Education experience of a massage therapist

To begin on the right track towards a career in this field, coursework in these subjects is most helpful:

• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Kinesiology
• Business
• Ethics
• Massage techniques

There are about 1,500 postsecondary massage therapy schools in the United States. Additionally, most states require that students be approved by a state accreditation board. Many of these states also require continuing education in massage therapy techniques, so therapists will be aware of the newest advances in the field.

After the massage therapy training and coursework is complete, many states require a passing score on the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB). With a passing grade on this exam, students will receive a national credential to practice massage therapy, referred to as Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCTMB).