Behind the scenes: What it’s really like to be a massage therapist
Becca C., who lives and works in Richmond, Virginia, loves her job. She has a flexible schedule, gets to work with all sorts of people and makes great money. But it wasn’t always this way. She used to have a stressful job in news that kept her working late nearly every night and didn’t pay well. So what changed? Becca went to massage therapy school.
Becca C. says she first got the idea to become a massage therapist when she ran across an ad in the paper. She wanted a less stressful career in a fun environment that would eventually allow her to work for herself. She decided to call up her local massage therapy school and ask a few questions. She was looking for classes that would allow her to keep her full-time job while she went to school. Like many adults, Becca needed a flexible class schedule. The school she spoke with seemed to fit her needs perfectly, and after she took a tour she decided to enroll in massage therapy school.
We sat down with Becca C. for a one-on-one discussion to learn more about what going to massage therapy school is really like.
What subjects did you study in massage therapy school?
Becca: I took a number of different classes, from the history of massage to anatomy. I had to take pathology classes, a medical terminology class and even a business class.
Why so many medical classes?
Becca: It’s very important that you learn the body from head to toe. You’ll be working on all sorts of people who may have serious medical conditions and you’ll need to know what could be potentially harmful. Massage therapy can be dangerous if done incorrectly or on the wrong person.
How much of massage therapy school was hands on?
Becca: It was a pretty even mix. Some of the classes I took were hands-on massage classes. In them I would learn more about the different types of massage – like deep tissue massage, aromatherapy massage and hot stone massage. Then we’d learn how to do them properly. We also had to practice massage outside of class. The more you practice, the better you get.
Behind the scenes: What it’s really like to be a massage therapist
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How do you get your license to practice massage therapy?
Becca: After graduation, you have to sit down for a really long test. It’s kind of like the SATs for massage therapists. If you pass, the state Board of Nursing will give you your license and you can legally work as a massage therapist in your state. In order to keep your license, you have to continue to take classes and further your education. You have to have this license to practice massage therapy.
What are some possible career paths for recent massage therapy graduates?
Becca: You could end up working in a luxury spa, like I do. Some people choose to work for a chiropractor or physical therapist. Many major sports teams, like those in the NFL and NBA, have a massage therapist on staff, so if you’re a sports fan that could be an option for you. Or you could just go into business for yourself.
What kind of person would be a great massage therapist?
Becca: You have to be outgoing and attentive to people’s needs. You need to be a bit of a salesperson and be able to put yourself out there. You should be a good listener, be willing to learn and be able to recognize if you have what’s called a “good touch.” If you don’t know when you’re hurting people while massaging them, you won’t make a very good massage therapist.
What’s the worst thing about being a massage therapist?
Becca: Having to say no. Occasionally people with serious medical conditions will come in for a massage without talking to their doctor first. If getting a massage will make their condition worse, I have to say no to them which can be really tough. I also occasionally get people who come in for a massage after they’ve just left the gym – and they haven’t showered. Dealing with sweaty and dirty people is a hazard of the job that sometimes can be tough to handle.
What’s your favorite thing about being a massage therapist?
Becca: It allows me freedom and it’s definitely not your normal nine-to-five job. It’s a great way to make money but best of all are the people. I get to meet eight different people a day. I love it!
If you’re interested in becoming a massage therapist, Becca recommends going online and reading more about what classes are offered near you. She also suggests you interview a working massage therapist and check out your local nursing board website to learn more about your state’s requirements for massage therapists. Most of all though, Becca recommends that you get a massage. If you really enjoy it and could see yourself on the other end of the massage, you might just make a great massage therapist.
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