California Massage SchoolsMassage Career Articles and Information
School ListAcademy of Professional Careers Locations: San Diego, CA / San Marcos, CA
Acupressure Institute Locations: Berkeley, CA Bryan College of Court Reporting Locations: Gold River, CA
California Healing Arts College Locations: Los Angeles, CA Locations: Costa Mesa, CA
Locations: Santa Clarita, CA / Lancaster, CA / Long Beach, CA
Locations: North Hollywood, CA / San Bernadino, CA / San Diego, CA
Locations: Anaheim, CA / Alhambra, CA / City of Industry, CA / Gardena, CA / Hayward, CA / Ontario, CA / Reseda, CA / San Bernardino, CA / San Francisco, CA / San Jose, CA / Torrance, CA / West Los Angeles, CA
Locations: Long Beach, CA
Fresno Adult School Locations: Fresno, CA Hands on Healing Institute Locations: Tujunga, CA Locations: Sacramento, CA
Institute for Business and Technology Locations: Santa Clara, CA InterCoast College Locations: Burbank, CA / Carson, CA / Orange, CA / Riverside, CA / West Covina, CA Lincoln Institute of Body Therapy Locations: Orange, CA Locations: Vista (North County), CA / Palm Springs, CA
Mesa Academy of Massage Locations: Placentia, CA Locations: Indio, CA / Bakersfield, CA / Fresno, CA / Visalia, CA / Clovis, CA / Fairfield, CA
National Holistic Institute Locations: Emeryville, CA / Encino, CA / San Jose, CA / Petaluma, CA / San Francisco, CA Locations: Pomona, CA / Pasadena, CA / West Covina, CA
Northwestern College Locations: Gold River, CA Locations: San Diego, CA
Santa Barbara Business College Locations: Santa Barbara, CA / Santa Maria, CA / Bakersfield, CA / Ventura, CA / Palm Desert, CA
Locations: Colton, CA
Trinity College Locations: Sacramento, CA / San Jose, CA / Vallejo, CA / Fairfield, CA Locations: El Monte, CA / Ontario, CA / Van Nuys, CA
West Coast College Locations: Victorville, CA / Ontario, CA Locations: Emeryville, CA / San Jose, CA / Antioch, CA / Pleasant Hill, CA / Sacramento, CA / San Leandro, CA / Citrus Heights, CA / Stockton, CA
Western College of Southern California Locations: Cerritos, CA An Introduction to Massage CareersMassage is an ancient technique that relaxes the mind and the body. It has been used for centuries and has been offered as a consumer service for a similar length of time. There are essentially two ways to approach a career in the field of massage: employment and self-employment. Both have advantages and disadvantages and the final decision will be one made based on personal preference and circumstance. There is an increasing demand for alternative health therapists, of which a masseur is one of the most popular. There are currently no state laws that govern the level of education required, however, some cities and jurisdictions do stipulate a minimum formal training certificate. Regardless of whether certification is required, you would be well advised to attend a massage school to receive formal training. A program of this type will give freelance masseurs greater credence with their clients and those looking for full time employment a greater edge over many of their rivals. Employment and Earnings StatisticsStatistics vary greatly depending on a number of factors. Some of the most important factors include:
While these are important factors to determine the demand and the salary for any profession, the divide between the employed and the self-employed makes them even more important. There are estimated to be around 100,000 massage therapists in the USA. Of these, approximately 70,000 (about 70%) are self-employed. The average hourly wage is $15 with actual rates ranging from as little as $7 to as much as $32 per hour. Gratuities, or tips, help bolster self-employed earnings, although they are rare in a clinical setting. As with any business or venture, there are risks associated with setting up your own practice, but practitioners with certificates or other forms of training tend to perform better. Current National Requirements for Massage TherapistsPublic demand for massage therapy is definitely increasing. The decision by the State of California to recognize massage techniques as being a form of physical and mental treatment has also helped increase its popularity. The estimated 100,000 massage practitioners are expected to continue to increase in number at a rate higher than other professions. Potential further changes in legislation and an increased awareness of alternative therapies will push the demand higher. The Best Course of Education or VocationThere are a large number of massage schools in California that offer various certificates, diplomas, and other educational qualifications. While some parts of California don't require massage therapists to take these exams, if you wish to practice in another area of the country then a qualification and registration may be required. In most cases, certification will only be awarded when a student has over 500 hours of massage work. There are not very many degrees available in massage therapy; certificates that concentrate on the physical aspects of the work as well as some business management and administration topics are more numerous. These programs give an excellent, rounded view of both employed and self-employed massage therapy careers. Potential Massage CareersAs alternative and holistic remedies hit the headlines more and more their popularity continues to increase. Individuals, organizations, businesses, and even the government have steadily begun to realize the importance of the various types of massage. Companies have realized the importance of a healthy workforce for some years now. As well as the introduction of gyms and healthy eating plans, some companies also offer the services of a massage therapist. In most cases, this will be on a temporary contract basis. Cruise ships, hotels, and sports facilities, as well as shopping malls and airports have begun to employ massage therapists. In these instances it is good to have an all round knowledge of the various massage techniques. However, it is also beneficial to be able to specialize in one specific area. More opportunities will become available and you will be able to demand a higher fee in some cases. Massage Program DetailsA massage education obviously centers on learning various massage techniques. However, most massage schools also cover anatomy and physiology. Other common topics include kinesiology, business, medical ethics and applied massage techniques. You may also be interested in reading the article Setting Up Your Own Massage Therapy Practice, which discusses the advantages and potential hardships associated with starting your own massage business. Have we forgotten a California massage school?If you know of a California massage school that we don't have listed here, please let us know by emailing us at info@california-vocational-schools.com. |