Doctorate in Massage Therapy
While there aren't massage therapy doctorate programs, you may be interested in becoming a chiropractor, which, like massage, involves hands-on techniques to alleviate problems with the back and spine. You could also earn an undergraduate degree in massage therapy to gain a fundamental understanding of massage techniques. Read on to learn about degree program options in both fields, along with common courses and online availability.
Can I Earn a Doctorate in Massage Therapy?
<p>Doctorate degrees in massage therapy aren't available. Although massage therapy is a form of alternative medicine, you don't need a medical degree, or even a graduate degree for that matter, to enter the field. Most massage therapists earn an associate's degree. Course topics in a massage therapy program include pharmacology, nutrition, ethics, exercise physiology and more.
</p>
<p>Of course, you'll also study various massage techniques, such as Swedish massage, sports massage and pregnancy massage. Plus, you'll take a look at the business side of massage, should you be interested in starting your own practice. Hands-on experiences, such as internships, will be included in your studies as well. Internships take place at off-site locations such as practitioners' clinics and fitness centers.
</p>
<p />
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Massage Therapy Degree Levels</b></td><td> Associate's degree</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Massage Therapy Courses</b></td><td> Massage techniques, pharmacology, nutrition, exercise physiology</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Doctoral Programs in Similar Fields of Study </b></td><td> Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.)</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Chiropractic Courses</b></td><td> Spinal assessment, anatomy, physiology</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Online Availability</b></td><td> Associate's degree in massage therapy is partially available online, while a Doctor of Chiropractic is not available online.</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td> $43,620 (<i>for all massage therapists</i>)*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 21% growth (<i>for all massage therapists</i>)*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p>
<h3 id="section---WhatOptionsExistIfIWantADoctorate">What Options Exist If I Want a Doctorate?</h3>
<p>If you'd like to earn a doctoral degree, you might want to consider the chiropractic field. Chiropractic treatments involve the use of hands-on techniques to align the spinal areas, along with other parts of the body. Massage therapists sometimes work in chiropractic clinics. In turn, chiropractors sometimes have training in massage.
</p>
<p>Some course topics you might encounter in a Doctor of Chiropractic program include skeletal and soft tissue radiology, spinal assessment, anatomy, neurology and physiology. Nutrition is also important in this field, so you could take a class in that as well. Clinical internships are included in these programs also.
</p>
<h3 id="section---CanIEarnTheseDegreesOnline">Can I Earn These Degrees Online?</h3>
<p>A massage therapy program can be completed partially online. Since massage therapy involves a great deal of hands-on training, you'll most likely just be able to complete general education courses online. Core courses covering the massage techniques will be completed on campus. The online portion includes e-mailed assignments, discussion boards and an online library where you can conduct research. Doctor of Chiropractic programs aren't available online.</p>