Additional Information
Training and education are increasingly required in the profession as massage
therapists struggle for greater recognition from both the medical community
and the public.
"For anyone who desires to make a livelihood from this trade, I would recommend
attending a training program of 1,000 hours or more," says Kevin Lunney. He
is a certified therapist in Boulder, Colorado.
"It takes a program of that length for a therapist to develop enough to
continue personal improvements through private work."
Massage therapy programs vary in length, but more programs than not require
about two years of full-time study. For the most part, schools that offer
massage instruction are private.
After successfully completing an appropriate training program, a massage
therapist must be licensed in order to work. Therapists earn a license by
proving that they have enough education and competency to work in the field.
Requirements for licensing vary from place to place. Contact your local
massage therapy association for details.
Some therapists may choose to become certified and join a professional
association. Certification gives special recognition to massage therapists
who have mastered a specific body of knowledge and skills.
There are several licensing bodies in the U.S.