Massage Therapy School in Burlington, Vermont
Vermont may be small, but the job concentration for massage therapists is well above the national average! So is the average pay. What’s more, quality of life is relatively high here. The Burlington-South Burlington area is a place health-conscious massage therapists may want to stay and build their careers – and also build their ideal lifestyles! Thankfully, it’s also a place where they can get their initial education.
Credential-qualifying massage therapy schooling is available in Vermont, not too far from Burlington. In states that are small geographically like this one, people are somewhat more likely to pursue training outside the borders of their own state. Those who are considering doing so should be aware of the differing standards. New York requires 1,000 hours of massage education and training – this is a requirement in very few places, but it’s potentially an asset, as massage therapists around the country tend to cite their education and trainings on their bios. What sets a person apart, though, is not limited to initial education. Those who start with a shorter and quicker program may pursue advanced trainings in their own areas of interest.
Massage Schools in Burlington and Vicinity
BodySoul Massage and Bodywork School is designed to accommodate working adults. The school offers a 625-hour program with both evening and one-day-a-week options. The 2019 schedule has Friday as the class day. Thai Yoga, warm stone, and event/ chair massage are among the modalities covered. BodySoul touts its small class sizes.
The Wellness Massage Center and Institute in Saint Albans has been graduating massage students for more than 25 years. The school has been assigned a code by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. It has a therapeutic focus and includes two types of deep tissue massage in its curriculum, as well as a number of other modalities
North County Community College in Saranac Lake, New York offers an associate of applied science in massage. The program includes multiple courses in Eastern and Western massage. Among the courses are Western remedial massage and advanced topics in massage. The business skills course is three credits.
Elements of Healing in Essex Junction focuses on Amma and Shiatsu bodywork styles but also includes Western science; the school states that one goal is to prepare graduates to work alongside Western medical professionals.
Massage Therapist Work Settings in Burlington
Some massage therapists focus on helping people manage pain and meet physical goals. Clinical work isn’t limited to the major healthcare systems. Massage therapists may work in chiropractic offices. Even a sole proprietor may get referrals from healthcare professionals.
Fitness and injury recovery services are often housed in the same facility. Vasta, for example, currently has one massage therapist on a team of physical therapists and performance coaches. Pilates, a movement modality, is also available.
The Burlington-South Burlington area boasts a variety of spas, designed to appeal to different clientele. Jivana Green Spa and Salon is among those that emphasize environmental awareness. Green practices are reflected throughout the facility, from the treatments to the cleaning agents and even the building materials. The massage menu includes a range of spa favorites such as warm stone, deep tissue, aromatherapy, and prenatal massage.
There can be a blurry line between a spa — with its connotations of luxury — and a wellness center. The Absolute Wellness Healing Spa massage menu features a number of massage styles including Abhyanga Ayurvedic warm-oil, sports/ deep tissue, and Bowen therapy; they note that Bowen therapy can, in many cases, be covered by insurance. Like many practices, Absolute Wellness advertises a therapeutic signature massage where the therapist draws from multiple modalities to meet client needs. The company notes that their LMTs are trained to determine the pressure level that will be best for the particular recipient. The signature massage may include enhancements like warm stones or hot towels.
Stephen and Burns is an Aveda Spa, part of a well-known salon-and-spa brand. The Essex, meanwhile, is a resort spa. Guests can opt for Eastern hand massage as well as any of several common Western styles.
Massage Therapists in Business
Massage therapists and other health and fitness professionals often join together. Many types of business arrangement are possible.
The Wellness Collective has close to a dozen massage therapists as well as professionals in other complementary disciplines. They have different modalities that they bring to the table, including oncology massage, Ayurvedic massage, sound healing massage, and neuromuscular technique. Services are charged at varying rates.
A single practitioner may hold multiple complementary credentials. While massage therapists may team up with yoga instructors, some choose to pursue the credential themselves. The massage practitioner behind Metta Healing Arts and Wellness is also a Registered Yoga Teacher.
In some cases, would-be entrepreneurs will already have the space they need to get started. Sunset Massage Studio in South Burlington is advertised as a “quiet home studio”. Clients visit for full body massage, targeted massage, and foot massage with reflexology.
Some massage therapists opt for more space and larger teams. Brilliant Massage Therapy is owned by a massage therapist who is also training to become an esthetician. She has several other massage therapists on her team.
Vermont massage studios often have a strong web presence. They may use articles to promote themselves. Gift certificates help draw people in! From discussion of the “postural puzzle” to promos and specials… practices like the Red Cain Massage Therapy in Essex Junction are using blogging to advantage.
Massage Therapist Wages in Burlington
Massage therapists in the Burlington-South Burlington averaged $23.65 in 2018. The median was $18.07. Those at the 90th percentile made $43.14. Those at the opposite end of the continuum (10th percentile) still made a bit more than their counterparts nationwide: $11.59.
Additional Information
The Vermont Chapter of the American Massage Therapy Association is a professional resource.