--- title: What is a Massage Therapist url: "https://arizonacollege.edu/healthcare-careers/massage-therapy/what-is-a-massage-therapist/" type: page date_published: 2025-08-19 date_modified: 2026-05-12 schema: @type: WebPage language: en-US word_count: 852 reading_time: 5 min canonical: "https://arizonacollege.edu/healthcare-careers/massage-therapy/what-is-a-massage-therapist/" --- # What is a Massage Therapist ![Arizona College hero bars graphic](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/themes/arizona-college/assets/svg/hero-bars.svg) # What is a Massage Therapist? Classes begin June 1st ![Icon for Massage Therapy Program Near Me](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/icon-therapy.svg) [Massage Therapy](https://arizonacollege.edu/healthcare-careers/massage-therapy/) ![Icon for Massage Clinic](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/icon-massage.svg) [Massage Clinic](https://arizonacollege.edu/healthcare-careers/massage-therapy/massage-clinic/) ![Icon for Accredited Nursing School](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/icon-certified-white.svg) [Get Massage License](https://arizonacollege.edu/healthcare-careers/massage-therapy/how-to-become-a-licensed-massage-therapist/) ## Become a Massage Therapist and make a difference in the lives of others Do you enjoy making a difference in the lives of others and want to help enhance people’s health and well-being? Can you envision yourself providing therapeutic touch to others? Have you ever experienced the numerous benefits of a massage? If so, you should consider becoming a massage therapist! Arizona College offers comprehensive massage therapy training at our Glendale campus. Our hands-on massage therapy program, which takes 35 weeks and has flexible start dates, prepares you with the education and skills required for success in the field. ![ABHES Accredited Nursing School](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/logo-abhes.png) _All Arizona College campuses are institutionally accredited by the [Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)](http://www.abhes.org/), a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency._ ## Identify Appropriate Therapeutic Treatments Massage therapists use touch to manipulate soft-tissue muscles of the body, providing beneficial treatments and relief from pain. One of their key responsibilities is identifying appropriate therapeutic treatments for their clients. Massage therapy practitioners can provide different types of bodywork, including deep-tissue massage, Swedish massage, sports massage, and prenatal massage. For many of these techniques, repetitive motion is required for the therapist to fully knead the tissues of the body. ## Flexible Work Environments Massage therapists have flexibility in terms of work environments and specializations. Therapists can work in a variety of commercial or medical settings, including spas, clinics, and fitness centers. Some even opt for self-employment and open private practices. ## What Does a Massage Therapist Do? Massage therapists’ job descriptions vary based on the type of therapeutic massages they perform and their workplaces. Massage therapist qualifications and responsibilities can include: Performing various massage techniques. Selecting and utilizing specific devices (e.g. therapeutic oils for aromatherapy), with mindfulness and knowledge about each client’s unique health needs (i.e. awareness of potential side effects, allergies, or sensitivities that could occur). Developing rapport with clients to create repeat customers and build a loyal client base. Creating and promoting a relaxing environment. Using and maintaining massage equipment, such as massage tables. Interacting with other health care providers, including physical therapists and physician offices, to coordinate treatments for clients. Marketing and self-promotion. Scheduling appointments. Conducting informal client interviews. Keeping current with licensure. In most states, including Arizona, you must be a  [licensed massage therapist](https://arizonacollege.edu/healthcare-careers/massage-therapy/how-to-become-a-licensed-massage-therapist/)  to practice in the field. A massage therapy license is obtained through the state board of massage therapy. Certified massage therapists may pursue a credential through the [National Certification Board](https://www.ncbtmb.org/)  as well. ![Table at a massage therapy school near me](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Massage-Therapy-Program-Chair.webp) ## What is the Job Outlook for Massage Therapists? According to the  [United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/massage-therapists.htm) , massage therapists held approximately 134,300 jobs in 2022. Employment is expected to grow faster than average, with the BLS estimating an increase of 24,600 jobs (18% growth) from 2022-2032. Are you ready to take your first step to your future as a massage therapist? Fill out a request for information form to connect with the Admissions team at Arizona College of Allied Health and learn more about our massage therapy certificate program! ## Guide to Becoming a Massage Therapist Explore our resources on how to become a licensed massage therapist to help you succeed. ![Icon for learning about our massage therapy program](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/WEB_Admissions.svg) #### 󠀁[Learn about our Massage Therapy Program.](https://arizonacollege.edu/healthcare-careers/massage-therapy/)󠁿 ![Icon for becoming a licensed massage therapist](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/WEB_ScheduleTEAS.svg) #### 󠀁[How do I become a licensed massage therapist?](https://arizonacollege.edu/healthcare-careers/massage-therapy/how-to-become-a-licensed-massage-therapist/)󠁿 ![Icon for a massage clinic](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/WEB_CampusLocations.svg) #### 󠀁[Where is the massage clinic?](https://arizonacollege.edu/healthcare-careers/massage-therapy/massage-clinic/)󠁿 ![Icon for massage therapy courses near me](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/WEB_ReadingComprehension-1.svg) #### 󠀁[What massage therapy courses do I need to take?](https://arizonacollege.edu/healthcare-careers/massage-therapy/massage-therapy-course-descriptions/)󠁿 ![Icon for healthcare careers near me](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/WEB_AnatomyPhysiology-1.svg) #### 󠀁[How do I start my healthcare career?](https://arizonacollege.edu/healthcare-careers/)󠁿