Learn more about obtaining an online certificate in massage therapy. Find information on courses, skills, career outlook, and salary info. View popular schools that prepare students for careers in the massage therapy.
Program Overview
Students enrolled in an online massage therapy certificate program may gain the knowledge, tools, and behaviors needed to operate as a massage therapist in numerous healthcare settings. Coursework may cover the technical and clinical aspects of massage as well as the different types of massage, including Swedish, deep tissue, post-natal, infant, and sports. Students may also study anatomy and physiology as well as business applications. Programs may include hands-on application, providing students an opportunity to practice what they’ve learned. Popular online massage courses may include the following:
- Eastern Theory and Practice
- Western Theory and Practices
- Business and Ethics
- Wellness and CPR
- Muscle Energy Techniques
- Energy and Non-Traditional Therapies
- Neuromuscular Trigger Techniques
Skills Required
In order to become a successful massage therapist, individuals may need to possess certain traits, including interpersonal and physical skills. Massage therapists may need to have a strong knowledge of the human body and be able to determine what type of massage would work best to accommodate clients’ needs. Since massage therapists stand on their feet throughout the day, they may need to have physical stamina as well as have strong arms and hands to manipulate muscles. They may also need to learn how to market themselves in order to have repeat clients, especially for those therapists who work on their own. Several skills massage therapists may need include:
- Communication
- Empathy
- Dexterity
- Decision-Making
- Physically Fit
Career Outlook & Salary Info
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment opportunities for those pursuing careers as massage therapists are expected to increase by 20% from 2010-2020, which is higher than the national average. This increase is due to an increase in the number of massage clinic franchises and spas, both of which employ a large number of massage therapists. For those states that regulate massage therapy, the job opportunities may be better for those who complete formal training and successfully complete a professionally recognized exam. The BLS also reported in May 2010 that the median annual salary of massage therapists was $34,900, while the median hourly salary was $16.78.