What You Need to Know Before Launching a Career in Massage Therapy

Ever noticed the boom in people seeking ways to heal and recover from the stress imposed by the events of the last few years? Have you needed such relief, perhaps even set your sights on catching the wave on the 8.8 billion reportedly spent on alternative health therapy and pursuing massage training or a massage therapist education?

If in you’re in the research stage of exploring massage therapist colleges, in 3 minutes you can take the “Anderson College Massage Therapy Career Training Readiness” Quiz and see if this path aligns with your interests.

This rewarding career does indeed come with incredible benefits, as we covered in our popular blog, Top 5 Reasons to Become a Massage Therapist. But it is also essential to be keenly aware of what is required of massage therapy professionals and understand just what it takes to succeed.

What You Need to Know is Required Before Launching a Career in Massage Therapy

1. Physical and Mental Stamina

This career is not for the faint of hands or mind. While the feeling of providing physical relief and mental relaxation to those in need can be extraordinary, there are job stressors to consider. Like the analogy of kneading dough for six to eight hours speaks to, you will need to have the strength to physically do your job. In dealing with those looking to alleviate mental stress, you need to know how to listen well, support professionally, but also get the rest, physical and emotional, to stay strong, clear and rested throughout your days. Successful, and healthy, massage therapists learn to schedule time between sessions and during their time off to recover and fully release the demands of the job.

2. Education and Certification in Ontario

Only individuals who successfully complete the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) registration examination will be entitled to use the professional designation of Registered Massage Therapist. Registered Massage Therapists in Ontario are regulated health professionals whose governing body is the CMTO. Applicable legislation includes the Regulated Health Professions Act, and the Massage Therapy Act.

Your education is a significant investment and so selecting a massage therapy school that has a reputation for excellence and is recognized by governing bodies is essential. We’ve worked diligently at Anderson College to ensure our 88-week, accelerated Massage Therapy program is recognized by the CMTO as meeting the academic requirements for graduates to be eligible to write the registration examination. Our program is based on the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics identified by the CMTO and the Inter-jurisdictional Practice Competencies and Performance Indicators identified by the Federation of Massage Therapy Regulatory Authorities of Canada (FOMTRAC).

We know you have a choice when it comes to your education. While we hope you’ll consider Anderson, we also want to simply inform you of what to look for when searching for a program that meets your goals for finding the best fit for your massage therapist classes and education.

3. Continual Education and Advancement

Opportunities for entrepreneurship or working in a wide variety of environments from clinics and fitness centres to high-end spas, are the perks of the job, but you’ll need to perpetually bring your ‘A’ game. This means that not only are you required to be certified by the CMTO, but continual learning and education is mandatory in the industry. Beyond regular learning modules, you’ll likely want to consistently expand your offerings for clients. If you are passionate about learning and evolving in your profession, this career is for you!
_________________________________________________________________________

Joining a booming industry, job security, career variety and flexibility, and a wildly rewarding daily experience, are some of the benefits of becoming a massage therapist. You need only consider the requirements and expectations of this opportunity to ensure you’re ready to make the investment in yourself and the commitment to have the passionate, balanced career and life you deserve.

If you’re ready to take the leap, we’re here to help you navigate your way. Book a virtual appointment with an Admissions advisor today to start exploring your Massage Therapy career and let’s get you started!

Quick Links to Fuel Your Success!

We want to make sure you have what you need to succeed! Check out these reference links:

• Massage Therapy – Anderson College
• Top 5 Reasons to Become a Massage Therapist
• College of Massage Therapists of Ontario