Florida is a vibrant and exciting place to live and work as a massage therapist, acupuncturist, or personal trainer. The state has a population of almost 16 million people, many of whom are in need of physical manipulation. Florida also boasts a large tourism industry, so there are plenty of Florida visitors that would like to be pampered by your well-trained hands.

In order to establish a successful career as a massage therapist in Florida, you will need to get some form of higher education within the field, most commonly as a certificate or degree program. These programs are available throughout the state in various outlets of education, including four year universities, career colleges, massage therapy institutes, and community colleges. Most massage therapy programs will focus on essentials such as massage technique, theory, principles of practice, ethics, business management, anatomy and more.

Although studying to further your career as a massage therapist is a great investment in your future, you may find that the cost is prohibitive. Many massage therapy programs will cost between $1,000 and $9,000, so they are out of reach for some. Fortunately, Florida students have plenty of options for financial aid. Visit the Florida Department of Education’s Office of Student Financial Assistance to learn about mant of these options, including state program scholarships, grants, loan discharges, and low cost educational loans. The website also offers resources for good money management and budgeting.

Florida has many opportunities for massage therapists, especially in large cities like Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville, and Orlando. Many massage therapists will work in boutique settings like spas and salons. Others will choose to work in medical settings such as occupational clinics, nursing homes, and hospitals. There are also lots of opportunities through Florida’s tourist industry in resorts and even airports.

Thanks to a cost of living that is below the national average for the country, Florida offers massage therapists an opportunity to make their salary go farther. Although the cost of living is low, salaries in the state are not. Massage therapists living in Jacksonville can expect to earn a salary between $28,000 and $63,000.

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.