Independence and flexibility are two things that a massage therapy career can offer almost anyone, no matter what environment they work in. Learn about a day in the life of a Massage Therapist from an Arizona College graduate, Erika Beck.
The Work of a Massage Therapist
Erika Beck, Arizona College Massage Therapy Graduate
“Before I became a Massage Therapist, I imagined working in a relaxing setting surrounded by candles, soft music, dim lights, and grateful clients. I’m happy to say that what I envisioned is very often true — but that’s only part of what I do each day.
I am a Massage Therapist at a small local spa. While I give massages for most of each day, I also take care of administrative tasks. On busier days, I spend time preparing my massage station before clients arrive. I greet them when they come in and help them get comfortable. My massages last from 30 to 90 minutes. Between clients, I launder table linens and towels, check emails and voicemail messages, schedule appointments, and prepare my station for the next person I’ll see.
On slower days, or during times when I have an occasional no-show client, I work on building relationships with other professionals, updating the spa’s social media accounts, and getting the word out about specials and packages we’re offering. Promotion, networking, and loyalty-building are a big part of being successful in this job, so it helps that I’m a “people person” — I love connecting with my clients and with other Massage Therapists in my field, knowing we can all help each other in some way.
Although they can be physically demanding, some of my favorite days are those when I have clients all day long. On those days, I get the chance to practice my skills and interact with many different people. Some people come for massage every once in a while just to relax, and others come regularly as part of their treatment for ongoing physical problems they may be experiencing. Studying each client’s needs and customizing my techniques for them is a rewarding part of my profession. Every person has a different body and receives the benefits of massage in different ways, and it’s my privilege to figure out how I can help them best.”
The First Step to Starting Your Massage Therapy Career
“Receiving training to become a Massage Therapist is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I love my job, the people I interact with, and the flexibility Massage Therapy provides. I could work at a large spa or resort, or with my own clients as a self-employed therapist, but no matter where I work I’m able to help improve people’s health and well-being. My Massage Therapy program at Arizona College prepared me for every aspect of my career, from learning all about human anatomy and physiology, to learning business and marketing skills.
Choosing to be a Massage Therapist is a great way to help and connect with people while still having independence and flexibility in your career choices. If you’re interested in learning more about the Massage Therapy program at Arizona College, call an Admissions representative at (602) 222-9300, or request more information online.”
Enrolling in a Massage Therapy School
As a Massage Therapy student at Arizona College, you will receive formal training and instruction in an accredited, state-approved program. This education is a necessary first step before applying for an Arizona Massage Therapy license. Students receive hands-on training using professional equipment as well as anatomy and massage technique courses that are led by experienced faculty members. Courses also cover the administrative and marketing skills that are necessary to build clientele and improve income potential.
Contacting an Arizona College admissions representative is the easiest way to discover everything you need to know about attending a massage therapy school.
Information in this blog post is accurate as of December 10, 2019.