The Therapeutic Massage Therapist program prepares students to take the State of Virginia Board of Nursing Massage Therapist examination. It is a total of 505 hours in length. The Therapeutic Massage Therapy program is designed to prepare the student for professional practice in the field of massage and bodywork. Our unique 505 hour curriculum contains the best of Eastern and Western modalities. The student will learn anatomy and physiology, pathology, business and ethics, Swedish massage, deep tissue therapy, sports medicine, chair massage, spa therapies and much more.
What does a Massage Therapist do?
Massage therapists treat clients by using touch to manipulate the soft-tissue muscles of the body. With their touch, therapist relieves pain, rehabilitate injuries, and reduce stress, increase relaxation, and aid in the general wellness of clients.
GENERAL REQUERIMENTS
- Age 18 (by completion of training) or older
- Authorized to work in the US (Alien ID – if applicable)
- Valid Identification (passport, driver's license or state/federal issued ID)
- Social Security Card
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- Ability to pass criminal background check (provided by school)
- Valid CPR (school provides service at a fee)
- Drug Test
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
- Immunization Record
- TB Test (PPD skin test or a negative chest X-ray no older than a year is required) School will administer the PPD skin test for free if the test has not been performed within the last year.
- Hepatitis B (If declined, it must be waived in writing; form is available in our school administration office)
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
People who are interested in becoming a Massage Therapist are required to take CPR for Medical Professionals and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) training prior to starting their clinical rotation. CPR/AED training is offered by Fast Track for an additional fee. This fee is not included in the tuition.
For prices and schedules click here for Roanoke Campus or the Charlottesville Campus.
U.S. News and World Report on the Best Jobs 2012:
Massage Therapist
As one of the Best Jobs of 2012, this profession should see significant growth over the next decade "Massage Therapist" is the No.8 health care career on the "50 Best Jobs of 2012" list recently published by U.S. News and World Report. "An increasing number of spas and massage clinics in recent years underscore a growing demand for massage services," says the report's author.
The Outlook:
An increasing number of spas and massage clinics in recent years underscore a growing demand for massage services. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects massage therapist's employment growth of 20.1 percent between 2010 and 2020, adding 30,900 more professionals to the 153,700 jobs currently in this field.
Salary:
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median annual wage for massage therapists was $34,900 in 2010. The best-paid 10 percent in the profession made approximately $69,000, while the bottom 10 percent made approximately $17,970.
