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Are you thinking about pursuing a new massage therapy career in Chicago? If you’re looking for a hands-on job that helps promote stress relief, pain management, and general well-being—massage could be the right path for you!

Massages can be short (chair massages often start with just five minutes) or long (some premium massage services take upwards of 90 minutes) and can use any number of tools and variations: oils, salves, stones, hot towels, aromatherapy, deep tissue techniques, sports massage, and more!

But what do massage therapists do exactly? They talk with clients to evaluate their symptoms or needs and determine how massage can be used to address pain points and promote wellness. They then manipulate soft body tissues in a relaxing atmosphere and make suggestions for how clients can improve their circulation, posture, and relaxation between sessions.

But what do massage therapists do exactly? They talk with clients to evaluate their symptoms or needs and determine how massage can be used to address pain points and promote wellness. They then manipulate soft body tissues in a relaxing atmosphere and make suggestions for how clients can improve their circulation, posture, and relaxation between sessions.

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), massage therapists earned a national average salary of nearly $40,000 in 2017. The BLS also predicts that between 2016 and 2026, massage therapy jobs will increase by 26%—that’s much faster than the average (about 6% growth) for all occupations.

Plus, Chicago has the fifth highest level of employment for massage therapists by metropolitan area in the country, according to May 2017 data. Chicago massage therapists also have an annual salary higher than the national average: nearly $46,000, on average.

Are you ready to pursue a career training program to become a massage therapist in Chicago? The Imagine America Foundation has a robust network of schools that can support you on your education journey. Career training programs include hands-on training specifically designed to prepare you for the certifications and skills you need to work in the industry.

IAF even has scholarship and award programs to help lower the cost of tuition when you enroll at our member institutions. They’re designed to support recent high school graduates, adult learners, and current or honorably discharged military personnel by providing a $1,000 discount on eligible students’ tuition. These award-winning scholarships and awards help thousands of students attend one of our more than 400 partner campuses each year. Join Imagine America today and be matched with massage therapy schools that offer our scholarship and award programs!

We are committed to helping you find the right program, prepare for successful semesters, and apply for our scholarship and award programs. Check out our website https://www.imagine-america.org/ and follow our blog today!