Massage therapy is so popular today. Looking in any yellow pages will give proof that. Evidently, more and more people are training to get into the field. The pay is pretty good, considering that in Tennessee, good massage therapists get anywhere from $50 to $100 and hour for their work. A half-hour will give you around $30-$50. This isn’t bad, but people need to consider what’s involved and the expenses that are inevitably going to be incurred.
Massage therapy is really for strong people who have good hands. Because the arms and hands are so intensely used, there will be constant strain on these areas. It’s best to know that any occupation involving repetitive movement stands a high chance of damaging nerves or muscles in the part of the body used the most. Many training schools also teach self-therapy and exercises to minimize that risk. Nobody can predict arthritis, but that may be one side effect of continued flexing of the muscles of the hands. Naturally, its not wise to get into this business if one has any problems with those parts of the body.
Cost has to be considered. A good massage school costs money and time. Massage school can take two years to complete, combined with ongoing training necessary for keeping up the certification. Certification alone incurs a yearly fee. People getting into any profession also need to keep careful books so as to balance their profits against expenses. They can deduct the maximum for the oils, equipment, music tapes, books, certification and training fees, depreciation on automobile travel to work, gas allowance, and anything else paid for out-of-pocket.
The Massage Institute of Memphis is the city’s most popular place to learn professional massage. It is a one-stop place that helps students with certification, trains them, and gives on-going assistance with marketing, etc. In 1992 it was the first massage school authorized by the Commission on Higher Education. Their full program is 750 hours and graduation requires a grade point minimum of “C” in all testing, plus completion of 75 documented massages in all required categories. The entire program cost $8,500 plus application fee, table and supplies. For information on low-interest on student loans call the Student Services Coordinator at 901-324-3369.
The Massage Institute of Memphis, LLC
3445 Poplar Ave., Suites 3 & 4
Memphis, Tennessee 38111
(901) 324-4411
http://www.miller-motte.com/
Miller-Motte Technical Colleges are several places in Tennessee. It has an on-site spa where students can earn massage credits by performing massage on the public. Students are trained for entry level into the careers of therapeutic massage. They are certified to work in rehab centers, hospitals, clinics, health clubs and spas, and private practice. Apply for information about fees and course requirements online via the web site’s form or reach them directly. There are also five other location you can choose. I just include the Chattanooga information here.
Miller-Motte Technical Colleges – Chattanooga
6020 Shallowford Rd
Suite 100
Chattanooga, TN 37421
http://www.naturalhealers.com/schools/nathealthinst/
The Natural Health Institute in Nashville offers certification training for massage therapy. They give a 600-hr. course of anatomy, physiology, hands-on massage instruction and practice. Graduates are qualified for licensure by the state for professional practice, either private or in hospitals, clinics or other medical centers. To ask for information in the on-line form or contact them by mail.
Natural Health Institute
209 10th Ave. S.
Cummins Station Suite 212
Nashville, TN 37203
