5 signs you were meant to be a massage therapist

Choosing what you want to do for the rest of your life is a big deal, especially when you’re making that decision as a twenty-something. The good news is that there is always time to change your mind and find what you’re truly passionate about.

Let’s take a look at registered massage therapy (RMT). Chances are you’ve experienced a massage (or 12) before for relaxation or health reasons, or perhaps a combination of both. But have you ever considered what a career as a registered massage therapist could look like?

RMT is one of the fastest-growing areas of healthcare in Canada, which means that jobs are plentiful. So without further ado, let’s take a look at the telltale signs that massage therapy would be a great career path for you.

You’re curious about health and anatomy

If you’ve got a background in nursing, kinesiology, or if you’re passionate about health and discovering how the human body works, massage therapy could be your dream job.

As an RMT student, you study everything from patient care to orthopedics, to remedial exercise, and more. A well-rounded education would lead you to become an expert in your field, understanding how injury and strain impact the body.

Hands-on work is your preference

Working as a massage therapist is ideal for anyone who appreciates learning through hands-on work because you literally use your hands to manipulate the soft tissue of the body to provide tension relief. This work is key for helping reduce pain and discomfort and increase mobility.

Office jobs are not your thing

You’ve done the nine to five (or 11 to seven) shifts in office jobs and you know this kind of work environment simply isn’t for you. If by 2 pm you find yourself almost falling asleep at your desk, it’s safe to say you could benefit from a career that involves standing up and being active while you work — like massage therapy.

You value a flexible schedule

A growing number of Canadians are swapping full-time, in-office jobs for freelancing. If being able to attend appointments and take vacations when it suits you is something you value, massage therapy is the perfect career.

After completing your RMT program, you could set up a clinic space in your home, or do mobile work and visit clients at their homes — all with a schedule that works for your lifestyle.

Helping others comes naturally to you

Has anyone ever told you that you’re a great listener? Or perhaps that you’re empathetic? If this is the case, and if helping others is second nature to you, working as a massage therapist would be a natural fit. Listening to client concerns and finding solutions to help enhance their wellness routine would be a massive part of your job.

Over time, you’d see clients reaching their wellness goals with you an integral part of their journey — and that’s an incredible feeling.

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It doesn’t matter if you’re a recent graduate or someone who finished school 10 years ago because you can start fresh at the West Coast College of Massage Therapy (WCCMT). Located in New Westminster, the college is BC’s birthplace of registered massage therapy education where thousands of graduates have gone on to fulfilling (and flexible) careers in massage therapy.

Interested in learning more about a career as a registered massage therapist? Register for WCCMT’s next free information session to find out if it’s the right fit for you.

You’ll gain insight into what you can expect during each of the five terms of the program, as well as general facts about the profession — no question will go unanswered! Send a quick email to [email protected] to secure your spot.