Working as a Student While Attending Massage Therapy School

There is no doubt that enrolling in a reputable massage school is the first step towards a successful career in the massage therapy industry for most people.

However, not everyone has the financial resources to study full-time.

If you have limited resources, you may need to work part-time while attending massage therapy school.

After all, there may be no other way in which you would be able to cover the cost of rent, utilities and other living expenses which you might have to bear.

When focused on your academic career, it is a tad difficult to find gainful employment.

You need to make enough money to support your current lifestyle.

Else, there is no way you would be able to concentrate on your studies and become a qualified massage therapist.

This is why many students in massage therapy schools face a hard time when looking for a job they are qualified for.

What they don’t realize is that they hold an edge over many other people who are seeking jobs.

The massage industry has been booming for the past several years.

It is quite easy for you to find a job after you obtain your license and become a professional massage therapist.

Moreover, there are many facilities that also allow students to work while in school.

Yes, it is quite possible for you to walk into a massage therapists’ office and ask for a job.

There is a good chance you would get it too.

Massage Therapy

In fact, such therapists often go out of their way to ensure the students working there are comfortable and that their studies don’t suffer.

You may even be able to work on a flexible schedule arrangement.

While the pay won’t be as high as that earned by a licensed massage therapist, you do get to learn a lot about the industry you are going to be working in.

This is a great opportunity for you to gain some valuable insight into how a business should be run as well.

You can observe experienced therapists at work and learn some tricks of the trade.

More significantly, you may be able to get a full-time job as soon as you graduate from massage therapy school.

This could save you the trouble of having to look for a job after you obtain your license.

Moreover, you don’t just have to work for a massage therapist.

There are many other businesses and establishments which are looking for trained therapists.

Since you are on your road to becoming a qualified massage therapist, you might find a position there.

All you have to do is come up with a list of businesses that you think would employ massage therapists.

Some of them include health clubs, gyms and spas.

You may hire as a therapist and you will not only make money but also learn how to perform massages on the job. In short, you benefit from such jobs in multiple ways.

There are many other job opportunities you can check out at these businesses.

Spas And Health Clubs

If you don’t make the cut as a massage therapist, there are other positions you can apply for.

For instance, spas and health clubs are usually on the lookout for assistants, desk staff and receptionists.

Having someone with some insight into massage therapy is a plus point, which goes in your favour.

Regardless of whether you work at the front desk or with the therapists.

The job could prove to be a great learning experience for you.

The experience you gain here would come in handy when you graduate and start working full time in a career.

It wouldn’t be wrong to say that working with experienced massage therapists can only enhance your education.

There is no doubt that you will learn all there is to learn about massage therapy at the school, but being there when a massage is being given is a different experience.

Nothing trumps first-hand, practical experience.

Always remember that.

You get to learn a lot and can even ask questions to the therapists about any topic related to your niche.

In many ways, the jobs given to massage school students can consider an educational internship, as you do end up learning a lot about your future career.

There is every possibility that you can find yourself a mentor at your workplace while you are still in school.

Assistance And Guidance

There are numerous advantages to having a mentor in the massage therapy industry.

You will have someone to support you whenever you need assistance and guidance.

Moreover, you may be able to use their connections to build your own list of contacts (with their permission of course in the event you are directly competing with them).

This could prove useful when you start working as a massage therapist in the future.

You, as the student, are not the only one benefiting from this arrangement.

In fact, your employer might be more than happy to accommodate your request.

Once you grow into the job and start working more efficiently, the employer would reap the fruits of your efforts if you so choose to stick around full time later.

More significantly, they are more likely to promote people already working for them to higher positions.

For instance, if you obtain your degree while working as an assistant, there is a good chance you may hire as a massage therapist by the same employer.

MIST – Working as a Student While Attending Massage Therapy School

However, this does require you to put in some extra effort, in the beginning, to make a good impression on your employer.

Don’t forget that this work experience could be relevant to your future employment regardless of where you decide to work full time.

Any references, experience letters and letters of recommendation you get from employers in the massage therapy industry hold value when you are looking for a job elsewhere.

Never burn bridges and always keep the doors open.

If you have to find work while attending massage therapy school.

Your best option is to look for jobs related to your chosen niche or speciality.

It is probably also best to wait until you secure a job before you start massage school (that is of course if your continuity depends on your ability to fund tuition through employment).

There are many opportunities available out there.

You just only need to be willing to put in the time and effort required to get out there and get the job you want and then succeed at it.

Once you graduate, you will be able to call upon this experience in more than just one way.

Find a massage job near you right now using our extensive database.

Neal Lyons is a founding member and volunteer contributor at the MTSI Institute, an information based portal dedicated to guiding and assisting aspiring massage therapists establish a successful career in massage. Neal is a published author and has collaborated on several mobile applications that serve the massage profession. You can view his published work on Amazon, iTunes, Barnes & Noble, Sony and Kobo. You can connect with him on Facebook, Twitter and on Google+

10 comments on “Working as a Student While Attending Massage Therapy School
  1. Johanna says:

    Hi
    Im looking for an online MT school. I know MT is hands on but I’m wondering if there is an online school that allows you to do most of the education on line and field hours at a licensed MT location or school on the weekends or something or maybe supervised by a licensed MT. I work full time during the week and get out after 6pm so I can’t attend a class setting during the week but I can do online.

    • Neal Lyons says:

      Johanna – yes, many schools now allow the book work to be done online from anywhere and the hands on from a physical location. the best way is to inquire. you can do this through our website and request information for free from as many massage schools as you’d like. they will then explain whether they have this program available for you.

  2. Lily says:

    Does this information apply to all states? I live in Washington and was wondering if I can get hired as a therapist while still in massage school.

    • Neal Lyons says:

      of course Lily. you can work while attending school no matter what your discipline or jurisdiction is

      • Katherine says:

        No Neal, You shouldn’t be giving this advice. It is very out-dated and can get aspiring Massage Therapists into a lot of trouble if not banned from the industry altogether. NJ, NY and FL are examples that you cannot be hired as a massage therapist without a valid license.

        • Neal Lyons says:

          Katherine, thanks for your comment. Where does it say one can get hired without a license?

          • Katherine says:

            You advised “Lily” above that she can be hired as a therapist while she is in school. if you are in school training to be a massage therapist you do not have a license to perform massage on the public for a fee.

          • Neal Lyons says:

            Katherine – many students intern at various massage establishments, often times not as licensed therapists. you are correct, per many state boards, no license = no pay – or at least no obligation to pay by the client. many non licensed professionals still practice however and their clients pay them. how does one ensure 100% enforcement of rules?

  3. janine Conway says:

    already have 500 hrs in massage. Graduated last year2015. Not licensed yet studying online with ABMP MBLEX coach daily .Im a member and have Insurance through ABMP.Wanting to Intern or be Mentored.Possibly hands on while studying.Can you Help?.My Name is Janine Conway.

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