Careers in Massage Therapy, Beauty, and Wellness

If you are interested in the human body and enjoy working with people, a career in massage therapy, beauty, or wellness might be for you. People in these professions focus on maximizing well-being and improving clients' aesthetic appeal. A summary of a career as a massage therapist, cosmetologist, or personal trainer follows.

About the Fields

Massage therapy has a multitude of purposes. The benefits of muscle friction were first documented by Hippocrates in 400 BC. Currently, massage is used to treat pain, decompress fatigued and overworked muscle groups, reduce stress, promote overall health, and rehabilitate sports-related injuries. Masseuses do this by working the soft tissue of the body's muscles to remove waste products and heighten circulation. Massage therapists typically specialize in one of two categories: rehabilitative massage or relaxation massage.

The field of cosmetology focuses on the aesthetics of the human body. A cosmetologist may give haircuts, manicures, pedicures, and a number of other beauty procedures. Cosmetology professionals typically work in salons, spas, and hotels.

In the wellness industry, most employees are fitness workers of some kind. A fitness worker, also known as a personal trainer, works with groups of clients or individual clients to meet their personal fitness goals. This may involve supervised weight training programs, cardiovascular exercise, and/or diet and nutrition counseling.

Career Possibilities

Massage therapists can specialize in more than 80 different forms of massage, which opens up a number of career possibilities. Swedish masseuses, acupressure therapists, and sports massage therapists are a few examples of the specialties available. Some professionals with a massage therapy background choose to pursue more education in order to become athletic trainers, physical therapists, and chiropractors.

A cosmetologist can refer to many different personal appearance workers. Manicurists, pedicurists, hair stylists, hair colorists, and make-up artists are a few careers open to those who study cosmetology. Some graduates of cosmetology school choose to perform multiple duties, such as hair styling and coloring, while others specialize in just one field, such as manicurists.

Fitness workers can choose to become personal trainers, yoga instructors, diet and nutrition consultants, gym owners, etc. Some wellness professionals who complete specialized training can teach courses in Pilates, aerobics, and other fitness routines.

Education and Credentialing

Although no formal degree is required to become a massage therapist, those who wish to enter the field must complete a state-approved training program. The U.S. has over 1,500 massage therapy schools that train students in anatomy, physiology, massage techniques, kinesiology, and more. The typical program takes 12-18 months and should be approved by a state board and accredited by a recognized independent agency. To obtain certification, a massage therapist usually must complete the NCETMG (National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork) after graduating from an approved program. After passing the test, the therapist may use the NCTMB (Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork) credential.

To become a cosmetologist, you must attend a licensed cosmetology school. These programs typically last about nine months and often bestow graduates with an associate's degree. All 50 states require cosmetologists to obtain a license, with the exception of make-up artists and shampooers. All other cosmetology professionals must meet the requirements for licensure, which typically include a high school degree, the completion of an approved cosmetology program, and a passing score on the state licensing exam.

The wellness industry is unique in that no specific education program is truly necessary to obtain certification as a personal trainer or fitness worker. The certifying organizations for fitness workers often provide study materials to those who wish to take their exams. Candidates can study from CDs and books or attend seminars and workshops to prepare. Some candidates choose to complete an associate's or bachelor's-level education in health, exercise science, kinesiology, or a related degree before taking the exam. To qualify for a certification exam, a candidate must have a high school degree and current CPR certification.

Additional Info

Careers in the massage, beauty, and wellness industries are ideal for those who enjoy hands-on work with people. If a career in cosmetology or massage therapy doesn't appeal to you, you have many other choices. Search through the career field articles offered on our site to research your options.

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