Once you have finished your training and have your massage therapy certificate in hand, how can you find the right employment opportunity. In this fast-growing field, the employment options are quite varied. Here are some places where massage therapists are commonly employed:
Chiropractic Clinics
Massage and chiropractic care work closely together. Massage therapists help the body relax, while chiropractors help the nervous system send signals as it should. Together, these two treatments give the body the best chance at total wellness.
Vacation Resorts and Cruise Ships
Getting a massage is something many people love to do on vacation. The relaxing nature of the massage and the additional time they have while on vacation make it the ideal time to invest in this treatment. Cruise ships carry massage therapists to give treatments in their spas, and many vacation resorts offer the same services. As a massage therapist, you will be able to work in the middle of all of this.
Physical Therapy Clinics
Physical therapy and massage therapy are not the same discipline, but a growing emphasis on massage therapy as a benefit to physical therapy patients has led to an increasing frequency in partnerships between physical therapists and massage therapists. As these partnerships continue to grow in importance, the demand for massage therapy in physical therapy clinics is likely to grow as well.
Day Spas
Many who graduate from massage therapy schools picture themselves employed by a spa. The spa is the location most people think of when they want a massage. Spas are all about pampering and relaxation, as well as beauty and wellness, and massage therapy is typically found in the midst of these offerings. In fact, in the eyes of most consumers, a day spa without a massage therapist is not complete.
Corporations
Large corporations often provide massage as part of their offerings to their workers. While this may not be a full-time job, massage therapists are often called to corporate offices to provide onsite seated massage. This can be a lucrative side business for therapists who choose to launch their own businesses rather than working under the employment of a larger company.
Sports Teams
Relaxed, pain-free muscles are crucial to professional sports players, yet the job of playing sports day in and day out takes a toll on those muscles. For this reason, many sports franchises employ massage therapists to help with their players.
Working Independently
While many massage therapists will work directly for a company or in a clinic, others opt to be self-employed. They offer their services to a variety of private and corporate clients on an as-needed basis. They may travel to client homes or offices, or they may offer their services in a stand-alone office.
The job options for a massage therapist are quite varied, but the first step is with the right education. Learn more about the affordable, flexible classes at North Carolina Massage School as you prepare for a rewarding career as a massage therapist.