Overview of Massage Therapy Career

Massage therapists manipulate the muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia to achieve a variety of therapeutic goals: relaxation, stress relief, self-awareness, freedom from muscular aches & pains, peak performance in sports or the arts, improved sleep patterns, etc. Depending on the goal, massage may be vigorous and quick-paced, or very gentle and serene. It requires the practitioner to stand and move with fluid ease during massage sessions, and to develop strong hands and subtle techniques.

Many different personalities and body types seek the nurturing care of massage therapists. Like beauticians who also touch their clients, massage therapists hear private details of their clients' emotional lives. Respect, open mindedness, interpersonal warmth, and confidentiality are essential.

Income varies widely among massage therapists. Most are paid directly by their clients. Income is directly tied to the number of massages. Many massage therapists choose to work part time.

First year income is very irregular for a full time massage therapist and probably will not exceed $10,000. However, as a steady client base is built, many full time massage therapists reach $25-40,000 depending on effective marketing and physical stamina. A few exceed $70,000

Work Settings

Massage therapists and other body work practitioners work in a wide variety of settings: health clubs & wellness centers; chiropractic and physical therapy offices; beauty salons & day spas; hotels, resorts, & cruise lines; health food stores and sports outfitters; pain management and sports injury clinics; and private homes and offices.

Some work under the supervision of other licensed health care providers. Some are self-employed. Many work part time and have a great deal of flexible control of their hours. Some work exclusively from their home offices.

Credentialing Requirements

Upon successful completion of the Massage Therapy Program, the
graduate is eligible to apply to take the National Certification Exam in Therapeutic Massage. Upon successful completion of the National Certification Exam in Therapeutic Massage the graduate is eligible to apply for a Tennessee Massage Therapist License.

Note: Criminal Background Checks are required for the Tennessee Massage Therapist License and may be required for some clinical sites. Any convictions for felony, substance abuse or sexual misconduct would be likely to prevent a graduate from acquiring a Tennessee Massage Therapist License.

Location

Oak Ridge Branch Campus, Room F-110

Accreditation

Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA)

Costs

List of non-tuition costs for the Massage Therapy Program
RSCC tuition and fees

Program Admissions Policies

Must meet all Roane State Community College admission requirements

Steps to enroll at RSCC and be accepted as a Massage Therapy Program Applicant

1. Submit an RSCC Admissions Application & pay a one-time $20 application fee. Indicate on the application you are a Special Student.
2. Submit an Application for Admission to Health Science Programs. Indicate "Massage Therapy" or (on old forms) "Somatic Therapy".
3. Submit an official high school transcript or GED scores or college transcript An official transcript is one that is in an unopened sealed envelope from the high school or college.
4. Submit required proof of immunizations.
   
   DEADLINE: last working day in May (late applicants are often considered for the Massage Therapy Program)
    
5. Take the HOBET entrance exam. Click here to register.  When your application file is complete you will be contacted with times, dates & location that the HOBET will be administered.
6. Come for an admissions interview (these are conducted several times during the summer before classes start in late August each year). You will be contacted by phone or e-mail (if available) to set up your interview time. 
7. You will receive a letter stating if you are admitted to the Massage Therapy Program, on an alternate list or if you have been denied admission.
8. "Accept" or "Do Not Accept" your position in the class by returning the note in your acceptance letter. Failure to return the note could result in your position being awarded to someone on the alternate list. If you accept and your plans change, please contact us as soon as possible. We may be able to offer your position to an alternate early enough that they can arrange baby sitters, work schedules, transportation, etc.