Massage Student Explains the Process Tim Bauer
Massage Therapy Student
St. Croix Center for the Healing Arts, Wisconsin Tim Bauer spent over 20 years working in construction. He started getting massages to relieve sore muscles and stress. "I've been getting massages for 15 or 20 years. I wasn't really happy with the work I was doing and finally decided it was time to make a switch into massage."
 Narrowing the Search for Massage Therapy Schools After some initial groundwork on massage therapy schools and programs, Bauer felt that St. Croix Center for the Healing Arts in Wisconsin was the best massage college for him. "I had heard about this school for a while," he explains, "it was a lot more open to alternative techniques." His studies will cover a range of topics including the following: - Aromatherapy
- Acupuncture
- Deep tissue massage
- Anatomy and physiology
He also plans on taking business, communication and ethics courses that will teach him the business side of massage therapy. Bauer is enrolled part-time. Like many of his classmates, he takes one or two massage courses at a time. He plans to complete his massage therapy program in about a year. "Many people work while they are studying," he says. "The courses are offered during the daytime and at night." Massage Therapy State Licensing Exam After completing his massage therapy program, Bauer will take a state licensing exam in order legally practice in Wisconsin. The licensing requirements for massage therapists vary from state to state. In some states, there are no requirements; in others, one must take a written exam and have a certain number of training hours in an accredited facility. Massage Therapy Salary Potential Entry level massage therapists salaries range from minimum wage to about $3000 a month. Bauer believes that the massage therapy profession "is opening up a lot" and that opportunities for therapists are varied. "There is more and more massage therapy needed in hospitals and clinics. Some people work for chiropractors, physical therapists, or in gyms. People who are into fitness have come to see massage as extremely beneficial." Self-Employment for Massage Therapists Bauer knows several therapists who are self-employed and sometimes work from home. "It's a way to reduce overhead costs. It's inexpensive to operate your own business from home," he says. Bauer, like many massage professionals, feels that independence and flexibility are key factors in his massage career. Choosing a Massage Therapy Specialty Students can choose to specialize their massage career in a variety of areas like Swedish massage, deep tissue massage and prenatal massage. Bauer is particularly interested in an area of massage called applied kinesiology. Applied kinesiology is a method of testing the muscles in your body as a means of diagnosing other areas of concern. Males in the Massage Industry When Bauer graduated high school in the Midwest, male massage therapists were few and far between. Today, he feels that being a male massage therapist is an asset. "I think I was hesitant because I was afraid of being called a 'sissy boy' or something," says the 45 year old construction worker turned massage therapist. "Construction was easy, and I was good at it. But I was never really happy with it." These days, Bauer sees a lot of opportunity for men to work as massage therapists. "I think there are many places in search of male massage therapists, who can't always find them. I think my position will make for better job potential and clientele potential!"  |
