One of the biggest differences between the two professions is education requirements. While massage therapists may qualify for a license in a year or less, physical therapists can complete extensive education to earn their doctorate in physical therapy.
They usually earn their physical therapist license within eight to 10 years. Massage therapists complete to hours of study and hands-on training. They study anatomy and physiology and must fulfill state requirements regarding certification or licensing. The steps to becoming a massage therapist are:. Physical therapists embark on a years-long journey to earn physical therapist status.
They study pharmacology and neuroscience and complete clinical rotations and a residency. Here are the steps to become a physical therapist:. Earning potential for physical therapists and massage therapists differs widely between the two professions:. Deciding to pursue one profession over the other may depend on your goals for the future and time and financial investments. Below are a few steps you can take to help you choose between becoming a massage therapist or a physical therapist:.
Make assessments about what you hope to accomplish as a therapist. If you're someone who wants to help people recover from surgery or injury, design and employ treatment plans and monitor patient progress, physical therapy might be right for you.
If you prefer quiet environments that promote emotional and physical well-being through relaxation and holistic practices, massage therapy may be a better career choice. The pursuit of either career requires time to learn and train before working independently. Consider how much time each pursuit requires alongside the financial investment in your career. You may also want to consider the earning potential of each profession to determine which career warrants your investments.
Consider the future of each career and whether you can learn other techniques or specialties. Remember to calculate the cost of each pursuit compared to the earning potential each provides. Massage therapists may specialize in specific techniques or modalities to expand their abilities, knowledge and earnings. You can consider pursuing:.
While a Canadian physiotherapist — roughly the counterpart of a U. The massage therapist may make diagnoses, though the scope will be different than a medical doctor. The physical therapist may put together complex treatment plans.
Massage therapists have post-secondary education, but are not usually required to hold degrees. They often use continuing education to acquire specialized skills in disciplines that interest them. While some continuing education classes may be as short as a couple hours, others are hundreds of hours; it is not uncommon to delve deeply into subjects like orthopedic treatment or sports massage. Massage therapists have not traditionally been seen as healthcare providers, but increasingly they are becoming part of healthcare teams and even providing services by prescription.
Massage Therapy: Massage therapy can treat an extensive variety of conditions; however will primarily soothe any muscle firmness and lessening muscle fit. About the Author: Myohealing Massage. To ensure a full massage session and allow for a relaxed and unhurried experience, please arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment. If late arrival is unavoidable, your appointment may be shortened by ending at the normal time out of fairness to following clients.
The original treatment cost will be charged. One Comment. Privacy Overview This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. So, the choice is really down to what you find more rewarding.
If you would prefer to work with healthy, or mostly healthy people trying to improve their lives, often in a relaxing spa environment, then you should consider massage therapy. Also, many massage therapists work for themselves, running their own small business. If that independence appeals to you, you should consider massage therapy. If you find helping people get better to be rewarding, consider physical therapist assistant. You will work under the direction of a fully qualified physical therapist and may work towards becoming one yourself , so this is also more suited for people who work better under guidance.
You will have the more immediate reward of seeing people regain their mobility. Our Associates of Applied Science in Massage Therapy could be your stepping stone to taking the licensing state board test and becoming a licensed professional massage therapist. If you choose Physical Therapist Assistant, you could work in a sports training facility, hospital, school, or gym. Contact ECPI University today to find out how our year-round programs can get you into one of these rewarding health science fields quickly.
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