Massage Therapy As A Profession and A Career
Articles in LIFE and NEWSWEEK magazine, trade journals, and numerous television reports not only attest to the benefits of massage therapy, but also list it as the most widely used complementary care modality used in the United States. Along with eating well, and exercising, research reports from leading medical journals show that massage therapy is not only valuable as part of a healthy lifestyle routine, but also in providing relief from various surgical, clinical, and psychological conditions. These findings have helped massage therapy find a welcomed place among medical practitioners, insurance companies, hospitals, major corporations, sports teams, health clubs, hospice centers, chiropractors, and cruise lines.
"The number of Americans receiving massages has more than doubled in the last decade (Now over 114 million treatments per year), and more organizational managers are including massage as an employee benefit to help increase retention and to bolster employee moral".
- American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA)
A recent America Online poll, conducted in January, 2004 and titled "The Allure of Trade Schools" found that Massage Therapy was listed as the #1 program that sounded most appealing to its participants - by twice that of the second choice. This same poll also listed Massage Therapy as the most popular program being selected at ‘The 10 Hottest Trade Schools', while Andrea Coombes, of CBS Market Watch, in her article "Career colleges prospering - 10 hottest fields of study", listed Massage Therapy as the program added by the most schools nationwide last year.
The International Spa Association (ISPA), in an informal poll of its members, reported that "overwhelmingly, the number one spa treatment for both men and women is massage."
AMTA, the American Massage Therapy Association, representing more than 46,000 massage therapists in 27 countries, reports that annual spending on massage therapy is now $4-6 billion. AHA, The American Hospital Association, released a survey on the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies used in hospitals and found that 22% of those hospitals responding have incorporated massage into their care regimens. Some hospitals are even requiring new medical residents and fellows to have an hour introductory massage so that they are aware of how the experience is potentially beneficial to their patients.
ITM graduates are finding that this trend is providing excellent career opportunities for professionals who want either a more structured work environment (such as in a spa), or a more flexible schedule as a self employed therapist, both while enjoying creativity, variety, and compassion for others as part of their work day.
"Massage Therapy is perfect for someone seeking to make a career change, or perhaps an individual who is looking for a second source of income. It is in demand from employers and the general public alike, and there is a shortage of competent and well-trained professionals to fill the need. The therapists today are limited only by their creativity, not for the lack of opportunities, as they abound and only continue to grow."
- local spa hiring manager
Many of our graduates have also gone on to teach massage related courses at various massage schools, chiropractic colleges, and a number of major universities. This is true for those just entering the workforce, someone seeking to make a career change, or perhaps an individual who is looking for a second source of income.