How to Become a Massage Therapist in 5 Steps

Key Takeaways

• Becoming a licensed massage therapist requires enrolling in an accredited massage therapy program. Aspiring massage therapists must pass a state licensure exam (such as the MBLEx or BCTMB) to practice legally. 
• Once licensed, pursuing certifications in specialties like sports massage, prenatal care, or deep tissue can significantly increase your marketability and earning potential.
• Success as a practitioner—especially for the majority who are self-employed—requires a strong professional brand. This involves creating a website, leveraging social media, joining professional associations for networking, and using management tools like GlossGenius to handle bookings and client retention. 
• Whether you're captivated by the idea of working in luxurious spas, aiding athletes in their recovery, or opening your own holistic wellness center, this comprehensive guide will outline the key steps of how to become a massage therapist. 

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What Does a Massage Therapist Do?

A massage therapist is a professionally trained and licensed individual who specializes in the manual manipulation of soft body tissues to promote relaxation, recovery, and overall well-being. People choose massage therapy for a variety of reasons, including services provided by licensed massage therapists for:

• Reducing stress and anxiety
• Relaxing muscles
• Rehabilitating injuries
• Lessening pain
• Boosting overall health and wellness

Massage therapists work to make a significant impact on the lives of their clients by helping them achieve a higher degree of well-being through massage. Consequently, the journey to this rewarding career starts with completing a massage therapy training program. With commitment and the right training, you can be a certified massage therapist, embarking on a fulfilling career that benefits you and your clients.

How Profitable Is Massage Therapy?

The profitability of massage therapy varies based on factors such as:

• Location
• Specialization
• Experience
• Certifications

The massage therapist salary in the United States is above average, with the median income for the profession standing at $57,950 yearly. It’s worth noting that a high percentage of massage therapists are self-employed, allowing for greater flexibility and control over their earnings. Given the promising future signaled by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ estimated job growth rate, selecting an appropriate massage therapy program and obtaining the necessary certifications can increase massage therapists’ marketability and earning potential in this high-demand profession.

Your overall profitability will also depend on expenses, such as rent for your clinic, equipment, supplies, utilities, and other costs. 

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Prerequisites for Entering the Massage Therapy Field

Before embarking on your journey to become a massage therapist, it’s important to understand the prerequisites and licensing requirements for entering the field. These include having a high school diploma or GED, undergoing background checks, and meeting the minimum GPA requirements for the massage therapy program of your choice.

It’s also beneficial to have a strong foundation in science, particularly anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology, as well as business and humanities courses prior to entering a massage school. By meeting these prerequisites, you’ll be better prepared to excel in your massage therapy education and build a successful career in this rewarding field.

How to Become a Massage Therapist in 5 Steps

In this section, we’ll outline five essential steps to becoming a massage therapist, from understanding job responsibilities to building a successful brand and business.

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to a fulfilling and profitable career as a massage therapist.

​​1. Understand the job responsibilities of a massage therapist

As a massage therapist, you’ll be responsible for providing therapeutic massage and bodywork to clients, requiring knowledge of various techniques, such as Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, sports massage, and trigger point therapy. In addition to mastering these techniques, it’s crucial to create a tranquil and soothing atmosphere for your clients, ensuring they feel comfortable and relaxed during their massage sessions.

Monitoring your clients’ progress is another important aspect of your job as a massage therapist. By documenting the client’s condition before and after each session, as well as any changes in their condition over time, you can adjust the treatment plan as necessary to provide the most effective therapy possible.

2. Choose the right massage therapy program

Selecting the right massage therapy school is a crucial step in your journey to becoming a massage therapist. When choosing the program that best fits your needs, accreditation ensures that the massage therapy program you choose meets established quality standards and prepares you for licensure. Take the time to research different massage therapy programs, speak with admissions representatives, and attend open houses or class observations to gain a better understanding of the program offerings. By choosing the right massage therapy program, you’ll be well-prepared to succeed in your education and future career as a massage therapist.

A thorough massage therapy program should blend academic coursework with practical clinical experience. Studying anatomy and physiology, therapeutic massage, and clinical massage applications lays a strong foundation in massage therapy. As you progress through your massage therapy education, you’ll gain valuable hands-on experience through clinical internships or externships. These experiences allow you to apply the skills and knowledge you’ve gained in the classroom to real-world situations, helping you become a more competent and confident massage therapist.

Some benefits of attending an accredited massage therapy program include:

• Quality education that meets industry standards
• Preparation for licensure
• Access to experienced instructors and resources
• Opportunities for hands-on training and clinical experience
• Networking opportunities with professionals in the field

When researching massage therapy programs, be sure to inquire about their massage therapy accreditation status and any additional certifications the program may hold. By choosing an accredited program, you can trust that you’re investing in a quality education that will prepare you for a successful career as a massage therapist.

Financial considerations

Pursuing a career in massage therapy involves several financial considerations, including:

• Tuition
• Fees
• Living expenses
• Potential financial aid options

Tuition for massage therapy programs can vary widely depending on factors such as program length, location, and accreditation status. In addition to tuition, you should also account for costs associated with supplies, travel, tutoring, and other necessary resources.

When researching massage therapy programs, be sure to inquire about the following financial aid options:

• Scholarships
• Grants
• Loans
• Other forms of assistance

By exploring all available financial resources, you can make a more informed decision about which massage therapy program is the best fit for your budget and career goals.

3. Obtain licensing and certification

Once you’ve completed your massage therapy education, the next step is to obtain the necessary licensing and certification to practice massage therapy in your state. This typically involves completing an approved massage therapy program, passing a state licensure exam, and maintaining continuing education requirements. Some states require or accept alternative examinations for licensure. The examination for Board Certification in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (BCTMB) is offered through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB).

Preparing for state licensure exams can be a daunting task, but with the right resources and study habits, you can set yourself up for success. Focus on exam prep materials that cover essential topics, such as massage therapy principles, anatomy, ethics, and practice guidelines. Familiarize yourself with the requirements of state massage therapy boards to ensure you meet all necessary criteria. In addition to studying, consider utilizing an exam prep program or course to help you review key concepts and practice exam questions. These programs can provide valuable guidance and support as you prepare for your state licensure exams, helping you achieve the requisite score to become a licensed massage therapist.

Once you’ve obtained your massage therapy license, it’s important to keep it up to date by fulfilling your state’s continuing education requirements. Continuing education courses are classes that massage therapists must take in order to maintain their license. In addition to completing the required continuing education courses, it’s essential to gain hands-on clinical experience and stay current with industry trends, massage techniques, and best practices. By doing so, you’ll continue to grow as a professional and provide the highest quality care to your clients.

4. Gain experience and specialize

As a massage therapist, you have the opportunity to specialize in various modalities and client populations, which can enhance your marketability and earning potential. Popular massage therapy specializations include:

• Sports massage
• Energy medicine
• Reflexology
• Craniosacral therapy
• Therapeutic massage
• Deep tissue massage
• Shiatsu massage
• Prenatal massage
• Hot stone massage

By focusing on a specific modality or client group, such as pregnant women, children, or athletes, you can tailor your services to meet the unique needs of your clients and set yourself apart from other massage therapists in your area. Continuing education courses can also help you expand your skills and pursue advanced certifications in your chosen specialty. These certifications not only demonstrate your commitment to professional development but may also lead to increased earning capacity and career opportunities.

5. Build your brand and business

Creating a successful brand and business forms the bedrock of your long-term success as a massage therapist. Utilizing effective marketing strategies can bolster your client base and expand your business. Some strategies to consider include:

• Picking a memorable business name
• Developing an easy-to-navigate website
• Leveraging social media
• Producing marketing materials
• Networking with industry professionals

By implementing these strategies, you can increase your visibility and attract more clients to your massage therapy practice. In addition to marketing, it’s essential to provide exceptional client experiences that keep your clients coming back for more, such as being punctual, professional, courteous, and attentive to your client’s needs. By consistently delivering outstanding service, you’ll build a loyal client base and a thriving massage therapy business.

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Networking and professional associations

Networking and joining professional associations, such as the American Massage Therapy Association or the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals, can provide valuable resources, support, and opportunities for massage therapists. These associations often offer continuing education classes, industry information, discounts on supplies, and comprehensive liability and property insurance for their members. 

Participating in conferences and seminars and networking with fellow massage therapists can also foster industry relationships and broaden your professional network. Such connections can bring forth new opportunities, referrals, and support, contributing to the growth of your massage therapy business.

Marketing and client retention

Building a strong online presence is crucial for attracting and retaining clients in today’s digital age. By creating a website and social media accounts, you can showcase your services and connect with potential clients. Additionally, optimizing your website for search engines and utilizing SEO tactics can help ensure your website appears in search engine results when potential clients are looking for a massage therapist in your area.

Some marketing promotions you can offer include:

• Discounts on services or memberships
• Loyalty programs
• Referral programs
• Other incentives

These can also help attract new clients and keep existing clients coming back for more. By combining effective marketing strategies with exceptional client experiences, you can build a loyal client base and a successful massage therapy business.

Grow Your Massage Therapist Career With GlossGenius

Becoming a massage therapist is a rewarding and fulfilling career choice for those who are passionate about helping others and seeking a profession that offers flexibility, earning potential, and growth opportunities. By following the seven steps outlined in this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well on your way to a successful career in massage therapy.

If you're ready to start your own spa, GlossGenius is a powerful tool for managing and growing a spa or massage therapy business. With features such as Online Booking, Client Management, and GlossGenius Financing, we can streamline your daily operations and help you focus on providing exceptional client experiences.

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Stripe Capital offers financing types that include loans and merchant cash advances. All financing applications are subject to review prior to approval. In the US, Stripe Capital loans are issued by Celtic Bank and YouLend provides Stripe Capital merchant cash advances.

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