As we discussed in a previous post, job outlook predictions are extremely rosy for massage therapists. What’s driving such strong numbers for employment growth in massage therapy? Today we’re unpacking the numbers by examining one subset of massage therapy: medical massage. 

What is Medical Massage?

Medical massage is massage therapy targeting health issues diagnosed by a doctor. (Mayo Clinic, n.d.). A medical LMT is a certified massage therapist who works closely with doctors and nurses to provide treatment for those affected by illness, injury, stress, and/or pain. Oftentimes, medical massage therapists work in hospital settings. Patients with fibromyalgia, cancer, and many other diseases benefit from massage, which is increasingly covered by insurance. 

Medical massage differs from traditional massage in scope and setting. Medical LMTs often provide treatment in hospitals and medical offices. As such, they must commonly work at a patient’s bedside, working around medical equipment, under harsh lighting, and with interruptions. Scheduling may or may not be as predictable for medical massage therapists, who may be called to different bedsides at a moment’s notice.

Advantages of Working in Medical Massage

Medical massage is considered one of the best medical and healthcare jobs for the future, and one that doesn’t require a huge investment in time and money (Staake, 2025). Unlike many other medical positions, work as a massage therapist in medical settings does not require a bachelor’s or master’s degree. And it is highly satisfying work, as it makes a difference in the lives of others.

Medical massage therapists don’t generally need to worry about marketing their services. A final perk: No laundry. Medical facilities typically handle linens. 

Factors Driving Job Growth in Medical Massage

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects medical massage (and all categories of massage jobs) to grow at a much faster than average rate. (2025, Job Outlook). Here are a few reasons for the expected growth in demand for medical LMTs, according to the Mayo Clinic.

  • Increasingly, research shows the utility of massage for medical purposes.
  • Doctors and patients are increasingly interested in promoting health, not just curing disease. Massage and other alternative medicines have long emphasized this approach.
  • As more insurance policies cover medical massage, more hospitals and doctors offices are seeking licensed massage therapists with the credentials to work in medical settings. 

Increasingly, massage therapists are receiving more referrals from healthcare workers. According to the American Massage Therapy Association, 54% of massage therapists receive referrals from hospitals and medical offices, and 48% of them get referrals from physicians. (AMTA, 2025). 

How to Get a Job in Medical Massage Therapy
Each state has their own requirements for massage therapy licensure. Here in Oregon, massage therapy licensure requires 625 hours in massage therapy classes and passing a national massage exam as well as a state-specific law exam.

In addition to state requirements, medical establishments may have their own prerequisites for employment. Specialised classes and certificates may be needed.

East West College’s massage therapy program includes superb instruction in anatomy and physiology, as well as professionalism training in various settings, including medical programs. We are accredited by COMTA, a nationally-recognized accrediting agency that sets curriculum standards for massage therapy programs, including requirements for specific education in anatomy, physiology and pathology of the human body. Our graduates are well-prepared to work in medical settings. If you’re drawn to medical massage, we suggest getting in touch with the East West admissions team to learn more about how to turn your dream into a reality.

Sources

American Massage Therapy Association. (2025). State of the massage therapy profession: 2025 fact sheet. https://www.amtamassage.org/globalassets/documents/publications-and-research/amta-2025-student-fact-sheet.pdf 

Mayo Clinic. (n.d.) Medical massage therapist. Explore healthcare careers. https://college.mayo.edu/academics/explore-health-care-careers/careers-a-z/medical-massage-therapist/  

Staake, J. (2025, March 17). 20 Best healthcare careers for the future in 2025. We Are Teachers. https://www.weareteachers.com/healthcare-careers/ 

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, April 19). Massage Therapists. Occupational outlook handbook. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/massage-therapists.htm