Is it time for a career change? It is estimated that 59% of adults are ready for a career change. This statistic came from a 2017 study, so it is possible that this number has increased in the more recent years. So, if you are looking for a career change, you’re not alone. Massage therapy is a career that is set to grow 26% until the year 2026. Today we’ll dive into the steps to obtaining this career to see if it would be possible for you.
Flexible Schooling
If you are looking for a career change to massage therapy, you should note that some schooling will be necessary. Luckily, there are a number of distance learning programs that allow you to study at home and attend classes online. This will allow you to keep your current job and income source while you pursue your goal of becoming a licensed massage therapist.
According to CareersWiki, the majority of the coursework can be completed online, there is a hands-on component that will vary depending on the school you choose to attend. Some schools condense the hands-on experience to one semester and require you to gain this experience all at once (as a full-time student) while other programs have you attend the hands-on experience once a week. Research the programs that are available in your area to find one that fits your own unique schedule.
Apply for Scholarships
Going back to school is not a cheap choice. There are a variety of scholarships available for those who are making a career change. Use your favorite search engine to see if you qualify for any of the scholarships available at the time of your study. Also, be sure to ask the college or university that you choose to attend if they have any scholarships specific to massage therapy.
Obtain Licensure
In the United States, most states require you to have a license to work as a massage therapist. In order to obtain this license, you must complete your educational program in massage therapy and pass an examination that is determined by your state.
Job Opportunities
Once you have set a date to take the licensure test, it is time to start looking for jobs! Since massage therapy is a career with such a high growth rate, you should not have any difficulty finding a job in your area. Specifically, the projected growth rate for massage therapy is 26% which is much higher than the average growth rate for occupations. By 2026, it is estimated that there will be 202,400 massage therapy jobs available in the United States. It is anticipated that the healthcare industry will become more receiving the benefits of massage therapy, which will open up more jobs in the field of healthcare as well as sports teams.
Overall, massage therapy is a great field to be in because of the fast-growing job rate as well as the fact that you will be making a positive impact on the lives of others.
