Supporting Contributor Post
We have moved away from the regular jobs that workforce from our parents’ generation were part of. Given the dynamic nature of the job market today, many alternate careers can be pursued from the comfort of your home. Working from home has many advantages. Besides being your boss, you also have the liberty to choose a career that you love. Talented professionals can earn a handsome living with skills they are passionate about like writing, illustration, web-designing and even music production without having to jostle traffic on the way to work or to face intimidating boss/colleagues. In fact, the scope of homebound professions is increasing by the day. Therefore, don’t be surprised if you hear about growing number massage therapists who are working from home and making good money.
According to a recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) finding, the median salary of for massage therapists is $37,180 per year, higher than the median salary of skin care specialists and cosmetologists which is at $29,050 and $23,200 respectively. The same report also stated that 10 % of massage therapist earn an annual salary up to $71,950. Working as a massage therapist can be rewarding in many ways. Not only is the job rewarding in terms of earning and pay, but it also allows you to help people in a meaningful manner with a high level of personal touch. However, to establish yourself as an independent therapist you need to have a professional training, register yourself locally and then gain relative experience.
With more than 300 certified organizations offering massage therapy training programs in the U.S., as indicated by AMTA, you can easily enroll yourself into a solid massage therapy training program. Having said that, you should be aware of the features of the program and the institution in which you wish to enroll. It is important to note that the features of the institution and the program itself will determine if you have found a solid massage therapy training program. This is essentially important if you establish your own practice or work as a freelance massage therapist.
The college and the training program are accredited
The first sign that your preferred massage therapy training program is solid is being aware that the program and the institution that offers the course are accredited. According to AMTA, accreditation of a college or program ensures that the teaching provided satisfies the required degree of quality training.
If you wish to work as a freelance massage therapist in the future, you will also have to take the promotional responsibilities of your services. Completing the course from an accredited institute will give you the confidence to promote your skills and training without hesitation.
The massage therapy college is large and offers many study options
A large massage therapy college that offers multiple basic and advanced courses based on different modalities is definitely better than a small college with narrow options. The benefit of studying in a large institution is that such an institution can offer you the option to register for weekend, evening and weekday courses. For example, Arizona College’s massage therapy training programs offer morning and evening classes, and new sessions that begin every five weeks. Other schools might be more stringent in how often classes start and when you can take them, so it’s always good to be aware of every detail, especially if you have a complicated schedule.
Studying in a larger institution is also beneficial because it allows you to practice massage on multiple bodies, which will give you the experience for your independent practice. In addition, being in a larger class, you are able to interact with a larger number of individuals and personalities and find future clients. This gives you better preparation for your future career as a stay at home massage therapist. A recognized massage training program is one that is accredited and tailored to meet your needs and interests. A massage training program is also good if it is offered in a large institution that guarantees flexibility. More importantly, a massage training program is laudable if it includes a student clinic that enables you to practice in a real-world environment.
