Career Guide is a series of occupational briefs which aims to provide information on hard to fill and highly-in-demand occupations identified during the 2006 National Manpower Summit and the 2007 National Human Resource Conference. The Career Guides contain such information as the nature of the job, its education and competency requirements, earnings, employment and job outlook.

Massage Therapist

A Massage Therapist is a licensed certified therapist who had undergone extensive training regarding anatomy, physiology, and multitude of massage techniques. They manually manipulate soft tissues and muscles to increase the health and wellness of their clients.

Tasks

Evaluate a patient to determine what treatment is required;
Manually manipulate muscles and soft tissues to relieve pain and stress;
Use appropriate oils and lotion, hot compresses or vibratory devices as needed to aid the massage technique;
Consult with other healthcare workers as needed to create a plan of care;
Record the treatments given and provide assessments of the patient�s progress;
Maintain a calm and soothing environment that enables the patient to relax.

Basic Educational Requirement

At least a high school graduate with appropriate training from local or international training institutions and/or associations duly recognized by the proper authorities.

Licensure from the Department of Health is also required to practice massage therapy. To qualify for licensure, the person must meet the following basic requirements: (1) at least 18 years of age or has received a high school diploma or graduate equivalency diploma; (2) has completed a course of study at a recognized massage school or has completed an apprenticeship program that meets standards approved by the Board of Massage Therapy; and (3) has received a passing grade on an examination administered by the Department of Health.

Skills and Competencies

Knowledgeable about anatomy and how the body functions;
Skilled in various massage techniques;
Strong communication skills.

Physical Attributes and Characteristics

Healthy and physically fit;
Able to stand for long periods;
Strong arms and hands;
Able to inspire and motivate patients;
Interested in the health and well-being of others;
Have a calm and reassuring manner in addressing patient�s problem;
Friendly, emphatic personality.

Salary/Compensation

Massage therapists employed in spa and other establishments catering to health and wellness get an average basic salary of P10,250 per month. On the other hand, self-employed massage therapists who are highly experienced and with a large client base have higher earnings since they can command higher fees from their clients.

Prospects for Career Advancement

Highly-experienced massage therapists working in spa establishments can be promoted to a supervisory or managerial position after they have demonstrated the skill and competency requirements of the position.

Those with entrepreneurial skills may go into their own business as owners of spa establishments. As entrepreneurs, they have the opportunity to expand their client base and increase client fee which means higher earnings and income.

Employment Opportunities

Wage employment for massage therapists can be found in spa; salons; offices of physicians and chiropractors; fitness and recreational sports centers; and hotels. Therapists who have completed formal training programs and have passed the licensure exam are likely to have very good job opportunities.

The increase in the demand for massage therapists is expected to be sustained as more people learn about the benefits of massage therapy. Likewise , increased interest in alternative medicine and holistic healing will provide jobs for those skilled in massage therapy. Massage therapy�s growing acceptance among medical practitioners will greatly increase employment opportunities as well.

Cost of Training *

An extensive training program for massage therapist cost around P18,000 covering 560 hours of training.

* Based on tuition fee rates for school year 2007-2008