Massage as a Career

There’s Never Been a Better Time!

Through its annual market surveys, the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) reported there was nearly a 25% increase in number of Americans receiving massage therapy over the past 5 years. Also according to the AMTA, while most massage therapists choose to have a private practice, more therapists are working in spas, salons, health and athletic clubs, hotels, resorts, and alongside medical professionals in hospitals and rehabilitation settings.

Chiropractors, naturopaths, acupuncturists and other complementary and alternative medicine professionals are recommending massage therapy treatment for acute and chronic pain conditions. (www.massagetoday.com, Sept, 2005)

A 2003 survey by the American Hospital Association reports that 82% of hospitals surveyed use massage therapy, with more than 70% for pain management, 69% for staff stress management, nearly 60% for cancer patients, and 55% for pregnancy. (AHA, 2003)

Tiffany Field, PhD with the Florida-based Touch Research Institute reports that fibromyalgia patients shows a decrease in anxiety and depression, an increase in their ability to get more restful sleep, and a decrease in the chemical messenger for pain. (WebMD Medical News, 2002)

On-site Seated Massage in the workplace is also being offered by more companies as they see the benefits of attracting new staff and retaining existing staff, in addition to stress-reduction effects.

Other research has shown Massage Therapy to be effective in relieving low back pain, helping breast cancer survivors cope emotionally and physically, easing pain after bypass surgery, and boosting immune function during periods of high stress. (AMTA, 2005)

Outlook for the Profession

Massage therapy is one of the fastest growing health care fields in the United States. The Pennsylvania Occupational Employment Projections, published by the PA Dept. of Labor and Industry, has projected a growth rate of nearly 32% by 2012. Many therapists own clinics and spas.

Locally, massage therapy has grown in acceptance. In a recent survey sponsored by the South Hanover YMCA, massage therapy was listed as a “strong interest” in preferred organization services in 40% of returned surveys.

Graduates of PMI have a 100% Placement Rate.

PMI has established a network of opportunities for graduates in health clubs and spas, rehabilitation centers, chiropractors, hospitals, retirement centers, hair salons, as well as posting job opportunities via an email network.

Several York and Adams businesses and professional offices are inviting massage therapists on-site as an employee benefit.

The earnings of massage therapists vary with level of experience and location of practice. Because State regulations prohibit us from stating wages, please ask us for references of some of our graduates and other therapists to contact for this area’s average earnings.