Massage Therapy: Career Coursework Description

About this article
Getting your coursework in massage therapy prepares you for an exciting career in the world of massage therapy. Massage therapists enjoy independence and satisfaction in healing people and providing relief from pain and injury. Typical coursework includes anatomy, physiology, pathology. massage techniques and sports massage. Read on to find out more
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What is a Massage Therapy Coursework?

A massage therapy coursework ensures that you have the skills and knowledge to become a certified professional massage therapist. You will learn about the use of massage tools and techniques, and receive practical training in the many different specialties of massage therapy, including massage for athletes, Swedish massage, deep tissue massage and others. Students in massage therapy usually practice their techniques on clients for a minimal fee.

Skills You Will Learn

As a massage therapist, you will need to know about the body's different muscle groups and how they interact. Massage therapy coursework programs teach you a basic understanding of human anatomy and physiology, as well as the different kinds of muscle ailments and how to identify and treat them with massage therapy. You will be instructed in the proper use of massage oils and other massage instruments, as well as be taught different massage techniques.

Courses for a Massage Therapy Coursework

Usually, a massage therapy coursework program will have the following courses;

  • Human Anatomy and Physiology
  • Muscle and Skin Tissues
  • Muscle Pathology
  • Massage Technique
  • Contemporary Massage Practice
  • Therapeutic Exercise
  • Sports Massage

Reasons to get a Massage Therapy Coursework

Not only will you have massage experience upon graduation of a massage therapy coursework program, but you will also be prepared to gain certification in massage therapy, a prerequisite for professional practice as a massage therapist. A diploma in the field will ensure your clients and employers that you are well qualified to be a massage therapist.

What Careers Will a Massage Therapy Coursework Enable me to Follow?

Those with coursework in massage therapy have a number of career options available to them. Masseuses can start their own private practice, or work for employers in spas, rehab centers, sports clinics, or many other therapeutic facilities.

Career Outlook and Salary

The career outlook for massage therapists is favorable according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov), who predicts that demand for professionals will increase at a healthy clip until at least the year 2014. Massage therapists made a median income of around $15.36 per hour in 2004.

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