Massage Therapy Schools in North Carolina
A career in massage therapy in the state of North Carolina is quite rewarding. While earning a feasible living, you can bask in the sun on the beach on your time off. The area is full of cultural, sports and outdoor activities, so you can enjoy your weekends, while having a career working with people.
Find Massage Therapy Programs in North Carolina
You must attend a school that is approved by your state to provide training in the discipline you want to practice. Check with the school and the state board to be sure that your program of study will prepare you for any applicable state licensure.
If you live in or plan to live in the North Carolina area, you have options for your education including the Body Therapy Institute, Living Arts Institute and Southeastern Institute, which are merely a few examples. Once you apply to a school and you’re accepted, you’ll undergo training that features a practical and a clinical portion. You’ll learn techniques in Swedish massage. In addition, part of your education will consist of myofacial massage training, business and ethics, laws and marketing practices. Obviously, safety and sanitation are key factors in providing clients with your massage service, so you’ll need to receive training dealing with sanitation.
Massage Therapy Licensing Requirements in North Carolina
According to the North Carolina Board of Massage Therapy and Bodywork, a student must complete a program that lasts at least 500 hours. The school must be approved for massage therapy/bodywork. Once you complete your approved program, you need to pass a national exam before you can start practicing as a massage therapist. The National Certification is accepted by the Board. However, any other national examination that you have obtained Board approval for is acceptable.
Employment Outlook for Massage Therapists in North Carolina
Statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) state that massage therapists in N.C. make slightly more than the national average for the profession. The medium national salary is $40,350, while the medium salary for the nation is $42,270. The Raleigh-Cary area of N.C. makes the list of top metropolitan areas with the highest concentration of jobs. Western North Carolina is one of non-metropolitan areas with the highest salaries in the country. The BLS notes that this field is expected — from 2010 until 2020 — to grow by 20 percent.