western massage therapy methods
- Have the ability to work with different populations in wide range of work environments
- Comprehend various professional concerns associated with being a massage therapist, including legal and ethical issues, business practice and the significance of continuing education throughout their career
- Be prepared to sit for your state’s massage therapy license exam
Overall, these programs provide students with the chance to enter into a comprehensive health care education and training curriculum. A good massage therapy program will also integrate teaching with health & wellness promotion and health sociology as well as providing students with job prospects in various settings after graduation. In the present day, massage therapists are employed in hospitals and other medical facilities, sports and health clubs, holistic/alternative medicine health centers, retirement homes, spas & resorts, corporate workplaces, in addition to various private health care or business practices.
Infographic: Growing Recognition of Massage Therapy
The following infographic shows the results from a recent survey by the American Massage Therapy Association indicating more people are turning to massage to help relieve musculoskeletal pain or discomfort.
Another significant finding is that more health care professionals including physicians and chiropractors are referring their patients to massage therapists. This evidence strongly supports the faster than average job growth projected for this profession over the next decade.
