Massage therapy is a great career choice and can be a very lucrative employment option. The first step in becoming a massage therapist is to locate a school that offers training and subsequent certification in this field. After attending beauty school, one can then obtain their license and begin practice.

Finding just the right school for this degree can be a challenge. The number of beauty schools has increased exponentially over the years, and it is sometimes difficult to determine the bad from the good. Few are as good as La’James. The best way is to visit the school to see just what they have to offer. Ask about their certifications. Inquire if they have any financial aid available. Also, check into their job placement programs, if any. Once the school has been decided upon then it’s time to buckle down and work on your degree.

In general, it will take about 33 weeks or 650 hours of massage therapy training to get your degree. The classes will emphasize skills such as holistic principles of health, therapeutic massage, and a variety of different massage techniques. After the training is complete, then you will be ready to take your state license exam. Licensing requirements differ by state, so be sure to check with your local board to verify the steps you need to take.

Once you have become a licensed massage therapist, there are a variety of different employment opportunities that will be available for you. Some examples of career choices would be in a chiropractic office, a spa, or even opening your own private therapy practice. There is an increased need for those that have chosen this career. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, “employment for massage therapists is expected to grow faster than average through 2016 as more people learn about the benefits of massage therapy”.