Becoming a massage therapist usually requires nothing more than training and certification. However, many states require a license to practice massage therapy and most states require certification from the American Massage Therapy Association.
Certification will give you the skills and knowledge you need to be successful as a massage therapist and it usually takes less than two years. Many career colleges offer classes in various massage techniques including:
- Swedish massage
- Deep tissue massage
- Sports massage
- Shiatsu and acupressure massage
- Neuromuscular massage
- Reflexology
Since there are many styles of massage, most therapists specialize in specific styles. Good communications skills and the ability to make each client comfortable are very important skills a massage therapist should possess.
