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2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
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Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
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WWAHEC
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Health
Professionals/
Student Placement
Health Career
Information
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
HOPE
Preceptor & Site Resources
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Volunteer/Retired
Providers Program
K-12 Learning Resources
aka Science
Allied Health
Health Career
Information
HOPE
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Statewide Office
of Rural Health
Community Health
Assessment, Planning
& Development
Primary Care
Provider Recruitment
Shop
WWAHEC
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Health
Professionals/
Student Placement
Health Career
Information
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
HOPE
Preceptor & Site Resources
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Volunteer/Retired
Providers Program
K-12 Learning Resources
aka Science
Allied Health
Health Career
Information
HOPE
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Statewide Office
of Rural Health
Community Health
Assessment, Planning
& Development
Primary Care
Provider Recruitment
Shop
Health Career Information
Massage Therapist
Job description
Massage Therapists use their hands to provide treatment to body muscles. Their treatment can help to improve circulation, make joints more flexible, relieve pain and relax tight muscles. They knead, rub, slap and stroke the body to stimulate circulation and relax muscles. They may apply lubricants or use vibrating equipment, steam or dry heat, ice or other cold treatment, ultraviolet, infrared or water treatments. They may also incorporate techniques such as acupressure, reflexology, polarity therapy or corrective manipulations. They often offer different types of massage such as deep tissue, Swedish, myofacial and Russian or sports massage. Massage Therapists may also advise their customers in exercise and body conditioning programs, nutrition and general wellness. Therapists may treat patients with medical conditions who have been referred to them by their doctor.
Salaries and benefits*
Wages vary with the type and size of establishment and the frequency of client visits. In a large massage center, Massage Therapists can expect to earn wages and tips. Massages may cost $15 to $45 per half-hour visit, and the Massage Therapist usually receives 30 to 70 percent of this amount. Those who work with private clients may charge $30 to $50 per hour. Wages are typically lower in small cities and towns.
Training and requirements
Massage Therapists learn necessary skills by completing a 520 hour course in an approved massage school or apprenticeship program. There are currently 34 schools in Washington approved by the Washington State Board of Massage that offer training in massage therapy. Therapists who wish to specialize in a certain type of massage usually take additional training.
Necessary skills
●
ability to catch on to things and make judgments
●
understand the meanings of words and present information clearly
●
picture forms in space
●
see details and slight differences in objects, shapes or pictures
●
coordinate eyes and hands
●
use fingers
●
skillful use of hands in applying pressure
●
knowledge of massage theory, anatomy, physiology, pathology, hydrotherapy
●
ability to stand for long periods of time
Licensure/Certification
Massage Therapists must be licensed in the State of Washington. Licensing requirements include: age 18 or older; completion of a 520 hour course in an approved massage therapy school program or apprenticeship program; written national board exam; current first and CPR card; four hours of AIDS education. They are required to complete 16 hours of continuing education every two years.
Helpful high school courses
English, psychology, communications, speech, math, social studies, chemistry, physiology, physical education, first aid/CPR, and health. Knowledge of movement techniques such as Tai Chi and Aikido are also helpful.
Colleges/Vocational Schools in Washington State
All schools listed here have been approved by the Washington State Board of Massage as of September 15, 2004.
●
Acorn
Apprenticeship Program
2839 Grant St.
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 671-4489
●
Alexander
School of Natural Therapeutics
4026 Pacific Ave.
Tacoma, WA 98408
(253) 473-1142
●
American College of Professional Education
15439 53rd Ave. S
Tukwila, WA 98188
(206) 244-3459
●
Ancient Arts Massage School & Clinic
Medical Arts
750 Swift, Ste. 15
Richland, WA 99352
(509) 943-9589
●
Ashmead College
Everett Campus
3019 Colby Ave.
Everett, WA 98201
(206) 339-2678
Fife Campus
5005 Pacific Hwy. East #20
Fife, WA 98424
(253) 926-1435
Northgate (Seattle) Campus
2111 N. Northgate Way, Ste. 218
Seattle, WA 98133
(206) 527-0807
Vancouver Campus
120 NE 136th Ave., #220
Vancouver, WA 98684
(360) 885-3152
●
Bellevue Massage School
115921 NE 8th St
Bellevue, WA 98008
(425) 641-3409
●
Bodymechanics
School of Myotherapy and Massage
3920 Capital Mall Dr. SW, Ste. 404
Olympia, WA 98502
(360) 786-8582
●
BodyMind
Academy
1247 120th Ave. NE, Ste. K
Bellevue, WA 98005
(206) 367-9060
●
Brenneke
School of Massage
425 Pontius Ave. N, Ste. 100
Seattle, WA 98109
(206) 282-1233
●
Brian Utting School of
Massage
900 Thomas St.
Seattle, WA 98109
(206) 292-8055
●
Cascade Summit School of Massage
2505 Racquet Lane
Yakima, WA 98902
(509) 248-6113
●
Cedar
Mountain Center for Massage
5601 NE St. John's Road
Vancouver, WA 98661
(360) 696-2210
●
Clover Park Technical College
4500 Steilacoom Blvd. SW
Lakewood, WA 98499-4098
(253) 589-5800
●
Columbia Massage Institute
712 Swift Blvd. Ste. 3B
Richland, WA 99352
(509) 943-1083
●
Denton Massage Program
426 N Olympic Ave., Ste. B
Arlington, WA 98223
(360) 435-8490
●
Dogwood Clinic
423 W Third Ave., Ste. B
Moses Lake, WA 98837
(509) 764-9018
●
Evergreen Center for the Healing Arts
1815 D St.
Vancouver, WA 98663
(360) 750-7272
●
Gabriel Institute
22515 100th Pl. SW
Vashon Island, WA 98070
(206) 463-1227
●
Inland Massage Institute
111 E Magnesium Rd., Ste. F
Spokane, WA 99208
(509) 465-3033
●
The Institute of Structural Medicine
3027 NW 59th St.
Seattle, WA 98107
(206) 784-8504
●
New
Perspectives Institute
3210 NE 167th St.
Lake Forest Park, WA 98155
(206) 368-8145
●
Northwest
Noetic School of Massage and Education Center
PO Box 8487
Spokane, WA 99203
(509) 835-4000
●
12618 NE 85th St.
Kirkland, WA 98033
(866) 713-1212
●
Peninsula College
Massage Therapy Program
1502 East Lauridsen Blvd.
Port Angeles, WA 98362
(360) 687-0888
●
Port
Townsend School of Massage
1071 Landes Ct.
Port Townsend, WA 98368
(360) 379-4066
●
Renton Technical College
Massage Program
3000 NE Forth St.
Renton, WA 98056-4195
(425) 235-2451
●
Sakie
International - Yakima College of Massage & Bodywork
1731 S 1st St.
Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 457-2773
●
School of Therapeutic Touch & Bodywork
615 S Mission
Wenatchee, WA 98801
(509) 667-2720
●
Soma Institute of Neuromuscular Integration
730 Klink St.
Buckley, WA 98321
(360) 829-1025
●
Spectrum
Center School of Massage
1001 N Russell Rd.
Snohomish, WA 98290
(425) 334-5409
●
Stanger Apprenticeship Program
3802 10th SE
Wenatchee, WA 98802
(509) 884-2516
●
Tri-City School of Massage
26 E Third Ave.
Kennewick, WA 99336
(509) 586-6434
●
Wellness Education Center Apprenticeship Program
20 W Main
Spokane, WA 99201
(509) 280-0839
●
Whatcom Community College
237 Kellogg Rd.
Bellingham, WA 98226
(360) 676-2170
Outlook*
The number of licensed Massage Therapists has steadily increased over the past few years. Employment opportunities tend to be better in large cities than in small towns, although there is more competition in the cities. Currently, about 8,378 Massage Practitioners are licensed and practicing in the State of Washington.
Professional Association
●
American Massage Therapy Association
820 Davis St., Suite 100
Evanston, IL 60201-4444
(847) 864-0123
http://www.amtamassage.org
* Note: General career descriptions are updated as necessary, however salary expectations and projected outlooks have not been updated since 2000. Go to Workforce Explorer Washington and search your career for the most up-to-date salary and job growth expectations. Washington Healthcare Careers and Workforce College are also good resources for job information.
For additional information, contact your school's career counselor or
WWAHEC
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Page updated 9/15/04