Prospective students who want to join the rapidly growing healthcare industry can apply to a Massage Therapy program. Since the need for direct patient care is always constant, the security offered at massage therapy jobs is excellent. In addition to programs at technical and vocational schools, you should be able to find a massage therapy training institute in your area. You can even ask your local health department to assist you in finding schools that offer massage therapy training to students. There are a lot of advantages that you can get from completing a program and getting certified in massage therapy. However, you must make sure that the institute where you want to get trained is actually accredited. If you attend a program that isn't accredited, you won't get the chance to take the certifying exams to become a massage therapist. Be sure that the institute where you want to apply has been accredited by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. This will help you qualify for the certification examination after completing the program. Students who are taking the course are taught anatomy, physiology and different massage therapy techniques. You will also get trained to administer first aid and CPR. After passing the certifying exam, you will be a licensed massage therapist. You will be able to work in different health and wellness establishments, including spas and fitness centers. A massage therapist needs to be physically fit to be able to give a good massage. Since this job requires rigorous physical activity, you have to have substantial strength and endurance to last several massage sessions. Often, therapy will involve the hands, elbows, forearms and even the feet of the therapist while the massage is administered to the patient. There are a lot of companies that offer massage therapy to their employees as a part of their benefits program. The demand for massage therapists is high these days, and the number of working hours never run short. Aside from administering therapy, you can also teach massage therapy to others once you have experience and advanced knowledge in the field.