Indiana Massage Therapy Schools and Programs

Massage therapists provide relaxation and pain relief with the use of touch on the body’s soft-tissue muscles. Many schools in the state of Indiana offer massage therapy programs at the certificate, diploma, and associate degree levels. Students gain a solid foundation of the human body and how it functions, as well as current massage methods and ways to provide therapeutic touch. They also learn about various types of massage, such as deep tissue massage, sports massage, massage assessment, neuromuscular therapy, and hot stone massage.

Examples of courses in massage therapy programs include introduction to therapeutic massage, massage pharmacology, kinesiology, clinical massage, sports massage, and anatomy and physiology. The programs assist students with developing the necessary skills to succeed in future work environments, like effective interpersonal communication and business skills. Majority of programs include practical learning experiences to provide students with hands-on learning to prepare them for future career opportunities. Students are also equipped with the know-how to enter the massage therapy field and pursue licensing and certification opportunities.

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Massage Therapy Licensing Requirements in Indiana

The Indiana State Board of Massage Therapy regulates the massage therapy licensing in Indiana. Individuals seeking to become certified in massage therapy in Indiana must be at least 18 years old, have the equivalent to a high school diploma, and complete an accredited massage therapy program with at least 500 hours of supervised classroom and practical experiences in massage therapy. They are then prepared to take the massage and bodywork licensing written examination that consists of 125 multiple choice questions. The board also accepts the National Board Certification Agency National Certification Examination as well as national certifications in therapeutic massage and therapeutic massage and bodywork.

Employment Outlook for Massage Therapists in Indiana

In general, the employment of massage therapists is projected to grow faster than average for all jobs, rising 20 percent by the year 2020. The increase in massage therapy as both a relaxing and alternative medicine technique will drive career growth. In the state of Indiana, about 900 individuals are employed as massage therapists, or 0.321 per 1,000 people, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average hourly rate is $15.60 or $32,450 annually. A lot of massage therapists work on a part-time basis and most are self-employed. Massage therapists typically work in both private and public settings, including spas, medical facilities, fitness centers, and private offices.