Beyond Massage School: Getting Established in the Field

Graduating from the comprehensive massage therapy program at Southern California Health Institute (SOCHi) is an important step on your journey towards a career as a massage therapist, but it is only the beginning. Now that you have the education and skills you need to work in the industry, it is time to get started establishing yourself in the massage industry and building your career from the ground up.

Building Your Resume

Preparing for your future career as a massage therapist must start with your resume. Having a solid resume when you exit massage school may seem unlikely, but the experiences and education you are receiving at SOCHi can all be a part of it. SOCHi education provides you with the hands-on experience that will fill the resume holes that many students have upon graduation. Massage theory is one thing, but having evidence that you know how to properly put those techniques into practice will make you a valuable addition to any spa or facility looking for a qualified massage therapist.

Licensure / Certification

Most states have laws and licensure requirements regulating massage therapy practice and, even if your state doesn’t have specific requirements, it is wise to take the competency exams, for example, the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx), and to keep your skills up-to-date by completing continuing education courses as well.

Voluntary credentialing can include your state and you can also obtain board certification from the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB). This certification is the highest credential that is currently available for a massage therapist.

Professional Organizations

One of the best ways to build your professional career as a massage therapist is to become associated with professionals in the industry. The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) offers its members access to insurance, discounts that will help you build and stock your individual practice, and gives you access to educational opportunities and the entire member community of massage therapists. The organization has Standards of Practice and a Code of Ethics that its members are required to adhere to, and promoting the practice of massage therapy, as well as the art and science behind it, is also a part of their mission.

Networking

Connecting with other people is one of the most important aspects of business. You have to make connections with fellow massage therapists as well as other professionals within the health and wellness industry. Fitness trainers, sports medicine professionals, and physical therapists are all valuable networking connections to make, offering you the opportunity for mentorship as well as potential professional advancement.

Successfully completing your massage school training at SOCHi is just the first step in building a career as a massage therapist. With guidance and help always at the ready, SOCHi can help you to put together a solid entry-level resume, form professional relationships and connections that will expand your career opportunities, and get the licensure and certifications available that will make you a valuable addition as a massage therapist.

If you would like more information about the massage therapy program, or any of the programs, that SOCHi offers, or would like to learn more about our career building opportunities, please visit our website to request information.