Alaska is a small, cold state with a low population of just over 663,000 people. However, you’ll find that it’s warm where it counts, offering massage therapists and other healing therapy professionals a great environment for establishing a successful career. Alaska also offers healthy, clean living, with a climate of mountains and wildlife that’s unique to the state. And with plenty of opportunities for physically intensive outdoor activities, you can be sure there’s a great demand for massage therapy.

Earning a certificate or degree in massage therapy, personal training, or acupuncture will help you build a strong career within the state and beyond. This education offers a great way to certification and establishing yourself as a serious professional in your career. Programs can range from colleges and universities to professional institutes and career colleges. Your studies in massage therapy will focus on topics like anatomy, therapy techniques, assessment, and ethics. If you choose to study acupuncture or personal training, you will also learn about things like kinesiology, risk factor assessment, and lifestyle modification.

Although making the decision to purse higher education in Alaska is a great choice for budding massage therapists, acupuncturists, and personal trainers, this education often doesn’t come cheap. However, there are a number of resources in Alaska that can help you ease the burden of this excellent investment. Through the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education, you’ll find that there are many different programs that offer you the money you need for school. You can get loans, grants, or even participate in exchange programs. The Commission is also Alaska proud, offering an overwhelming amount of programs that are administered only within the state. Additionally, the ACPE has a variety of information that will help you obtain a federal loan.

Perhaps the best job prospects for massage therapists and other physical healers are in the state’s largest city of Anchorage. Within the city, you’ll be able to find spas, salons, hotels, and other locations that have a high demand for the services that you can provide. However, there are still plenty of opportunities beyond the city, with settings like resorts offering an appealing option to massage therapists. You may also find that you can build a successful career working closely with health professionals in hospitals and nursing homes.

Although Alaska offers a great quality of life, the state has a higher cost of living than the average state in America. That means that your money will not go as far as it might elsewhere. However, due to the higher cost of living, you’ll find that your salary is higher as well. Alaskan massage therapists will generally earn between $33,000 and $76,000.

Top Massage Therapy Programs

	Boca Beauty Academy of Massage - If you're interested in becoming a massage therapist, Boca Beauty Academy of Massage offers a fantastic program for students interested in this growing industry.
Cincinnati Cleveland	Center for Massage & Natural Health - The Center for Massage & Natural Health assists students in reaching their goal of becoming a massage therapist affordably and conveniently.
Boston Tampa Scottsdale	Cortiva Institute for Massage - Cortiva Institute for Massage prepares aspiring massage therapists with a rigorous program in the field of massage therapy. With locations available across the country, students can get prepared quickly.
	U.S. Career Institute - At the U.S. Career Institute, students will be taught alternative health treatments to assist people in feeling better. With a number of organizations hiring in various positions, don't pass up this opportunity to go back to school and start a great career.