Massage therapist

In a typical treatment session you'll:

• check the client's medical history, diet and lifestyle
•  identify the client's reasons for wanting massage therapy
•  plan a course of treatment
•  apply pressure to areas of the body
•  give advice to clients about their wellbeing
•  refer clients to medical professionals when required
•  create and update client records

• sensitivity and understanding
• excellent verbal communication skills
• active listening skills
• the ability to work well with your hands
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• customer service skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of biology
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship

With experience and a caseload or regular clients, you could set up your own business.

You could also take additional training to offer other wellbeing or complementary therapy treatments like aromatherapy, reiki or reflexology.