Massage Therapist Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a massage therapist. Feel free to use our massage therapist job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a massage therapist.
Who is a Massage Therapist?
Massage therapy is the manipulation and rubbing of the body’s soft tissues, with a special emphasis on the muscles and pressure points. Massage therapy can be used in conjunction with physical therapy or on its own to help relax tight muscles. In other instances, massage therapy may concentrate on pressure points on the body that are believed to alleviate pain or health problems in other areas of the body.
Massage therapy comes in a variety of forms. The majority of people discover one or two methods that they enjoy and then seek out practitioners who practice this style. Often, individuals find a massage therapist who makes them feel at ease and continue to be loyal clients of that massage therapist.
Some individuals may feel uneasy working with a massage therapist of different sex and prefer to work with a massage therapist of the same sex. This is especially true for women, as a full-body massage generally entails being partially undressed. Women are permitted to wear only their underwear and be covered by a sheet. The less clothing worn, the easier it is for the therapist to access specific areas of the body. Wearing a bra, for example, can restrict access to the shoulders and mid-back.
Those who receive massages regularly are frequently quite at ease with the process. Additionally, a skilled massage therapist will have communicated frequently that his or her goal is to assist in the promotion of relaxation or the resolution of physical issues, and that his or her job is not to stare at a naked body. As with a physician, a massage therapist becomes accustomed to seeing the naked body in a variety of shapes and sizes, and any touching should be nonsexual. To ensure that a massage therapist is a professional, one should only work with licensed massage therapists who can demonstrate experience or affiliation with reputable massage organizations.
One can study massage therapy at a variety of different schools, and it is well worth one’s time to research a potential massage therapist’s credentials. In general, one can feel relatively secure around individuals who work in physical therapy offices, health clubs, or with physicians or chiropractors. One can inquire about such offices’ policies regarding background checks on prospective employees.
There is only one organization in the United States of America that certifies board-certified massage therapists: the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. Using a board-certified massage therapist can help alleviate concerns about the propriety of a massage and also provide assurance about the practitioner’s experience level.
In the field of massage therapy, there are numerous schools of thought. Swedish massage, which emphasizes long stroking of the muscular groups, and soft tissue therapy, which focuses on pain management and soft tissue healing, are two of the most well-known in the United States. Thai massage, Shiatsu, and trigger point therapy are additional types of massage. Some massage therapists employ multiple techniques to adequately address a client’s needs, while others adhere to a single school of thought.
A massage therapist’s job requires him or her to work with a diverse range of clients. While many people seek massage therapy for relaxation and comfort, others seek deeper work from a massage therapist. A massage therapist applies his or her training to each client. He or she may work independently or in a spa or medical clinic, charging different rates for various services. Certain therapists supplement their massage practices with additional services such as facials and body treatments.
Training requirements for massage therapists vary by region; some regions regulate massage strictly, while others have more lax licensing requirements. Numerous massage schools offer entry-level certification programs that can be expanded upon to include additional techniques such as deep tissue massage or traditional massage techniques such as Thai massage or acupressure. Additionally, training encompasses an understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the human body, as well as a discussion of the unique conditions that affect massage therapists, which range from muscular tension to cancer. Additionally, a reputable massage school will offer workshops on ethics and business practices.
This very ancient profession has a bad reputation among some people due to its association with another very ancient profession: prostitution. Massage therapists prefer to stay as far away from sex work as possible, as their practices are centered on healing and professional touch. Although massage is frequently performed on a naked body, massage therapists are not sexual therapists. Additionally, they prefer the term “massage therapist” over “masseuse,” as “masseuse” is frequently used interchangeably with “sex worker.”
Massage therapy is typically performed by manipulating the body’s soft tissue muscles. Massage therapists employ a variety of massage techniques to assist clients in relieving and managing pain, assisting in injury rehabilitation, promoting relaxation, and assisting clients in relieving physical stress, all of which contribute to overall wellness.
Massage therapists typically specialize in one or more modalities—or methods—of touch therapy, such as relaxation techniques, injury rehabilitation, or alternative therapeutic approaches to touch therapy delivery. Additionally, some massage therapists collaborate with physical and occupational therapists to provide additional support to clients’ wellness plans.
Massage therapists frequently study various aspects of health and wellness to assist their clients. Massage therapists frequently use Chinese medicine, acupressure and acupuncture, trigger point therapy, and other alternative modalities of massage therapy delivery. Massage therapists who wish to specialize may pursue additional training.
Massage Therapist Job Description
Below are the massage therapist job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a massage therapist job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The duties and responsibilities of a massage therapist include the following:
- Assessing clients for pain points and sore tissues in various areas of the body
- Using touch to manipulate the body’s soft tissues and muscles
- Educating clients on proper stretching, strengthening, and range of motion
- Keeping track of client information such as massage treatment plans and progress
- Consulting with clients regarding their medical history, symptoms, and desired outcomes
- Assessing clients to determine which areas of the body are painful or tense
- Keeping track of treatment
- Treating clients in professional settings or at their homes and offices.
- Educating and advising clients on techniques for postural improvement and relaxation, as well as strengthening, stretching, and rehabilitative exercises
- Providing each client with a calming, therapeutic environment
- Discussing the individual needs of each client, such as physical therapy or stress relief
- Creating a massage therapy plan that is unique to the client’s needs and preferences
- Applying specific massage techniques to specific areas of the body to alleviate symptoms
- Checking in with the client to ensure their comfort
- Keeping tabs on the progress of a client
- Assisting clients in navigating service offerings and determining which massages would be most beneficial to them.
- Taking a thorough client history and making a note of any health problems.
- Assessing clients to ascertain painful or stressed areas of the body. Advise clients on stretching, strengthening, and relaxation techniques.
Qualifications
Education
Before you can work as a massage therapist, you must complete an education program in massage therapy, which is typically offered at public or private postsecondary institutions. To be eligible for this program, you must first obtain a high school diploma or an equivalent certificate, such as the General Education Development certificate.
The majority of massage therapy education programs last between six and twelve months and include both classroom instruction and hands-on experience. They typically include courses in anatomy, kinesiology (the study of motion and body mechanics), physiology (the study of tissues and organs), pathology (the study of disease), ethics, and business management, in addition to the practice of massage techniques such as tapping, soothing, kneading strokes, direct pressure, slow strokes, and friction slides. If you wish to specialize in a particular type of massage — for example, sports massage, stone therapy, or infant massage — you must enroll in specific courses to learn the necessary techniques.
Training
Many states require massage therapists to be licensed before they can legally provide services, but you must first complete a certain number of hours of training to be eligible to take the entry-level licensing exam. The number of training hours required varies by state. The majority of states require a minimum of 500 hours of training, while some require 1,000 hours.
The majority of massage therapy training programs include all of the education and training necessary to sit for the exam. To determine whether a training program or massage school adheres to a nationally recognized standard of education, inquire about its accreditation status with a credible agency (i.e., one that adheres to the guidelines of the U.S. Department of Education). The Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) is the organization that administers the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), which is recognized by several states as a prerequisite for licensure.
Certifications
Certifications demonstrate that you possess the necessary skills to succeed in a massage therapist role and have mastered national standards for massage and bodywork. Several popular massage therapy certifications include the following:
- American Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork Certification
The BCTMB certification, which is administered by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB), verifies that you possess the necessary skills, knowledge, abilities, and characteristics to practice massage therapy. To earn this certification, you must pass the board certification exam, complete a minimum of 750 hours of education, complete 250 hours of massage experience within six months of completing your training, pass a national background check, and obtain a current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification. BCTMB certification is valid for four years and requires 100 hours of training and participation in a continuing education program to maintain certification.
- CAMTC Accreditation
This voluntary certification, administered by the California Massage Therapy Council (CMTC), is intended for massage professionals who meet the requirements of California State Law. While state law does not require it, certain cities and counties do. You may find the CAMTC certification beneficial because it enables you to practice massage therapy in California without obtaining a local permit to provide massage for compensation. To earn this certification, you must be at least 18 years old and have completed a minimum of 500 hours of massage therapy training at a CAMTC-accredited school.
- Specialty Certificate from the NCBTMB
This credential is awarded to massage therapists who have completed additional education and training in a specific modality. To earn this certification, you must pass the online Specialty Certificate examination. To begin, you must submit an online application.
Essential Skills
- Physical endurance and strength
Massage therapists typically spend the majority of their workday standing. They exert force and perform repetitive motions with their legs, backs, and hands. As a result, they must possess the stamina necessary to withstand muscular activity and fatigue. Additionally, they must possess superior motor coordination and manual dexterity.
- Personality and communication abilities
Massage therapists must be adept at communication, particularly verbal communication, to foster an open and comfortable environment for their clients.
- Decision-making skills
Massage therapists must be adept at assessing their client’s needs and recommending the most appropriate treatment.
- Empathy
Because massage therapists work with a diverse population of people who suffer from a variety of health problems, they must be able to empathize and connect across these divides. Making clients feel at ease is critical for therapists who wish to grow their client base.
- Integrity
Because massage therapists have access to their clients’ medical histories, they must be trustworthy and respect their clients’ privacy.
- Focus
Massage therapists must devote their full attention and commitment to their work to provide an effective massage. The ability to put aside distractions and concentrate entirely on the needs of a client is critical to providing the best care.
How to Become a Massage Therapist
- Completion of high school education.
Admission to a massage therapy education program requires a high school diploma or equivalent. While massage education is not typically offered in secondary schools, courses in physical education, anatomy, and biology can serve as a foundation for subsequent training.
- Consider massage therapy.
Before enrolling in a massage therapy training program, you should decide on a specialty area of massage therapy. You can specialize in a variety of modalities, including hot stone, deep tissue, Shiatsu, and Swedish massage. Because your clients’ needs vary, you should become familiar with a variety of different types of massage therapy.
- Graduation from a massage therapy program.
You must earn a certificate or diploma from a state-accredited institution. You may be required to take coursework in physiology, anatomy, massage ethics, body mechanics, and medical terminology during your studies.
- Comply with all operational requirements.
Numerous states require that you obtain a certain number of hours of direct experience before obtaining a license. This requirement may be satisfied through an internship or employment at a school’s massage clinic.
- Obtain a driver’s license.
Obtain a license to practice massage therapy after completing a massage therapy education program. To obtain a license, you must pass either the FSMTB’s Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination or the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork’s NCETMB licensing examination.
- Obtain certification.
A certification, earned by passing an examination and completing a specified number of hours of training, is not required to obtain a massage therapy license, but it can expedite the process and expand career opportunities.
- Maintain an updated resume.
Include your highest level of education, certifications, pertinent work experience, accomplishments, and skills in an easily-readable format. Search for available massage therapist positions in your area and create a cover letter tailored to each position using keywords from the job description.
Where to Work as a Massage Therapist
Massage therapists work in a variety of settings, both public and private, including hospitals, fitness centers, spas, and private offices. Certain massage therapists offer in-home services, which require them to transport their entire equipment from house to house. Massage therapists who work independently typically provide their chairs or tables, pillows, sheets, oils, and body lotions.
Massage Therapist Salary Scale
In the United States, the average annual salary for a Massage Therapist is $73,074.