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?
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.
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.
<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>
