Massage Therapy Schools in North Carolina

Guide to North Carolina Massage Therapy Degree Programs

North Carolina sits as one of the original thirteen states. It has a rich history that spans from Colonial through modern times. The state is home to many schools of varying types. For those looking for a massage therapy degree, the state provides options in many parts of the state. If local training is not available, online classes give many people the chance to study as well.

North Carolina is going through an economic change that began a few years ago. The state’s economy changes as you move from the ocean to the mountain highlands. The interior of the state houses the largest cities such as Charlotte, Raleigh, and Greensboro. These have become high tech and banking strongholds of the South. The ocean communities and the mountain towns are seeing things change. Once dominated by agriculture and manufacturing, tourism is now the dominant economic engine. The state offers a range of life styles no matter where you turn. In addition, in the midst of it all, agriculture is still a large economic force. How can the Tar Heel state bring your degree dreams closer?  

North Carolina Massage Therapy Job Outlook and Salary

North Carolina provides options for massage therapists. The urban centers like Raleigh and Charlotte are excellent places to begin practicing. The state has gained population steadily over the past few decades. This is true in most parts of the state. The state does require therapists to obtain licenses. The North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy take responsibility for this work. Candidates are required to complete the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork exam successfully. Therapists are also required to get additional education every two years.

Therapists in North Carolina can expect to start making $16,000 to $19,000 per year to begin with. As they gain experience and a good client base, that salary comes out to around $37,000. This is actually close to the median national salary of $34,900. Those practicing nearer the urban centers can expect a higher annual income than those in smaller communities. The Employment Security Commission of North Carolina expects that the state’s demand for massage therapists will grow by 33% in the next few years. This is well above the national average of 20%. Most of this growth comes from the large urban areas as well as the resorts located on along the ocean and in the mountains. Smaller cities and towns give opportunities as well.