Massage Therapy (5232)
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At a Glance
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This PSAV program prepares the student for employment as a licensed massage therapist. Massage Therapy is the manipulation of the soft tissues of the human body by a person who is licensed for compensation. |
Employment Opportunities |
Upon completion of this program, you may seek employment as a Massage Therapist (after obtaining your license) in a private office or clinic, health club, sports facility, resort, spa, rehabilitation clinic, medical facility, cruise ship or in private client homes. In 2004, 64.1% of the people in this occupation were self-employed.
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Job Outlook |
Florida's Employment and Outlook (State-wide)
The employment change from 2004 to 2014 is estimated to be +23.6%.
(The National average for all occupations is +13% )
Increased interest in alternative medicine and holistic healing will mean increased opportunities for those skilled in massage therapy. Healthcare providers and medical insurance companies are beginning to recognize massage therapy as a legitimate treatment and preventative measure for several types of injuries and illnesses. The healthcare industry is using massage therapy more often as a supplement to conventional medical techniques for ailments such as muscle problems, some sicknesses and diseases, and stress-related health problems. Massage therapy's growing acceptance as a medical tool, particularly by the medical provider and insurance industries, will greatly increase employment opportunities.
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Salary Information |
Florida Earnings:
The mean hourly wage for Massage Therapists in Palm Beach County in 2008 was $21.66. The mean annual wage or salary was $45,055.68. In Florida as a whole, the mean hourly wage for Massage Therapists was $18.28. The mean annual wage or salary was $38,017.07
Generally, massage therapists earn 15 to 20 percent of their income as gratuities. For those who work in a hospital or other clinical setting, however, tipping is not common.
Under “Resources”, select Labor Market Information; Occupational Profile; click on A County, click on Palm Beach n the map; type massage therapist.
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| Special Skills or Qualifications Needed |
The field of massage therapy requires strong interpersonal and communication skills. You must feel at ease with physical contact and have the ability to make clients feel comfortable and relaxed. This occupation requires impeccable ethical and moral standards and emotional maturity. Massage is physically active work that requires standing for long periods of time, so adequate fitness and good body mechanics are necessary to avoid injury and fatigue. Concentration, good time management skills, the ability to work with little or no supervision and good record keeping skills (for client notes and/or business records) are all important abilities in this field. Entrepreneurial skills are essential in many settings.
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| Career Path Notes |
Upon completion of the Massage Therapy Program, students receive a Massage Therapy Program certificate. The student is then eligible to take the Florida State massage therapy examination. Since the Florida State Board of Massage Therapy has adopted the national examination, once passing this exam, students are granted a Florida State Massage Therapy license and a national certification for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. |
Career Planning Suggestions for Success |
Thoroughly research the occupation and talk with a Massage Therapists working in various settings and in different stages in their careers. The PBCC Career Consultants Network may have the name of a person you could contact. Refer to the Career Center information listed below. Consider obtaining an entry-level position working in a massage therapy environment.
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