Massage Therapy Schools in Alabama
Massage therapy is the practice of using massage to decrease muscle pain and tension, encourage the healing process, and promote overall relaxation and well-being. Massage therapists must be educated in anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology and trained to use various massage therapy techniques.
Find Massage Therapy Programs in Alabama
You must attend a school that is approved by your state to provide training in the discipline you want to practice. Check with the school and the state board to be sure that your program of study will prepare you for any applicable state licensure.
Massage therapists may specialize in particular types of massage, or modalities. The most common include deep-tissue massage, Swedish massage, and sports massage. In order to practice massage therapy in Alabama, one must be trained in a certified massage therapy school and licensed by the Alabama Board of Massage Therapy.
Massage Therapy Licensing Requirements in Alabama
Alabama requires that massage Therapists receive a minimum of 650 hours of training from an accredited institution. This requirement is usually met through completion of either a 6 month or 9 month program of study that includes both classes and several hours of hands-on training through school clinics. In addition to this, they must also show proof that they have at least $1 million of Personal Liability Insurance. There is also a $25 fee for filing an application.
Job and Employment Outlook for Massage Therapists in Alabama
There are a variety of employment opportunities for massage therapists in Alabama, including at resorts, spas, chiropractors, and with sports teams. Massage therapists may even be self-employed, working out of their own clinics or home-offices. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, massage therapists in Alabama earn $14.08 per hour on average. Half of all massage therapists in Alabama earn $12.98 an hour or more. The average annual salary for massage therapists in Alabama is $29,550. There are an estimated 340 practicing massage therapists in Alabama. According to the Birmingham School of Massage, therapists can earn anywhere from $30-$75 per hour of massage.