A career in massage therapy can lead to a world of options that allow flexibility with the possibility of owning one's own business. A field that is projected to continue its current pattern of expansion and growth, massage therapy allows therapists to choose where and with whom they work. Therapists may even oftentimes plan their own schedule. The average annual salary for massage therapists in the State of Oregon is very favorable at almost $50,000 (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes319011.htm).
In Oregon, professional massage therapists are required to have completed the state mandated educational requirement to obtain a license. For this reason, the first step in embarking on a career as a massage therapist is to enroll in a massage education program that is recognized and approved by the state as fulfilling the education requirement for obtaining a license.
After narrowing the selection down to state approved schools, prospective students will likely need to consider cost of attendance. Tuition and fees vary from institution to institution, and many schools offer financial aid. Prospective students should contact a school's financial aid adviser to determine the different types of financial aid that are available and how much the student is qualified to receive.
Adult students may have full time demands like caring for a family or working a full time job. These prospective students should compare the curriculum structure offered by each state approved school. Some institutions may offer the option of more flexible scheduling to accommodate non-traditional students who may need to work or take care of their family during traditional school hours.
Potential Career Opportunities
Massage therapists work in a variety of environments. Self-employed therapists may work from a designated area in their home, or they may secure an outside space from which to conduct their business and provide services to their clients. Some therapists even make house calls and travel to their client's location. While self-employment may offer the flexibility of choosing a schedule that fits the therapist's preferences each day, self-employed massage therapists must also provide their own equipment and supplies, and they must be excellent at multitasking as they are required to handle all administrative tasks that arise such as marketing, promoting their business, and scheduling and managing client appointments.
Other massage therapists work as employees at larger businesses. These therapists may work in spas, wellness centers, chiropractic clinics, specialty massage clinics, or sports medicine center. Working as an employee offers the benefits of having the larger business assist with marketing and client management, not being required to furnish equipment, workspace, and supplies, and in many cases having more predictable income, depending on pay structure. Massage clients may also vary depending on the individual therapist's specialty and work environment.
Massage therapists who offer services in many different styles of massage may see clients from virtually all walks of life. Sports medicine clients often seek out massage therapy to rehabilitate an injury or to enhance their training regimen. Spa clients often are looking for a massage for the sole purpose of relaxing. Clients in a medical center or hospital setting may require massage sessions to assist in managing a chronic injury, such as an injury sustained in an accident, or to ease the symptoms of an illness like fibromyalgia.
Find Your Massage Therapy School
Massage therapists in the Portland and Salem area of Oregon are some of the highest-paid in the state. But no matter where you are in Oregon, massage therapists are in demand and well compensated for their skills. In fact, Oregon is one of the top five highest paying states for massage therapy careers. Eugene-Springfield is the third highest paying metropolitan area in the country for massage therapy careers. An Oregon massage therapy school can help you get started in this lucrative career in a very short period of time. You don’t have to go to school for years to start a career where you can help people every day. If you enjoy working with people and you enjoy the idea of working with your hands to help them, look through our list of Oregon massage therapy schools below and find one in your area.
With many different work settings from which to choose and the opportunity to positively impact the lives of people from all backgrounds, massage therapy is an excellent career choice for people who wish to bring health and wellbeing to others. Massage Register wants to help you change your life through education. If you want to pursue a career as a professional massage therapist, use our listings to find the program that is the best fit for your life.
