Career Profile: Swedish Masseuse

Nurse Anesthesiologist

See Available Swedish Masseuse Schools

Job Description:

The most popular form of massage used in the United States, Swedish massage was developed by Per Henrik Ling, in the late 18th to early 19th century. After experimenting with many methods of massage, he integrated several of the elements into one practice. Swedish massage is a form of gentle yet deep tissue massage which is practiced using the palms, but also incorporating the fingers, thumbs, and knuckles as needed. Swedish massage is used to relieve muscular spasm and pain, improve blood circulation and reduce swelling due to accumulation of fluid in the tissues, as well as help break up any stiffness in muscles due to scarring. It can also help boost the immune system, reduce stress, and promote a sense of well-being. Sessions usually last from and hour to an hour and a half, and the client receives a full-body massage.

Swedish masseuses work in private practices, spas, clinics, offices, and wellness centers. They may also work as instructors at massage schools, and write about the healing effects of massage. They usually work a regular week, but may offer evening and weekend hours to better meet the needs of their clients, as well as offer to travel to a client’s home or office. Their salary varies according to the area in which they practice as well as the capacity in which they are employed, but they can expect to make an average of $40,000 to $60,000 a year, perhaps more. The growth outlook for this career is good, especially as more people look for alternative methods of healing and medicine as well as relief from stress. It is more likely to grow quicker in urban areas than in rural areas, but is practiced all over the country.

There are several schools which offer Swedish massage as part of their massage program, and several schools that deal strictly with this form of massage. As with shiatsu massage, there is a varying number of hours required in programs from school to school, as well as for certification from state to state. For example, in California, one must only complete 150 hours of training to be able to practice on the public, and the practice of massage therapy is unregulated and uncertified. However, in states such as New Jersey and New York, one must take up to 600 hours or more of training before being eligible for licensing. It is best to check from state to state to see what the training and certification requirements are when pursuing this career.

Find the Swedish Masseuse program that matches your personal preference and jumpstart your career by browsing through our extensive list of Swedish Masseuse schools!

View the featured schools in your state. Click a state below:

Arizona / California / Connecticut /Florida / Georgia/Illinois / Indiana / Kentucky / Louisiana / Maryland / Massachusetts / Michigan / Missouri / Nebraska / Nevada / Ohio / Oregon / Pennsylvania / Tennessee / Texas / Utah / Virginia/Washington / Canadian
 Arizona
The Bryman School (Phoenix) - Dental Assistant, Hospital Unit Coordinator, Medical Assistant, Medical Billing & Coding, Pharmacy Technician, Practical Technologist in Radiology, Surgical Technologist, Massage Therapy
 California Schools
Academy of Professional Careers (Indio) - Administrative Medical/Dental Assistant, Medical Assisting, Pharmacy Technician, Holistic Health Practitioner, Massage Therapy, Optical Technician
Everest College (Alhambra, Anaheim, City of Industry, Gardena, Los Angeles, Ontario, Reseda, San Bernadino, San Francisco, San Jose, Wilshire)- Dental Assisting, Massage Therapy, Medical Administrative Assistant, Medical Assisting, Medical Insurance Billing & Coding, Pharmacy Technician, Medical Laboratory Assistant, Phlebotomist, Medical Office Assistant, Medical Office Management, X-Ray Technician, Surgical Technologist, Medical Clinical Assistant /td>
Clarita Career College (Canyon Country, Lancaster) - Medical Assistant, Administrative Medical Assistant, Medical Laboratory Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, Dental Assistant, Massage Therapy
Heald College (Concord, Hayward, Stockton) - Dental Assisting, Medical Assisting, Medical Office Administration, Health Information Technology
Anthem College (Sacramento) - Medical Assistant, Medical Billing & Coding, Pharmacy Technician, Surgical Technologist, Dental Assistant, Massage Therapy
Keller Graduate School of Management (Pomona, Irvine, Long Beach, Pomona, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco Downtown, West Hills) - Graduate Certificate in Health Services Management
Maric College (Bakersfield, Fresno, Stockton) - Dental Assistant, Medical Assistant, Medical Office Specialist, Coding/Billing, Nursing, Healthcare & Rehab Technician, X-Ray Tech, Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Ultrasound, Radiologic Technology, Pharmacy Tech, Respiratory Therapy, Massage Therapy and MORE
San Joaquin Valley College (Bakersfield, Fresno, Visalia) - Clinical and Administrative Medical Assisting, Dental Assisting, Health Care Insurance Specialist, Pharmacy Technology, Surgical Technology, Veterinary Technology, Health Care Administration, Respiratory Care Practice
Santa 
 Barbara Business College (Bakersfield, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Ventura) - Medical Assisting, Medical/Dental Office Systems, Pharmacy Technician
United Education Institute (Ontario, Van Nuys, Huntington Park, San Diego) - Medical Assistant, Dental Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, Medical Billing & Coding
West Coast College (Victorville, Citrus Heights, Pleasant Hil, Sacramento, San Leandro) - Medical Assistant, Dental Assistant, Massage Therapist
 Connecticut Schools
Porter and Chester Institute* (Enfield, Stratford, Watertown, Weathersfield) - Dental Assisting, Medical Assisting
 Flordia Schools
ACT - Jacksonville (Jacksonville) - Dental Assisting
Angley College (DeLand) - Medical Assisting, Medical Office Administration, Dental Assisting, Nursing Assistant, Patient Care Technician, Phlebotomy Technician, Therapeutic Massage
ATI College of Health (Miami) - Dental Assisting, Diagnostic Ultrasound Technician, Medical Assisting Technician, Pharmacy Technician, Respiratory Therapist
Central 
 Florida Institute (Orlando, Tampa Bay) - Dental Assistant, Medical Assistant/Basic X-ray, Noninvasive Cardio Technician, Advanced Cardiovascular Technologist - ECHO, Surgical Technologist - Operating Room Scrub
Florida Education Center (Lauderhill) - Dental Assistant, Medical Assistant, Medical Office Specialist, Pharmacy Technician
Anthem College (Orlando) - Dental Assistant, Massage Therapy, Medical Assistant, Medical Billing & Coding, Pharmacy Technician, Surgical Technologist, X-ray Technician
Sanford-Brown Institute (Tampa, Ft Lauderdale) - Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Medical Billing and Coding Specialist, Medical Assistant, Dental Assistant, Surgical Technology, Advanced Massage Therapy
 Georgia Schools
ACT: Advanced Career Training (Atlanta, Riverdale) - Dental Assistant, Massage Therapy, Medical Assistant, Medical Billing and Insurance Coding
Everest Institute (Jonesboro, Norcross) - Massage Therapy, Medical Administrative Assistant, Medical Assisting, Medical Insurance Billing/Coding, Patient Care Technician, Pharmacy Technician, Dental Assistant, Surgical Technologist
 Illinois Schools
Careers in Dental Assisting (River Forest) - Dental Assisting, Dental Office Administration
 Indiana Schools
Everest College (Merrillville) - Dental Assisting
Professional Careers Institute (Indianapolis) - Dental Assistant, Dental Assisting/Administration, Massage Therapy, Massage Therapy/Medical Assisting, Medical Assistant, Medical Assisting/Administration, Medical/Dental Administration
 Kentucky Schools
ATA Career Education (Louisville) - Dental Assisting, Medical Coding
 Louisiana Schools
Everest College (New Orleans) - Dental Assisting, Medical Administrative Assistant, Medical Assisting, Medical Insurance Billing/Coding, Pharmacy Technician
 Maryland Schools
Hagerstown Business College (Frederick) - Health Information Technology, Medical Assistant, Medical Billing/Coding, Medical Receptionist, Medical Receptionist/Transcriptionist, Medical Secretary/Assistant, Medical Transcriptionist, Phlebotomist, Dental Assistant
 Massachusetts Schools
Everest Institute (Brighton) - Dental Assisting, Masage Therapy (Modular), Medical Administrative Assistant, Medical Assisting, Pharmacy Technician
 Michigan Schools
Everest Institute (Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo) - Dental Assisting, Massage Therapy, Medical Administrative Assistant, Medical Assistant, Medical Insurance Billing/Coding, Pharmacy Technician, Practical Nurse, Certified Nurses Aide
 Missouri Schools
Allied College (North St. Louis/Maryland Heights, South Arnold/Fenton) - Dental Assistant
Anthem College (Kansas City) - Dental Assistant
Missouri College (St. Louis) - Dental Office Administration, Dental Assistant
Sanford-Brown College (Hazelwood) - Dental Assistant
Everest College (Springfield) - Dental Assisting
Vatterott College (Springfield) - Dental Assistant
 Nebraska Schools
Hamilton College (Omaha) - Dental Assistant, Medical Assistant, Practical Nursing, Massage Therapy
Vatterott 
College (Omaha) - Dental Assistant, Practical Nursing, Advanced Medical Assistant, Alcohol/Drug Abuse Counselor, Medical Assistant, Veterinay Technician, Medical Administrative Assistant, Medical Administrative Specialist, Medical Assistant, Pharmacy Office Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, Psychiatric Assistant, Veterinary Technician
 Nevada Schools
Anthem Institute (Las Vegas) - Dental Assistant, Massage Therapy, Medical Assistant, Medical Billing & Coding, Pharmacy Technician, Surgical Technologist
 Ohio Schools
Akron Institute (Cuyahoga Falls) - Dental Assistant, Medical Assistant, Medical Biller/Administrator
Remington 
 College (North Olmsted) - Medical Assisting, Medical Insurance and Coding, Dental Assisting, Pharmacy Technician
 Oregon Schools
Anthem College (Beaverton) - Dental Assistant, Massage Therapy, Medical Assistant, Medical Billing & Coding, Pharmacy Technician, Surgical Technologist
Heald College (Portland) - Dental Assisting, Medical Assisting
 Pennsylvania Schools
Bradford School (Pittsburgh) - Dental Assisting
Career Training Academy (New Kensington) - Dental Assistant
CHI 
Institute (Broomall) - Dental Assistant, Medical Assisting, Pharmacy Technician, Surgical Technician
Sanford-Brown Institute (Formerly Ultrasound Diagnostic School)(Philadelphia) - Dental Assisting, Medical Assistant, Coding & Billing, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Non-Invasive Cardiovascular & Surgical Technology, Massage Therapy
Thompson Institute (Philadelphia) - Dental Assisting
 Tennessee Schools
Anthem Career College (Nashville) - Dental Assisting
Remington 
College (Nashville) - Medical Assisting, Pharmacy Technician, Dental Assisting
 Texas Schools
Milan Institute (Amarillo) - Administrative Medical/Dental Assistant, Dental Assisting, Medical Assisting, Office Administration, Pharmacy Technician
Academy of Healthcare Professions* (Austin, Houston North Loop, Houston Southwest) - Dental Assistant, Limited Medical Radiologic Technologist, Medical Assistant, Medical Coding and Billing Specialist, Phlebotomy Technician, Dental Assistant, Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound, Limited Medical Radiologic Technologist, Massage Therapy, Surgical Technologist
ATI 
 Career Training Center (Dallas, Hurst) - Dental Assisting, Massage Therapy, Medical Assisting, Respiratory Therapy Technology
Career 
Centers of Texas (Corpus Christi, El Paso, Fort Worth) - Medical Assistant, Medical Office Specialist, Dental Assistant, Insurance Processor, Patient Care Assistant Technician, Medical Assistant Clinical/Clerical, Pharmacy Technician, Surgical Technician, Medical Office Specialist, Radiologic Technologist
Anthem College (Irving) - Basic Massage Therapy, Dental Assistant, Medical Assistant, Medical Billing & Coding, Pharmacy Technician, Surgical Technologist
Everest Institute (Houston - Greenspoint) - Dental Assisting, Medical Assistant, Massage Therapy, Medical Administrative Assistant, Medical Assisting, Medical Business and Clinical Specialist, Medical Insurance Billing & Coding, Pharmacy Technician
Pinnacle Career Center (Houston) - Dental Assisting, Medical Assistant, Medical Billing
Kaplan Career Institute (San Antonio) - Dental Assistant, Medical Assistant Clinical/Clerical, Medical Office Specialist, Pharmacy Technician
San Antonio College of Medical and Dental Assistants (McAllen) - Dental Assistant, Medical Assistant Clinical/Clerical, Medical Office Specialist, Pharmacy Technician
Southeastern Career Institute* (Dallas, Midland) - Dental Assistant, Medical Assistant, Medical Office Specialist, Pharmacy Technician
Texas 
 Careers (Beaumont, Lubbock) - Dental Assisting, Medical Assistant, Medical Office Specialist, Patient Care Assistant Technician, Nurse Aide, Vocational Nursing
 Utah Schools
Eagle Gate College (Murray) - Medical Assisting, Pharmacy Technician, Dental Assisting, Office Management
Provo College (Provo) - Dental Assisting, Medical Assisting, Pharmacy Technician, Physical Therapist Assistant, Therapeutic Massage Technology
 Virginia Schools
ACT College (Alexandria, Arlington) - Medical Assisting, Dental Assistant, Medical Administrative Specialist, Medical Assisting, Pharmacy Technician
Medical Careers Institute* (Newport News) - Dental Assisting, Massage Therapy, Medical Assisting, Medical Office Specialist, Practical Nursing, Registered Nursing
 Washington Schools
Everest College (Everett, Tacoma, Port Orchard, Renton, Lynnwood) - Dental Assisting, Medical Assisting, Medical Billing, Pharmacy Technician, Medical Administrative Assistant, Medical Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist
Anthem College (Bellevue) - Dental Assistant, Massage Therapy, Medical Assistant, Medical Billing & Coding, Pharmacy Technician, Surgical Technologist
 Canadian Schools
Everest College Massage Therapy, Medical Administrative Assistant, Retail Pharmacy Technician, Medical Office Assistant, Dental Assisting
  • Saskatchewan: Saskatoon
  • Ontario: Barrie, Brampton, Hamilton Mountain, Kitchener, London, Mississauga, Newmarket, North York, Ottawa East, Scarborough, Sudbury, Toronto South, Windsor
  • British Columbia: Abbotsford, Burnaby, Surrey, Vancouver, Victoria Bay Centre
  • Manitoba: Winnipeg

* DeVry University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org. Keller Graduate School of Management is included in this accreditation. In New York, DeVry University operates as DeVry College of New York. DeVry University operates as DeVry Institute of Technology in Calgary, Alberta. DeVry is certified to operate by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. AC0060. DeVry University is authorized for operation by the THEC. www.state.tn.us/thec. Nashville Campus - 3343 Perimeter Hill Dr., Nashville, TN 37211 Program availability varies by location.©2010 DeVry Educational Development Corp. All rights reserved