JOB TALK with a massage therapist
JOB TALK with a massage therapist
Editor’s note: Answers are submitted by e-mail and have been edited for space and clarity.
How did you become involved in this line of work?
I was a pharmacy technician for 15 years and was really starting to get burned out on that. I had some friends in alternative medicine therapies such as chiropractic medicine, massage therapy and acupuncture, and the work they did just seemed to make so much more sense to me: treat the problem, not just the symptoms. I wanted to continue to help people and had always been told that I have a good touch. So I decided to go to massage therapy school and there just happened to be one right here in Greensboro.
What are your specialties or strengths?
I don’t think I really have a specialty, per se. I just listen to what my client needs and use a little intuition. If they are stressed, I help them relax. If they have specific issues, such as muscle pain, I work more attentively on that area to give them some relief. I would say that my main strength is that I love what I do and it really transfers to my clients.
Do massage therapists participate in continuing education?
Yes, we are actually required by our state licensing board here in North Carolina to complete 24 continuing education hours every two years. It gives us as opportunities to learn new and exciting methods and techniques for helping people and keeps us up to date on our laws and ethics.
What advice do you have for people interested in this job?
My best advice to give people who are interested in this line of work is to take it seriously. It is fun and rewarding, but can be quite labor intensive. It’s not a get-rich-quick job, but if you stick with it you can make it work for you and there is money to be made out there. Massage therapists can work at a spa, for their own private practice or for other medical professionals, from rehabilitation specialists to psychiatrists. Medical professionals are starting to integrate a whole lot more holistic practices. The profession is portable, so you can travel. The sky’s the limit.
Want to participate in Job Talk? Contact Patrick Collins at 412-5934 or patrick.collins@news-record.com.
Ashleigh Franks 083009
Ashleigh Franks is a licensed massage therapist, instructor and administrator with Natural Touch School of Massage Therapy in Greensboro.
Nancy Sidelinger Special Sections PhotographerAbout our participant
■ Name/age: Ashleigh Franks, 37
■ Occupation: Licensed massage therapist, instructor and office administrator
■ Employer: Natural Touch School of Massage Therapy
■ Salary range: The median base salary for the Greensboro area is around $44,000, according to Salary.com.
■ Years in field: 4
■ Education:
• Bachelor of Arts in geography, UNCG • N.C. license in massage and bodywork therapy
• National board certification in therapeutic massage
• Goal of the job: To promote health and wellness through relaxation and stress reduction.
■ Tasks:
• Schedule appointments with clients
• Discuss health histories and specific needs with clients
• Perform various types of massages depending on a client’s needs
