I am a
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Massage therapist

Massage therapists manipulate clients' muscles and soft tissues, treat sports injuries and give help to people with health issues.

Average annual salary

Variable

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Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship

Entry requirements:

College

You could take a course at college that will give you some of the skills and knowledge needed for this role.

Relevant courses include:

  • Level 3 Diploma in Massage
  • Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy
  • Level 3 Diploma in Complementary Therapies

Entry requirements:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

Apprenticeship

You could gain some of the skills and knowledge for this role through an advanced apprenticeship like a:

  • holistic wellbeing practitioner
  • beauty therapist

Entry requirements:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
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Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • active listening skills
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • customer service skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • knowledge of how the human body works
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to work on your own
  • thinking and reasoning skills
  • the ability to understand people’s reactions
  • physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
  • the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
  • the ability to sell products and services
  • knowledge of English language
  • a desire to help people
  • physical fitness and endurance
  • excellent written communication skills
  • knowledge of psychology
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What you'll do:

Massage therapists manipulate clients' muscles and soft tissues, treat sports injuries and give help to people with health issues.

In a typical treatment session you'll:

  • check the client's medical history, diet and lifestyle
  • identify the client's reasons for wanting massage therapy
  • plan a course of treatment
  • apply pressure to areas of the body
  • give advice to clients about their wellbeing
  • refer clients to medical professionals when required
  • create and update client records

Location : You could work in a therapy clinic, at a health spa or from home.
Environment : Your working environment may be physically active.
Uniform : You may need to wear a uniform.

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Salary:

Starter : variable
Experienced : variable

These figures are a guide

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Working hours:

37 - 39 hours variable

Working Pattern is freelance / self-employed managing your own hours

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Career Path:

With experience and a caseload or regular clients, you could set up your own business.

You could also take additional training to offer other wellbeing or complementary therapy treatments like aromatherapy, reiki or reflexology.

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