Massage Model

Massage Therapist?

What is the best and fastest way to become a licensed Massage Therapist? How does someone start their own business, let say for example-in massage therapy(Do you need an mba?) Can someone be a massage therapist as a second career? Thanks.

Public Comments

1. Generally you need to complete a 500 hour certification program. To start your own business you just get a business license from city hall of the town you live in and set up shop. Finding customers and staying busy may be the bigger challenge which is why many massage therapists work for someone else in the first year or two after graduating. Massage can be a first, second or tenth career. For me it is my second. Beware, 80% of people who graduate from massage school will not be practicing massage after 2 years. It is demanding and challenging field to suceed in.
2. It depends on the state. Some states require 300 hours, some 600 hours, and some none. The costs for massage (to show what you can make and the lifestyle you choose follow...) $25-$45 if you go to a massage school whether they are certified or not yet. $60-$80 for a professional that works on their own. $75-$100 for a professional that comes to you. These prices are based on an hour massage. Contrary to what people think, the hour includes the person's time getting undressed on situated on the table, so an average massage is 50 minutes. Some therapists will do an hour and 1/2 but it is rarer for those that will do 2 hours, but some will. Also, it is customary to tip. Most tips average between $5 - $15 deepending on the length of the massage, how hard they worked on you, if they traveled to you (at home), and if you have a rapore with them (like if you are a repeat customer). In TX, interns cannot accept tips, but they can accept 'gifts' the interns at the school are $25 an hour and a great gift to give an intern is more relaxing massage music. They will LOVE you for that! No Enya, we all start off with that. Make sure that you express whether or not you expect it to be sexual because I know some will charge more if you want more, others will be offended if you expect a 'happy ending' and they are strictly professional. I recommend a school. It is less expensive. If you want deep body work, ask for a guy. If you just want to relax ask for a girl. Guys generally go deeper but I have met some girls that can kick some b utt. If you want a 'happy ending', just drive by the places with the bars on the windows in the rougher parts of town that say, 'Happy Massage For You' - I'm not sure what they charge but they will 'get you off' and out of there on average of about 30 minutes.