What Can You Do With A Massage Therapy Degree?

Alright, so you’ve decided on a career as a massage therapist, but now you’re wondering, what will your career actually look after graduation. The great news? There is no need to worry because getting a massage therapy degree opens many doors in regards to where you can work and what you can do. Hopefully the points below will give you a clear understanding of how a career as a massage therapist can lead to many opportunities in the future.

Article Contents

• Training Required to Get a Massage Therapy Diploma
• What Exactly Does a Professional Massage Therapist Do? (An Overview)
• Professions Similar to Massage Therapy
• Career Paths and Options After Completing a Massage Therapy Program

Training Required to Get a Massage Therapy Diploma

First, let’s go over the necessary training required to be a massage therapist.

In Canada, it typically takes about two to three years (2200+ hours) to get massage therapy certification. This also includes the practical/clinical education portion of your program. Also, it’s important you receive training at a program that is received by the National Competency Standards for Massage Therapists.

•   In-class training: Much of your training to become a massage therapist will take place in the classroom. You’ll study a wide range of topics with a strong focus on therapeutic techniques, anatomy, and research to ensure you are qualified and prepared to become a registered massage therapist.  
•   Practicum or work placement: The program you attend will have some type of practicum component. During this time, you will have the opportunity to practice what you learned in the classroom in a massage therapy setting. This will give you a clear understanding of what type of work environment you see yourself in after graduation.  

What Exactly Does a Professional Massage Therapist Do? (An Overview)

In short, a massage therapist is someone who uses their hands to manipulate soft tissue in the body. Massage therapists focus on working on the muscles, connective tissue, tendons and joints to optimize health. Massage therapists can work in a broad range of environments such as spas, wellness clubs, chiropractic offices, hospitals, sports clinics, resorts, and more.  

Professions Similar to Massage Therapy

There are several careers similar to massage therapists. It’s important to note that the below professions take much longer to complete than massage therapy. A few examples are as follows:

Chiropractor

Chiropractors are concerned with the health and well-being of the nervous and spinal system. They use integrative medicine to treat misalignment of joints. Similar to massage therapists, it is a hands-on job. The main difference is that training to be a chiropractor takes many years. Students must graduate with an undergraduate degree with a 2.50 GPA or higher. After that, students will spend four to five years studying chiropractic medicine and then take part in extensive internships.

Physiotherapist

Like massage therapists, physiotherapists typically work on their feet all day. Their main focus is working with clients on rehab. To legally practice physiotherapy in Canada, students must complete a Master’s degree in Physiotherapy and take part in practical work. Similar to massage therapy, many physiotherapists open their own practice after graduation.  

Reflexology

Students interested in reflexology must take have a degree in holistic or complementary medicine and then get a level 3 diploma in reflexology in an accredited program. Reflexologists use therapy to help the body heal from within—by applying pressure to specific points (known as reflexes) on the hands and feet.

Career Paths and Options After Completing a Massage Therapy Program

After completing a massage therapy course, there are a number of environments you will have the choice of working in. Some of these environments include, but are not limited to, spas and wellness centres, sports clinics, chiropractic offices, hotels and resorts, on-site massage, or starting your own practice and working for yourself.

While there are several options when it comes to work environment, there are also many ways you can advance your career once you finish your massage therapy diploma. You can take entrepreneurship and business courses to launch your own practice, or you can further your education by specializing on certain types of massage.

As written above, there are many interest career paths and opportunities for those who have completed a school for massage therapy. If you have yet to complete your diploma, consider Robertson’s Massage Therapy Diploma Program which is offered in Winnipeg and Calgary. With courses beginning regularly, it’s easy to begin working toward your dream job. Submit your application or talk to a Student Admissions Advisor today!