The massage therapy profession and the public’s use of massage continue to grow in quantity as well as quality. Since 1997, the number of adult Americans who say they had a massage from a massage therapist in the previous 12 months jumped from 8% to 18% (11/04). The number of massage therapists in the United States, including students, is between 260,000 and 290,000. This compares to approximately 120,000-160,000 in 1996. American Massage Therapy Association’s membership increased more than fourfold since 1990, to over 46,000 members today.
The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Massage Therapy prepares students for entry-level positions in the exciting field of massage therapy. Graduates may enter their career field in a variety of settings including private practices, sports venues, spas, health clubs, hotels and resorts. The massage therapy program stresses personal development as well as communication skills to ready graduates for all aspects of a successful career including therapeutic massage techniques and ethical responsibility. Successful completion of this program will prepare the student to take the Ohio State or Mississippi State licensing examination in massage therapy.
Career Outlook
A large majority of individuals entering the field now complete an educational training program. Now that the massage therapy profession has become more developed, it is recommended to complete a training program that offers a minimum of 500 in-class hours of instruction. An effectively designed training program offers the advantage of a well-rounded and complete preparation for the field of massage therapy. Another important consideration is that 33 states and the District of Columbia now regulate massage therapists and almost all of these states now require a minimum of 500 hours or more from state-recognized training programs. Consequently, 500 hours or more of training has developed as a minimum entry-level standard.
Massage therapists practice in a variety of settings, such as private offices or massage therapy clinics, chiropractors’ or doctors’ offices, holistic health clinics, health clubs and fitness centers, spas, nursing homes and hospitals, with sports teams, and sports medicine facilities. Some massage therapists have portable equipment and work at their clients’ offices or homes. Recently, massage therapists have appeared in some rather innovative settings, such as storefronts, shopping malls, and airports.
Note: Successful completion of the Massage Therapy program allows students to sit for the National Massage Therapy Exam and possibly become licensed in the state of Mississippi.
The Antonelli College massage program is licensed by the Mississippi State Board of Massage Therapy, License Number 0401.