Massage Therapist Careers: Job Searching After Getting Your Diploma

Applying for any job can be a scary and stressful process. If you’ve completed your massage therapy training and are getting ready to interview with potential employers, here are a few general tips on how to prepare yourself including where to search for jobs, how to apply, and a few other specific things to expect during the job search process.

 

The Job Search 

Congratulations on getting your massage therapist certificate or diploma! Now that your proper education is done, it’s time to start working. But, where should you begin your search? How do you apply? These are normal questions and concerns and we are here to help you prepare yourself so you can find the job that is right for you.

The great thing about this career path is that massage therapists are in demand right now; as the desire for massage therapy increases, more certified massage therapists are needed to help all those new patients. Not to mention our high-stress lifestyles have made the desire for relaxation treatments increase all the more.

 

Some Massage therapy stats in Canada:

A 2017 report by the Fraser Institute has pointed to a dramatic increase in the use of massage. In 2016, the majority of adult Canadians, 79 per cent, had tried at least one form of alternative medicine, and 44 per cent of that group had tried massage. Ten years prior, that number was only at 35 per cent. Click here for more massage therapy stats in Canada.

 

Where to Search 

The good news about massage therapy is that through your practical work placement through school, you will be able to network and meet people in the industry. Also, in Canada, like mentioned above, there is a high demand for massage therapists. The massage therapy program you take should be equipped with resources to help you find a job once you graduate.

But of course, you don’t want to only rely on networking and connections. You want to get out there and put yourself out there and apply for the job you want. The great thing about the internet and technology today is that there are many incredible resources and online tools to help you start your job search. Start by honing in on the type of massage therapy work you are looking for. The great thing about massage therapy is that there are a number of career paths you can take, but that can also bog down the job search. Be specific with what you are looking for when you start your search. 

Here are a few different career options you can consider as you begin searching for jobs as a licensed massage therapist:

• Spas
• Rehab clinics and hospitals
• Cruise ships and hotels
• Wellness centers
• Self-employed practice

You can start your search on Google and search for specific companies you want to work and check out their “careers” page. You can also visit job bank websites like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, or Indeed.

Each company will have their own processes when it comes to how you should apply to the job. It’s likely you will be asked to submit a cover letter and resume online and they’ll contact you with further information if you are considered. Make sure to pay close attention to the details and follow their instructions when it comes to applying.

 

Prepare your Resume

One of the most important parts of the job search is creating a professional resume. The interview process is important, but in the typical job search structure, the way you get to the interview stage is with your resume.

When writing your resume, it’s important to highlight skills that apply to the position you are applying for. Your resume should always be tailored to the job you are applying for. The skills section of your resume will change in size depending on the type of position you are applying for.

Those looking to begin their career as a massage therapist should demonstrate massage expertise, knowledge of various massage types, and great interpersonal communication skills. With that, there are many skills all massage therapists should have, which is why we compiled a list of important skills to include on your resume.

 

Important Skills to Include in Your Resume:

1. Customer Service

In some cases, massage therapists work for themselves which means you have to be able to build good connections with current and potential clients.

 

2. Dexterity

As a massage therapist, you will be working with your hands a lot. You must show that you are skilled and mindful with your hands during a massage therapy session.

 

3. Physical Stamina

Massaging (squeezing and kneading muscles) for hours and hours a day can be very taxing on your hands, fingers and feet. You can be on your feet for hours at time, which means massage therapists must develop strong physical stamina.

 

4. Communication

Like any position you apply for, you have to be great at communicating with others like your clients and coworkers.

 

5. Physiology and Kinesiology Knowledge

All massage therapists must know what is inside the body and must be able to identify how parts of the body move and interact with each other. A massage therapists job often includes advising patients on how to stretch or properly adjust so that injuries and pain are less frequent. 

 

Keywords are industry-specific buzzwords that you’ll find job postings. When you read through the job posting, you will be able to tell what it is they are looking for. Here is a list of possible keywords to look out for when you’re on the job search:

• Assessing client needs
• Caring
• Collaborative
• Communication skills
• Knowledge of muscles and injuries
• Organized
• Professional
• Registered
• Specializes in…deep tissue, therapeutic, general rehab, etc.
• Wide range of techniques

After reading this article you should have a better idea of how to begin the job search after becoming a licensed massage therapist. If you are still not sure on if becoming a massage therapist is for you, check out this resource where talk about the benefits of becoming a massage therapist. 

If you are interested in a career as a massage therapist and you haven’t completed your students, consider Robertson’s Massage Therapy Diploma Program. It is an incredible option for Calgary and Winnipeg students interested in starting a meaningful and successful career as a massage therapist.