If you're interested in a career in the massage therapy industry, you may be surprised as to how beneficial this career path can be. Not only for you as a massage therapist, but for massage consumers too.

A large percentage of people rely on massage therapists for stress relief, tension relief, and pain relief. If you like helping people and don't really have time to go to school for a 4-year degree, then receiving your licensure as an LMT may be a great option for you.

Contrary to popular belief, there aren't enough massage therapists to upkeep demand for this industry. Massage therapy is a highly sought out service and the industry is always looking for more certified massage therapists.

Here are some interesting and unknown facts about the massage therapy industry that may help you decide whether becoming an LMT is for you.

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Massage Therapy Industry Facts

1. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual salary for massage therapists last year was $46,910. Annual salaries vary greatly on hours worked, tips, etc., so it can be more or less depending on your work ethic.
2. The number of massage therapists has increased by 14% over the last decade and is continuously growing with a projected 20% increase in the next 10 years.
3. The fastest growing segments in massage therapy are in the medical aspects of massage therapy. 
4. As opposed to going to school for a 4-year degree, which can cost upwards of $40k depending on the school you choose, becoming an LMT takes 1 year at most and is around $12,500.
5. Up to 80% of LMTs have stated that their first career choice was not an LMT, so it’s never too late to pivot if you are unhappy in your current career.
   
   
6. 63% of massage consumers get massages for health and wellness reasons. So if you’re looking for a way to help people, provide people with relief, and have a decent work-life balance, this may be a perfect occupation for you.
   
7. Up to 70% of physicians and healthcare providers recommend a massage therapist to their patients, which means there is always a need for new massage therapists.
8. 35% of massage consumers get massage therapy in a spa or massage therapist office compared to physical therapist's office (16%) or chiropractor's office (16%).
9. Overall, 88% of surveyed massage therapists are “very satisfied” or “satisfied” with their careers. 99% of massage therapists believe their work has a positive impact on their clients.
10. Licensed Massage Therapists (LMTs) are considered primary healthcare providers, so clients or patients can come and visit you with/without a referral. 

Information & Requirements To Become A Massage Therapist

To practice as a certified LMT in Tennessee, you must be a graduate of a state approved program in massage therapy and complete:

• 500 Classroom Hours minimum
• MBLEx examination (Massage Bodywork License Exam)
• the application for LMT licensure through the state of Tennessee massage board

The Tennessee School of Massage meets all of these requirements by offering a 700-hour program/ Our massage therapy program provides you with the all of the requirements, resources, skills, knowledge and confidence to build a full and fulfilling career in massage therapy. Although we do work with students through flexible 0% interest payment plans, we are a private school so we can't and don't accept Federal Pell Grants. 

We encourage people from all walks of life who are looking for a change in their career, work-life balance, and lifestyle to consider becoming and LMT. We have had students enroll from many different professional backgrounds like RNs, LPNs, EMTs, physical and occupational therapists, a range of healthcare professionals, professional athletes, retail employees, and even attorneys who were tired of their demanding work schedule.

The main belief that all of our students have in common is their desire to help other people feel better with a decent work-life balance. Many people have other interests and commitments beyond work, so massage therapy may be a perfect career for someone with multiple passions or someone in need of flexible work hours. A full-time massage therapist can expect to work around 30 hours a week. 

If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, you can also open your own practice once you are established and bring your clients over to your new practice. At Tennessee School of Massage, we will equip you with all the tools you need to become an LMT and have your own practice.

Sources: 

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/massage-therapists.htm

https://www.amtamassage.org/publications/massage-industry-fact-sheet/