Become a Massage Therapy Professional
Use therapeutic touch, anatomy knowledge, and client-centered techniques to support healing and well-being.
What Is Massage Therapy?
Massage Therapy programs teach students how to perform therapeutic techniques, understand musculoskeletal anatomy, and customize sessions to client needs. Students learn how touch can support recovery, reduce tension, and promote holistic wellness.
This path is ideal for hands-on, empathetic individuals who enjoy helping others feel better physically and emotionally. Career-Bond partners with programs that prepare students for state licensure and real-world client care.
What You'll Learn in Massage Therapy Training
Core Skills
- Swedish massage
- Deep-tissue techniques
- Anatomy and physiology
- Trigger point therapy
- Ethics and professionalism
- Client communication
- Body mechanics and injury prevention
- Business and practice management
Safety & Compliance
- Patient safety
- Infection prevention
- Privacy and HIPAA awareness
- Professional ethics
- Basic emergency response
Tools & Technology
- Massage Therapy Licensure preparation
- CPR/BLS Certification
Admissions Requirements for Massage Therapy Training
Most Massage Therapy programs have accessible entry requirements designed to help motivated students start their career.
Requirements vary by program and training provider. Career-Bond partners will confirm specific requirements during enrollment.
Certifications for Massage Therapy
This program prepares you for nationally recognized certifications that employers value.
Massage Therapy Licensure preparation
State massage therapy boards
Exam Focus: Core competencies; Safety; Professional practice
CPR/BLS Certification
American Heart Association
Exam Focus: Core competencies; Safety; Professional practice
Certification requirements vary by state and employer. Career-Bond partners will help you understand the requirements in your area.
Massage Therapy Salary & Job Outlook
Strong demand driven by increased focus on wellness, pain management, and therapeutic services, along with expanded use of massage therapy in healthcare and rehabilitation settings
Career Outlook for Massage Therapy
Work Settings
Wellness centers, medical spas, chiropractic clinics, sports and fitness centers, independent practice
Advancement Path
Specialize (sports, deep tissue, prenatal); add modalities; progress to lead therapist or open a private practice.
What Is the Difference Between Massage Therapy and Alternative Medicine/Healing Arts?
TL;DR: Massage Therapy is a clearly defined, hands-on bodywork profession, while Alternative Medicine/Healing Arts covers a broader range of holistic health practices.
Massage Therapy programs focus on therapeutic massage techniques, anatomy, physiology, and client care, preparing students for hands-on work aimed at pain relief, injury recovery, stress reduction, and wellness. These programs typically lead to state licensure and roles in spas, clinics, wellness centers, or private practice. Alternative Medicine/Healing Arts programs take a broader approach and may include modalities such as energy work, holistic wellness practices, mind-body techniques, and complementary health philosophies, depending on the program. Choose Massage Therapy if you want a structured, licensure-based career with clear job outcomes; choose Alternative Medicine/Healing Arts if you are interested in a wider, less standardized holistic health path.
Hands-on therapeutic bodywork aimed at physical relief and wellness
Broad exploration of holistic and complementary health practices
Certificate to diploma programs meeting state licensure requirements
Certificate or non-licensure programs varying widely by modality
Massage techniques, anatomy, physiology, client assessment, treatment planning
Holistic wellness concepts, mind-body practices, energy or complementary modalities
State licensure or massage therapy credentials depending on jurisdiction
Program-specific or modality-based certificates depending on focus
Spas, wellness centers, clinics, private practice
Wellness centers, holistic practices, private or alternative health settings
Direct, hands-on client interaction focused on physical treatment
Varies by modality; often consultative or practice-based client interaction
Massage tables, bodywork tools, client scheduling and documentation systems
Minimal technology; may include wellness tools or practice management software
Licensed massage therapist, specialty practitioner, private practice owner
Holistic practitioner, wellness coach, or modality-specific practice roles
Students seeking a structured, licensure-based bodywork career with clear outcomes
Students interested in a broad, less standardized holistic health path
Massage Therapy
Choose Massage Therapy if you want a structured, licensure-based bodywork career with clear job outcomes.
Alternative Medicine/Healing Arts
Choose Alternative Medicine/Healing Arts if you are interested in a wider, less standardized holistic health path.
Benefits of Massage Therapy Training
Massage Therapy Student Reviews
"My program taught me the techniques and confidence to start working with clients right away."
"Career-Bond matched me with a program that focused on both technique and real client interaction."
"I love helping people feel better — every session makes a difference in someone's day."
Massage Therapy FAQs
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Ready to Start Your Massage Therapy Career?
Find Massage Therapy programs that fit your goals and state requirements.