Curious about being a massage therapist?

I'm interested in possibly becoming a massage therapist after high school. What kind of training is needed and what does a typical workday look like? Do they usually work in spas or is there flexibility?

For all intents and purposes, becoming a massage therapist entails completing a postsecondary educational program and obtaining licensure, based on the policies of the state you reside in. Massage therapy programs often require a high school diploma or GED, along with prerequisites such as CPR/first aid certification. Programs include coursework in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, business management, ethics, and hands-on practice. This typically ranges from 500 to 1,000 hours and can take up to a year to complete.

The workday for a massage therapist can vary greatly and is subject to your workplace and personal scheduling preferences. Many massage therapists work part-time, due to the physical demands of the job. A typical workday could comprise scheduled appointments where you administer 60-90 minute massages, with breaks in between sessions. Tasks such as cleaning your space, managing appointments and administrative tasks can also be part of your day.

In terms of work environment, you're not constrained to just working in a spa setting. Massage therapists work in a variety of places including chiropractic offices, fitness and sports facilities, resorts, hospitals, wellness clinics and even aboard cruise ships. There's also the option to be self-employed and manage your own massage therapy practice, wherein you have control over your schedule, clientele and techniques.

It could be advantageous to talk to a professional in the field or shadow someone to get a real-world feel for what a day in the life of a massage therapist looks like. Also, do some research into local massage therapy programs to gather information on the exact requirements in your area.