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| Category: Massage Therapy Schools |
Date published: September 16, 2008 |
Say Hello to the Massage Career of Your Dreams!
by CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd
 Argh...I've got to get out of this place!
How many times have you wanted to free yourself from the same, dull routine? If you're like some cubicle huggers, you might be growing tired of uninspiring document transfers and ungrateful coworkers. To get a unique and appealing look into what you might be missing, you may want to pursue a more hands-on position in the rapidly-growing massage therapy industry. Boasting a positive career outlook that is anticipated to grow faster than all other occupations with potential to earn a decent income, licensed massage therapists (LMTs) are well on their way toward a long-term, personally and professionally rewarding lifestyle.
Why a career in massage therapy? Why not? As a massage therapist, you are able to physically help patients and clients with a number of conditions including relief of chronic pain symptoms, headaches, stress, and other health issues. Because the healing benefits of massage often go undisputed, it is gaining approval both by consumers and a growing number of health insurance providers as well. And this is essential to patients; who want quality, cost-effective, natural healthcare treatments. Aside from a fulfilling healing arts career, the bodywork field offers its professional massage therapists a diverse array of working environments. In addition to practicing in local hospitals and medical centers, LMTs frequently operate private massage clinics; or may work at larger massage therapy facilities, wellness retreats, and day spas, among other out-of-the-ordinary atmospheres.
"I'm working a full-time job -- I don't have time to switch careers." Yes, you do. Now, more than ever, is the perfect time to get a head start in the expanding complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) fields. Ambitious candidates, who genuinely want to transform their lives into more satisfying ones, can gain an edge in the competitive employment sector by investing just a little bit of their time. In fact, earning your professional license in massage therapy has never been easier. Currently, typical somatic education programs can be completed in less than nine months. For more advanced training, students can opt to enroll in elective massage courses that can be taken through workshops and continuing education (CEU) seminars. Additionally, many massage therapy schools offer convenient scheduling options including day and evening programs, and full- and part-time courses. What more could a person ask for?
Will I earn professional credentials? Yes -- in fact, a large number of massage therapy programs are accredited and result in professional massage certification. A typical curriculum in a massage therapy school is comprised of studies in anatomy, physiology, massage therapy history/philosophies, kinesiology, CPR, first aid, and somatic applications (i.e., Swedish massage, deep tissue therapy, and sports massage). More advanced training in massage therapeutics like craniosacral therapy, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, Trager therapy, acupressure, lymphatic drainage, cancer massage, and many other specialized techniques can be acquired through in-depth degree programs, as well as through CEUs.
Prefer working with pooches and horses? While massage therapy has gained remarkable leeway in the modern healthcare industry, it is also breaking ground in the field of veterinary medicine. Canine, equine, and feline massage therapists work at local veterinarian offices, at animal sporting events, and even on farms. Just like their human counterparts, cats, dogs, and horses suffer from arthritis, stiff joints and muscles, minor aches and pains, and other health issues; and can benefit greatly from the healing effects that therapeutic massage can offer. This is one of the reasons why there are specially-designed training programs in massage for small and large animals.
Still need another reason to break into the field of massage therapy? Boasting diversity, enrichment, and a practical and efficient way to earn a respectable living, a career in massage therapy will almost never be dull or boring. And, if all else fails, you can always go back to your computer desk.
If you (or someone you know) are interested in learning more about bodywork professions, let vocational training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, naturopathy, acupuncture, Oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore massage therapy schools near you.
Sources:
HolisticJunction.com
Say Hello to the Massage Career of Your Dreams!
©Copyright 2009
Media Positive Communications, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
Resource Box: CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd - Former staff writer for HolisticJunction.com, Educational Resources for Healing Arts Schools, Natural Healing Schools, and other Alternative Medicine Schools.
NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included; and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.
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