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I ran across an article listing five jobs that pay greater than $100,000 per year and was a bit surprised to see that one of the listings was for Massage Therapists. Well, knowing full well that we partner with some great schools who offer this training, I thought I’d let you know more about the profession. Here is what the Bureau of Labor Statistics has to say:

Nature of the work

Massage therapy is the practice of using touch to manipulate the soft-tissue muscles of the body. It is performed for a variety of reasons, including treating painful ailments, decompressing tired and overworked muscles, reducing stress, rehabilitating sports injuries, and promoting general health. Clients often seek massage for its medical benefit and for relaxation purposes, and there is a wide range of massage treatments available.

Massage therapists can specialize in more than 80 different types of massage, called modalities. Swedish massage, deep-tissue massage, reflexology, acupressure, sports massage, and neuromuscular massage are just a few of the many approaches to massage therapy. Most massage therapists specialize in several modalities, which require different techniques. Some use exaggerated strokes ranging the length of a body part, while others use quick, percussion-like strokes with a cupped or closed hand. A massage can be as long as 2 hours or as short as 5 or 10 minutes. Usually, the type of massage given depends on the client’s needs and physical condition. For example, therapists may use special techniques for elderly clients that they would not use for athletes, and they would use approaches for clients with injuries that would not be appropriate for clients seeking relaxation. Also, some forms of massage are given solely to one type of client; for example, prenatal massage and infant massage are given to pregnant women and new mothers, respectively.

Massage therapists work by appointment. Before beginning a massage therapy session, therapists conduct an informal interview with the client to learn the person’s medical history and desired results from the massage. This interview gives therapists a chance to discuss which techniques could be beneficial to the client and which could be harmful. Because massage therapists tend to specialize in only a few areas of massage, customers will often be referred to or seek a therapist with a certain type of massage in mind. Based on the person’s goals, ailments, medical history, and stress-related or pain-related problem areas, a massage therapist will conclude whether a massage would be harmful and if not, move forward with the session. While giving the massage, therapists alter their approach or concentrate on areas of particular discomfort as necessary.

Many modalities of massage therapy use massage oils, lotions, or creams to massage and rub the client’s muscles. Most massage therapists, particularly those who are self-employed, supply their own table or chair, sheets, pillows, and body lotions or oils. Most modalities of massage require clients to be covered in a sheet or blanket and to be undressed or wear loose-fitting clothing. The therapist exposes only the body part being massaged. Some types of massage are done without oils or lotions and are performed with the client fully clothed.

Massage therapists must develop a rapport with their clients if repeat customers are to be secured. Because those who seek a therapist tend to make regular visits, developing a loyal clientele is an important part of becoming successful.

Work environment. Massage therapists work in an array of settings, both private and public: private offices, studios, hospitals, nursing homes, fitness centers, sports medicine facilities, airports, and shopping malls, for example. Some massage therapists also travel to clients’ homes or offices to provide a massage. It is common for full-time massage therapists to divide their time among several different settings, depending on the clients and locations scheduled.

Most massage therapists give massages in dimly lit settings. Using candles and/or incense is not uncommon. Ambient or other calm, soothing music is often played. The dim lighting, smells, and background noise are meant to put clients at ease. However, when visiting a client’s office, a massage therapist may not have those amenities. The working conditions depend heavily on a therapist’s location and what the client wants.

Because massage is physically demanding, massage therapists can succumb to injury if the proper technique is not used. Repetitive-motion problems and fatigue from standing for extended lengths of time are most common. These risks can be limited by the use of good techniques, proper spacing between sessions, exercise, and, in many cases, by the therapists themselves receiving a massage on a regular basis.

Because of the physical nature of the work and the time needed in between sessions, massage therapists typically work less than 40 hours per week. Most therapists who work 15 to 30 hours per week consider themselves to be full-time workers, because when time for travel, for setting up equipment, and for completing business functions, such as billing, are added, a massage therapist’s hours per week may very well be more than 40 hours. About 48 percent of all massage therapists worked part time and 19 percent had variable schedules in 2008.

Job Outlook

Employment of massage therapists is expected to grow faster than average. Opportunities should be available to those who complete formal training programs and pass a professionally recognized examination, but new massage therapists should expect to work only part time until they can build a client base of their own.

Employment change. Employment of massage therapists is expected to increase by 19 percent from 2008 to 2018, faster than the average for all occupations. Employment will grow as more people learn about the benefits of massage therapy.

Continued growth in the demand for massage services will lead to new openings for massage therapists. The number of spas, which employ a large number of therapists, has increased in recent years and will continue to do so. At the same time, there are an increasing number of massage clinic franchises, many of which offer massages cheaper than at spas and resorts, making them available to a wider range of customers. In addition, as an increasing number of States adopt licensing requirements and standards for therapists, the practice of massage is likely to be respected and accepted by more and more people.

Massage also offers specific benefits to particular groups of people, whose continued demand for massage services will lead to overall growth for the occupation. For example, as workplaces try to distinguish themselves as employee-friendly, providing professional in-office, seated massages for employees is becoming a popular on-the-job benefit. Older citizens in nursing homes or assisted-living facilities also are finding benefits from massage, such as increased energy levels and reduced health problems. Demand for massage therapy should grow among older age groups because they increasingly are enjoying longer, more active lives and persons aged 55 years and older are projected to be the most rapidly growing segment of the U.S. population over the next decade. However, demand for massage therapy is presently greatest among young adults, who lack the concerns about massage that previous generations had.

Job prospects. In States that regulate massage therapy, opportunities should be available to those who complete formal training programs and pass a professionally recognized examination. However, new massage therapists should expect to work only part time in spas, hotels, hospitals, physical therapy centers, and other businesses until they can build a client base of their own. Because referrals are a very important source of work for massage therapists, networking will increase the number of job opportunities. Joining a professional association also can help build strong contacts and further increase the likelihood of steady work.

You can see all of the schools we partner with here.

If you’re a follower of this blog, you know that I think online education is the greatest thing since sliced bread. The time commitments and expenses of traditional classroom education are just more than a lot of folks are able to handle. One of our school partners is Trident University International and they offer an incredible array of health care degree options for folks interested in taking classes on an online basis. Here is a bit of information about their degree programs.

“Trident University International College of Health Sciences offers the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences degree program with distinguished concentrations and program options. The goal of the program is to prepare graduates with a firm foundation in the Health Sciences that will support entry into Health Education, Environmental Health and Healthcare Management positions, or to enter graduate education in a health-related field.

Our purpose is to produce highly competent, ethical, caring health professionals who can effect change for the better in the healthcare industry and health-related fields. We aspire to do this with an evidence-based, on-line teaching model and establish a student centered learning environment where undergraduates can expand their knowledge and skills

The purpose of the Bachelor of Science in Health Science program is to prepare students for entry-level management positions in business, industry, and not-for-profit organizations. Specially, the program is designed to assist candidates to obtain a quality undergraduate-level education in health science plus a specialty area of concentration.

All students will select four electives to develop special expertise in an area of their interest. All courses are case-oriented and application based, with special emphasis on global applications and ethical considerations.

BSHS Program
Trident University College of Health Sciences offers a variety of programs with different concentrations and options leading to the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences. In order to earn a B.S. in Health Sciences from TUI students must complete a minimum of 124 semester credits.”

You can get started right away by clicking here to get free information headed your way.

Earlier this week I ran across an article that cited a study from the US Department of Labor that listed six careers that have the highest hiring trend. The top three of those six are careers in the health care field.

Here are the top three:

Medical Records Technician

We’ve partnered with some great schools that can get you started in this number one hiring career.

Here’s a little of what the Department of Labor says about the job growth:

Employment is expected to grow much faster than the average. Job prospects should be very good; technicians with a strong understanding of technology and computer software will be in particularly high demand.

Job prospects should be very good. In addition to job growth, numerous openings will result from the need to replace medical record and health information technicians who retire or leave the occupation permanently. Technicians that demonstrate a strong understanding of technology and computer software will be in particularly high demand.

Pharmacy Technician

You can get free information from our Pharmacy Technician schools by clicking here.

Job growth for this field is very strong as well.

Employment of pharmacy technicians and aides is expected to increase by 25 percent from 2008 to 2018, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. The increased number of middle-aged and elderly people—who use more prescription drugs than younger people—will spur demand for pharmacy workers throughout the projection period. In addition, as scientific advances lead to new drugs, and as more people obtain prescription drug coverage, pharmacy workers will be needed in growing numbers.

Job opportunities for pharmacy technicians are expected to be good, especially for those with previous experience, formal training, or certification. Job openings will result from employment growth, as well as the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force.

Dental Assistant

Free information from our Dental Assistant school partners can be found here.

The Department of Labor has good things to say about the job growth in this field.

Employment is expected to grow 36 percent from 2008 to 2018, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. In fact, dental assistants are expected to be among the fastest growing occupations over the 2008–18 projection period. Population growth, greater retention of natural teeth by middle-aged and older people, and an increased focus on preventative dental care for younger generations will fuel demand for dental services. Older dentists, who have been less likely to employ assistants or have employed fewer, are leaving the occupation and will be replaced by recent graduates, who are more likely to use one or more assistants. In addition, as dentists’ workloads increase, they are expected to hire more assistants to perform routine tasks, so that they may devote their own time to more complex procedures.

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Dental assisting has been deemed to be one of the fastest growing career fields by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s big news. That kind of job growth puts a lot of power into the hands of folks that have been trained and certified. We partner with a lot of schools who offer this training and you can check them out here . To get an idea of what being a Dental Assistant is all about, here is some information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

Dental assistants perform a variety of patient care, office, and laboratory duties. They sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment, prepare and lay out the instruments and materials required to treat each patient, and obtain and update patients’ dental records. Assistants make patients comfortable in the dental chair and prepare them for treatment. During dental procedures, assistants work alongside the dentist to provide assistance. They hand instruments and materials to dentists and keep patients’ mouths dry and clear by using suction hoses or other devices. They also instruct patients on postoperative and general oral healthcare.

Dental assistants may prepare materials for impressions and restorations, and process dental x rays as directed by a dentist. They also may remove sutures, apply topical anesthetics to gums or cavity-preventive agents to teeth, remove excess cement used in the filling process, and place dental dams to isolate teeth for treatment. Many States are expanding dental assistants’ duties to include tasks such as coronal polishing and restorative dentistry functions for those assistants who meet specific training and experience requirements.

Dental assistants with laboratory duties make casts of the teeth and mouth from impressions, clean and polish removable appliances, and make temporary crowns. Those with office duties schedule and confirm appointments, receive patients, keep treatment records, send bills, receive payments, and order dental supplies and materials.

Dental assistants must work closely with, and under the supervision of, dentists. (See the statement on dentists elsewhere in the Handbook.) Additionally, dental assistants should not be confused with dental hygienists, who are licensed to perform a different set of clinical tasks. (See the statement on dental hygienists elsewhere in the Handbook.)

Work environment. Dental assistants work in a well-lighted, clean environment. Their work area is usually near the dental chair so that they can arrange instruments, materials, and medication and hand them to the dentist when needed. Dental assistants must wear gloves, masks, eyewear, and protective clothing to protect themselves and their patients from infectious diseases. Assistants also follow safety procedures to minimize the risks associated with the use of x-ray machines.

Almost half of dental assistants had a 35- to 40-hour workweek in 2008. More than one-third worked part time, or less than 35 hours per week, and many others have variable schedules. Depending on the hours of the dental office where they work, assistants may have to work on Saturdays or evenings. Some dental assistants hold multiple jobs by working at dental offices that are open on different days or by scheduling their work at a second office around the hours they work at their primary office.Employment is expected to increase much faster than average; job prospects are expected to be excellent.

Employment change. Employment is expected to grow 36 percent from 2008 to 2018, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. In fact, dental assistants are expected to be among the fastest growing occupations over the 2008-18 projection period. Population growth, greater retention of natural teeth by middle-aged and older people, and an increased focus on preventative dental care for younger generations will fuel demand for dental services. Older dentists, who have been less likely to employ assistants or have employed fewer, are leaving the occupation and will be replaced by recent graduates, who are more likely to use one or more assistants. In addition, as dentists’ workloads increase, they are expected to hire more assistants to perform routine tasks, so that they may devote their own time to more complex procedures.

Job prospects. Job prospects should be excellent, as dentists continue to need the aid of qualified dental assistants. There will be many opportunities for entry-level positions, but some dentists prefer to hire experienced assistants, those who have completed a dental-assisting program, or have met State requirements to take on expanded functions within the office.

In addition to job openings due to employment growth, some job openings will arise out of the need to replace assistants who transfer to other occupations, retire, or leave for other reasons.

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The first step in moving to a new career is usually becoming educated and trained in that particular field. We are here to help you with the first steps in that process. Here, you can find out information about a variety of health care careers and you can also learn about some great schools. It’s easy to get information and it’s all free. The success of your schooling though is up to you. Here are some things you can do to help ensure your success.

• Research - Find out everything you can about the career and about your school choices. There’s a lot of great information here, spend a little time looking around. Send for free information from your school choices.
• School Financing - How are you planning on paying for your schooling? There are grants and loans to meet most any situation. Most schools can help you weave your way through your financial aid options.
• Support - If you have a family, do what you can to make sure they are on board with this change. You will be spending a lot of time in your studies so it’s important everyone in the household understand the level of commitment.
• Planning - Going back to school will require changes to your lifestyle and routine. Planning can help ease the discomfort that often comes with change.
• Keep your eye on the prize - When the going gets tough, keep in mind the end result - a stable and well paying career that can support you and your family for the rest of your life.

These are just a few of the things you can do to help you be successful in your schooling. Follow these simple steps and you’ll do just fine.

When you decide to get free information about Independence University by clicking here, you need to prepare yourself for something a little different. The folks at Independence University have a top notch program and if you are looking for a health care career that provides loads of opportunity, Independence University is the way to go.

More information from their web site:

“With a track record of over 30 years, IU is a leader in respiratory therapy distance education. From introductory to advanced levels, we have designed our program to address the licensing and the practical needs of the respiratory therapy (RT) professional. The Respiratory Therapy program combines basic respiratory care courses, research, and practical experience in respiratory patient care. Upon completion of the program, you will be eligible to take the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) entry-level (CRT) and advanced-level (RRT) credentialing exams.

Students who hold a current NBRC Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential will have the prerequisite and introductory block of courses transferred in. Students who hold a current NBRC Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential will have the prerequisite, introductory, and intermediate block of courses transferred in. Students with a current CRT and RRT are also eligible to submit transcripts for possible General Education transfer credit.

Before you officially enroll in the program, you will select a preceptor-a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) who will serve as your clinical instructor. You will also select a local sponsoring facility (which may be your employer) where you can complete clinical instruction.”

Once you have your Associates, you can take the next step and work on your Bachelors. Let the folks at Independence University help you get started in a new career.