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Massage therapist

Alternative titles for this job include

Massage therapists manipulate clients' muscles and soft tissues, treat sports injuries, and give relief to people with health issues.

Average salary (a year)

Variable

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 39 variable

You could work

freelance / self-employed managing your own hours

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a massage therapist

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship

College

You could take a Level 3 Diploma in Massage or Complementary Therapies.

The Council for Soft Tissue Therapies (GCMT) is the governing body for massage therapy, and it sets the standards for the profession. GCMT suggest you take a course that lasts at least 6 months full time, or 12 months part time.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could start in this job by taking an advanced apprenticeship in beauty therapy massage.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

More Information

Career tips

You can specialise in a particular form of massage like baby and infant massage, or sports massage. You'll need to take extra training to do this.

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the voluntary register of the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council or the Federation of Holistic Therapists.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • sensitivity and understanding
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • active listening skills
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • customer service skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work well with others
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In a typical session you will:

  • check the client's medical history, diet and lifestyle
  • identify the client's reasons for wanting massage therapy
  • plan a course of treatment
  • apply pressure to areas of the body
  • give advice to clients about their wellbeing
  • refer clients to medical professionals

Working environment

You could work at a hospice, from home, at a GP practice, at a health spa, in an NHS or private hospital or in a therapy clinic.

You may need to wear a uniform.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience you could build up and maintain a reputation and client base, and set up your own business.

You could also train in other complementary therapies like aromatherapy, reiki or reflexology.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprenticeship Advanced Beauty Therapist-Prime Aesthetics

  • Wage: £117.00 Weekly
  • Location: Sevenoaks

Apprentice in Advanced Beauty Therapy

  • Wage: £117.00 Weekly
  • Location: Banbury
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Diploma in Massage Therapy

  • Provider: FURNESS COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2021
  • Location: BARROW-IN-FURNESS

Sports Massage Therapy diploma

  • Provider: BEXHILL COLLEGE
  • Start date: 06 September 2021
  • Location: Bexhill on Sea
Find courses near you

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