At least 25 states require you to become certified as a massage therapist before you can provide services to clients. This means that you must attend an accredited massage therapy program and pass a national exam. You then become "NCTMB," or National Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.

Different training programs emphasize different types of massage.

Often training programs offer a supervised clinic open to the public. This allows students to gain hands-on experience while also offering low-cost massage services to the public.

Many massage therapy programs are offered part-time, with day and evening classes.

Most massage therapists continue to take workshops and courses throughout their professional careers. This allows them to keep their skills updated and current.