Have a Bachelor’s? Massage Therapy Could Be Your Next Career Move
You earned a degree. You built a career. But what if you’re ready for something different? If you already have a bachelor’s degree, massage therapy might be your next career move.
Maybe you want work that feels more hands-on and personal. Maybe you’re looking for greater flexibility. Or maybe you’re not ready to leave your current profession at all; perhaps you simply want to develop a new skill that could create an additional source of income.
Massage therapy: a different career path without starting over
There may be more options for making that next step possible than you realize.
Did You Know? Scholarships May Be Available If You Already Have a Bachelor’s Degree
Returning to school can feel financially out of reach, particularly if you have limited financial aid eligibility remaining. At Swedish Institute, qualifying students pursuing Massage Therapy may be eligible for scholarships designed for those who have already earned a bachelor’s degree. Our Admissions and Financial Aid teams can help you explore your options and determine what you may qualify for.
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Swedish Institute offers Massage Therapy program options ranging from 20 months (full-time) to 24–32 months (part-time), with classes available in the morning, afternoon, evenings, and Saturdays, depending on the schedule you choose. That flexibility can make massage therapy an appealing option for someone seeking a new career path while balancing work and family responsibilities.
Massage therapists can also pursue opportunities in a variety of settings, including spas and health clubs, massage therapy clinics, medical and chiropractic offices, sports medicine facilities, hotels and resorts, holistic health settings, and private practice.
In fact, 42% of massage therapists were self-employed in 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and part-time work is common in the profession. Whether your goal is eventually making massage therapy your full-time profession, building a private client base alongside your current career, or developing another professional skill and potential income stream, there are different ways to put your training to work.
No Healthcare Background? No Problem.
Your bachelor’s degree doesn’t need to be in healthcare to pursue massage therapy.
Swedish Institute’s program combines classroom education with hands-on training in Western and Eastern massage techniques, anatomy, physiology, and other subjects essential to professional practice. Students also gain real-world experience through on-site clinics and off-site externships.
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates earn an Associate in Occupational Studies (AOS) degree and are eligible to take the New York State Massage Therapy licensure exam. Plus, skills from your first career — from communication and relationship building to customer service and business experience — can come with you, since your communications background and real-world experience and more can help you develop your own business.
Join in on A Growing Field
Employment of massage therapists is projected to grow 15% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
If you’ve found yourself wondering what else you could do with your career, massage therapy may be worth exploring.
