Overview
Massage therapists assess soft tissues and joints of the body for treatment and prevention of dysfunction, injury, pain and physical disorders. They work in private practice, including group or team practices, hospitals, clinics, extended care facilities, rehabilitation centres and educational institutions.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Assess clients by conducting range of motion and muscle tests and propose treatment plans
Explain procedures, risks and benefits to clients
Administer massage techniques, treating soft tissues and joints of the body through soft tissue manipulation, relaxation techniques, hydrotherapy, trigger point therapy, joint pain and lower grade mobilizations, remedial exercise programs and client self-help programs
Suggest home care instructions and provide information about techniques for further postural improvement and stretching, strengthening, relaxation and rehabilitative exercises
Maintain records of treatments given
May consult with other health care professionals such as physiotherapists, chiropractors, physicians and psychologists when developing treatment plans for clients.
Massage therapists may be trained in various specialized massage techniques.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$35,592
$43,600
$81,000
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
Strong job outlook
British Columbia
1,364expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Massage therapists usually require completion of an 18- to 24-month or 18- to 36-month program in massage therapy from an accredited school and a period of supervised practical training.
Registration with a regulatory body is required in Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario and British Columbia.
Certification requirements
Mandatory: You need the following certification to practice as Massage therapists in B.C.
- Registration with the College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC - Massage Therapists
Registration with the College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC - Massage Therapists
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To practice as a massage therapist in B.C., you must register with the College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC. Eligibility is achieved through successful completion of a recognized education program and registration examination.
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.