The northern state of Iowa makes a wise choice for many massage therapists and professionals in related fields. Iowa has a lot to offer, with a low cost of living, consistently low unemployment, high salaries, and plenty of jobs to go around. You’ll be right at home among the 2.9 million residents within the state.

Iowa offers lots of different opportunities for massage therapists throughout the state, so you’ll find it easy to get a job in your field. However, only those that have a proper education will be able to compete for the best jobs with the highest pay. That means that it’s wise to pursue a certificate or degree program in massage therapy or a related field. You can complete a program in one of Iowa’s massage therapy institutes, four year universities, community colleges, or other educational settings. Massage therapy programs will teach you all about massage essentials, including topics like business management, anatomy, principles of massage, ethics, patient assessment, and more.

Education is a great way to invest in your future, but it can be very expensive. Most massage therapy programs are between $1,000 and $9,000, so they may be out of reach for some students. However, this should not discourage you because there are plenty of ways to get assistance paying for school. The Iowa College Student Aid Commission offers lots of resources for finding financial aid within the state. You can find programs that include grants, student loans, loan forgiveness, and scholarships.

Iowa offers a wide variety of opportunities for massage therapists and professionals in related fields. You may find yourself working in a service-oriented setting like a resort, spa, salon, or fitness center. There are also great opportunities to be found within the medical field, as there’s always a demand for skilled therapeutic professionals in nursing homes, hospitals, clinics, and other settings.

In Iowa, you’ll be able to enjoy a high quality of life. Iowa’s cost of living is lower than a number of states in the country, but salaries for massage therapists remain reasonable. That means that you’ll enjoy a comfortable lifestyle as a massage therapist. Most massage therapists within Iowa will earn between $28,000 and $63,000 per year.

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.