Reiki Degree & Career

Reiki is a healing modality that originated in Japan. The word “Reiki” is from the Japanese words “rei” (universal) and “ki” (energy). Reiki practice involves moving the hands of the practitioner lightly on or just above the client’s body to allow the flow of energy to move in beneficial ways. Reiki is used to promote healing, reduce stress, maintain well-being, and is sometimes used to give peace to the dying. Reiki sessions can last from 30 to 90 minutes each and are performed while the client lies down or sits comfortably in a chair. The client remains fully clothed, but can sometimes remove the shoes for comfort.

Reiki practitioners receive training from an experienced Reiki master. Reiki training is broken down into three levels. Each level begins with an attunement, or an invitation, that opens up the practitioner to receiving the Reiki energy. The first two levels can be learned over a few days. During Level I, you will learn to perform Reiki on yourself and others. With Level II, you will learn to perform Reiki on others at a distance as well as more spiritual elements of the practice. The third level, or Master level is a very in depth study that can take a year or more to complete.

After receiving Reiki training, you can expect to find work in clinics offering alternative healing modalities, doctor’s offices, and some hospitals. It is also very common for Reiki practitioners to have their own practice. Joining a professional organization such as the International Association for Reiki Professionals can help create connections and promote your private practice. The prospects for those with a career as a Reiki practitioner or Master are very good. The growth of jobs in both the health care field, and specifically careers with a focus on alternative healing, are expected to continue to rise at a faster-than-average rate.