How To Write a Massage Therapist Resume

As a massage therapist, your resume should showcase your skills and experience in therapeutic healing, highlighting your specialized techniques and certifications and emphasizing your commitment to client care and wellness. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your career, creating a resume aligned with your specific career goals and the position you’re applying for is essential.

See real massage therapist resume examples and expert advice tailored specifically for the role, addressing the unique aspects of this profession. Learn how to write a resume that makes you stand out as a top candidate in the health care industry.

  • Entry-level
  • Mid-career
  • Senior-level
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1. Craft an outstanding profile summarizing your massage therapist qualifications

An engaging resume profile is essential for a massage therapist as it provides a concise snapshot of your skills, expertise, and unique value as a practitioner. In two to three sentences, capture the attention of hiring managers by emphasizing your specialization, years of experience, and notable achievements. Use keywords relevant to the massage therapy field to demonstrate your understanding of industry trends and techniques.

Consider including an impressive statistic or accomplishment to highlight your impact and commitment to client well-being. By crafting a strong profile that presents your specific skills and experience as a massage therapist, you’ll capture the attention of potential employers and leave a lasting impression.

Senior-Level Profile Example


A licensed massage therapist with over 10 years of experience delivering therapeutic massage in spa environments. A proven track record of using a wide range of therapeutic techniques to relieve pain and improve client mobility. Adept at leading teams and managing spa operations.

Entry-Level Profile Example


A licensed massage therapist with five years of experience and a Lymphedema Technician Certification, specializing in trigger point therapy and medical massage. A proven track record of developing comprehensive treatment plans to improve the quality of life for clients.

2. Outline your massage therapist experience in a compelling list

Describe your practical skills to show hiring managers how you’ve made a positive impact in the workplace and with your clients. To effectively demonstrate your accomplishments, quantify your experience by including specific numbers, percentages, or measurable outcomes.

For example, mention the number of clients treated per week or the rate of client satisfaction achieved. This quantification helps employers understand the scope and effectiveness of your work. Use action verbs to add an engaging element to your work experience as you write.

Start each bullet point with an action verb to convey a proactive and results-oriented approach. This strategy displays your skills as a massage therapist and shows hiring managers you have the necessary attributes to meet their expectations and provide exceptional care.

Senior-Level Professional Experience Example


Massage Therapist, Unwind Therapeutic Massage, Missoula, MT | June 2010 – May 2018

  • Massaged approximately 25 clients per week for 60 to 90-minute sessions, developed comprehensive treatment plans according to medical histories, and created detailed SOAP notes for each session
  • Recommended specific massage therapies and techniques to clients based on painful or tense areas of the body, including Swedish, aromatherapy, and hot stone massages

Entry-Level Professional Experience Example


Student Massage Therapist, Colorado Institute of Massage Therapy, Colorado Springs, CO | January 2017 – August 2017

  • Delivered massage therapy services to over 150 clients, maintained treatment records and SOAP notes for all appointments, and achieved client satisfaction ratings of 89% to 94%
  • Provided deep tissue, Swedish, neuromuscular, myofascial massage, and a wide variety of other therapies
  • Ensured strict compliance with sanitation, health, and safety protocols

3. Outline your massage therapist-related certifications and education

Employers in the massage therapy field typically prioritize candidates who have completed recognized programs and hold certifications from accredited institutions. Including education and certifications on your resume allows employers to assess your knowledge and expertise in specific modalities or techniques. It shows that you have acquired the necessary skills to provide effective treatments and are current with industry standards and practices. Starting with your highest level of education, list the degree name, institution, location, and graduation date.

In a separate certification section, mention any specialized training or continuing education courses relevant to the position you’re applying for. Focus on certifications you’ve earned that demonstrate your expertise. Provide the certification title, issuing organization, and completion date.

Education

Template

  • [Degree Name]
  • [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] | [Graduation Year]

Example

  • Associate of Applied Science in Kinesiology and Exercise Science
  • Ivy Tech Community College, Fort Wayne, IN | 2013

Certifications

Template

  • [Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]

Example

  • Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), State of Colorado, 2017
  • Lymphedema Technician Certification, 2018

4. List key skills and proficiencies for massage therapists

A key skills section is essential for an effective massage therapist resume. These skills draw attention to your many abilities that empower you to provide quality care to clients. Focus on those directly related to massage therapy and the role you’re applying for. Match your skills with those found in the job description. Be sure to provide technical and interpersonal skills, as they demonstrate your ability to perform all the essential duties of a massage therapist while maintaining a calm and safe environment for clients.

Check out the examples below to get a better idea of what you could include on your massage therapist resume:

Key Skills and Proficiencies
Active listening Aromatherapy
Billing software Body mechanics and ergonomics
CPR and first aid Clinic etiquette
Customer service Deep tissue and Swedish massage
Documentation Hot stone massage
Human anatomy and physiology Infection control
Marketing and social media Musculoskeletal biology and pathology
Nutrition and diet Prenatal massage
Reflexology Sports and trigger point massage
Stretching techniques Time management

How To Pick the Best Massage Therapist Resume Template

The purpose of a resume template is to provide a structured format that presents your qualifications and helps you stand out from other applicants. For massage therapists, the best resume template is clean, orderly, and showcases your most relevant skills and experience.

A well-designed template can help create a visually appealing and professional document that catches the attention of potential employers. Select a template that aligns with the tone and style of the massage therapy industry, using calming colors and classic fonts. Choosing the right template will enhance the visual impact of your resume and make a positive impression on hiring managers in the massage therapy field.

Massage Therapist Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples

  • Entry-Level
  • Mid-Career
  • Senior-Level

Chris MacGregor
(123)456-7890
[email protected]
123 Your Street, Pittsburgh, PA 12345

Profile

A Licensed Massage Therapist with six years of experience delivering massage therapy services at private medical facilities and sports clinics. Adept at collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams and healthcare professionals to identify optimal treatments. Achieved a National Board Certification and a Specialty Certificate in Sports Massage.

Professional Experience

Sports Massage Therapist, Pittsburgh Pirates, Pittsburgh, PA
October 2019 – Present

  • Evaluate athlete’s injuries caused during practices or games and design sessions around specific problem areas or concerns communicated by players or coaches
  • Educate players and team staff on the benefits of sports massage therapy
  • Coordinate with coaches and other major-league club healthcare professionals regarding injury management.

Sports/Medical Massage Therapist, Body First Wellness, Evansville, IN
March 2016 – October 2019

  • Assessed each client’s conditions and collaborated with physiotherapists and chiropractors to develop individual treatment plans according to client needs
  • Educated clients on rehabilitative stretches and exercises they could do at home based on their unique conditions
  • Served as a member of the clinic’s “Field Line” program, and traveled with local sports road trips to away games about once a month to provide immediate evaluation and aid for injuries.

Education

Diploma of Sports and Medical Massage Therapy (900 hours)
Indiana Wellness College, Carmel, IN December 2014

Associate of Applied Science in Kinesiology and Exercise Science
Ivy Tech Community College, Fort Wayne, IN, May 2013

Skills

  • Massage as part of medical treatment plan
  • Collaborating with chiropractors, PTs, surgeons, trainers, and doctors
  • Active listening
  • Sports massage
  • Integrative techniques

Certifications

  • Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), state of
    • Indiana, 2014
    • Pennsylvania, 2018
  • Board Certification in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (BCTMB®), including Speciality Certificate in Sports Massage
  • Personal Trainer, 2013

Frequently Asked Questions: Massage Therapist Resume Examples and Advice

What are common action verbs for massage therapist resumes?-

Crafting an impactful professional experience section can be challenging, especially when searching for the right words to describe your work. To assist you in this process, we've compiled a list of common action verbs to help you convey your accomplishments. Action verbs bring your experiences to life, showcasing your active involvement in providing massage therapy services, interacting with clients, and implementing specialized techniques. By incorporating these verbs, you can paint a vivid picture of your capabilities, capturing the attention of potential employers and emphasizing your ability to deliver exceptional care. Consider using the following words in your massage therapist resume:

Action Verbs
Apply Assess
Assist Coach
Comply Consult
Determine Develop
Discuss Enhance
Evaluate Knead
Locate Maintain
Massage Offer
Prepare Refer
Schedule Sterilize
How do you align your resume with a massage therapist job description?-

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for massage therapists will see explosive growth between 2021 and 2031. Over the decade, employment is projected to grow by 20%, creating nearly 30,000 new jobs. Although many career opportunities will exist, applicants still need excellent resumes to stand out and land their desired positions.

If you have a specific massage therapist job opening in mind, we recommend tailoring your resume to maximize your chances of catching the attention of hiring managers. To do this effectively:

1. Review the job description and identify the key skills, qualifications, and responsibilities mentioned.
2. Modify your professional summary, work experience bullet points, and skills section to emphasize your fit for the role.
3. Show employers that you meet the requirements and their unique needs.

What is the best massage therapist resume format?-

The most appropriate resume option for massage therapists is usually the chronological format. This format highlights your work history in reverse chronological order, showcasing your experience and progression in the field. It allows you to feature your skills, certifications, and specific massage techniques. In most cases, it’s best to avoid functional resumes, as skill-based formats don’t provide a proper framework to describe your career achievements and experience.

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Expert Advice
Include a cover letter with your resume

A compelling cover letter can increase your chances of securing an interview as a massage therapist. Customizing your document for each specific organization you apply to is the key to standing out from the competition. Our comprehensive cover letter guide provides valuable insights to help you create your own. For more cover letter examples, check out our guides for physical therapists and cosmetologists.

Frank headshot

Frank Hackett

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)

Frank Hackett is a professional resume writer and career consultant with over eight years of experience. As the lead editor at a boutique career consulting firm, Frank developed an innovative approach to resume writing that empowers job seekers to tell their professional stories. His approach involves creating accomplishment-driven documents that balance keyword optimization with personal branding. Frank is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PAWRCC).

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