A career in massage therapy can offer many perks such as autonomy, self-employment, and the satisfaction of helping others. In Mississippi, professional massage therapists earn a yearly average salary of almost $25,000. Mississippi also requires that massage therapists complete a minimum of 700 hours of approved massage therapy courses and complete a state and national exam before becoming certified and receiving a license to practice in the state.
Due to the state's stringent requirements, the essential first step for a person who is inexperienced in massage therapy to become a professional massage therapist is to enroll in a school that offers a massage education program that is approved by the state. Programs that are not approved by the state are not likely to meet the state's educational requirement for licensing. The second most important factor for most prospective students in choosing a school is cost. The cost of tuition and fees may vary depending on where a student studies.
Prospective students should contact the financial aid advisers at the schools in which they are interested to determine the type of financial aid each institution offers. Financial aid advisers can also help prospective students understand how much financial aid they are likely to receive. By comparing tuition costs and attendance fees with the financial aid package that is offered by each school, prospective students are more likely to be able to ascertain which school offers the best value for the money they will spend.
Adult students who have time constraints that may be presented by full time or part time work responsibilities or caring for a family should research schools that offer flexible scheduling. These schools cater to nontraditional adult students who may not be available during regular school hours. Attending night, weekend, and in some cases, online courses may be possible.
Potential Career Opportunities
Massage therapists may work in a variety of environments. Some therapists may work as employees at massage clinics, chiropractic offices, spas, and fitness centers. Therapists who are employed by a larger business tend to have more predictable scheduling, and the business usually provides a work space, materials, and equipment for the therapist. The business also often assists with marketing and client booking management. Self-employed massage therapists generally have more autonomy as they are able to set their own schedules. They may work from a designated area within their home, secure an outside space from which to work, or travel to their client's location. These therapists are typically responsible for their own supplies, equipment, and administrative tasks like marketing, client booking management, and paying taxes.
Massage clients may also vary. A massage therapist who works in a sports medicine or fitness center setting is likely to see clients who are looking to use massage therapy to recover from an injury or enhance their current workout regimen. Massage therapists in medical settings are likely to have clients who seek out their services to recover from an injury sustained in an accident or to manage the symptoms of a chronic condition like arthritis, fibromyalgia, or carpel tunnel syndrome.
Massage therapists who work in a spa setting may have clients who are seeking relief from chronic muscle tension that can occur from poor posture or working at a computer all day while other clients simply wish to relax and enjoy a light, luxurious Swedish massage.
Find Your Massage Therapy School
Mississippi massage schools help people get started in the flexible and rewarding career of massage therapy. Certified massage therapists are in demand at spas, resorts, rehabilitation clinics and many more organizations. And people who graduate from a Mississippi massage therapy school also have the option of going into business for themselves. If you enjoy helping people and working with your hands, massage therapy could be the ideal career for you. Jackson is a metro area where trained practitioners are always in demand and are highly paid for their skill.
With so many paths to choose within the massage field and a career that is projected to grow in the coming years, massage therapy is an excellent choice for prospective students who are interested in a client-focused career in health and wellness. Use our directory of massage therapy schools to find the program that fits your aspirations.
