Canine Massage and Therapy Training Programs Information
Higher Education Articles October 13, 2015Overview of Canine Massage and Therapy Training Programs Information
It will be easier to decide if a canine massage and therapy service is the best career option for you after reading this article. Learn what is required of you before you join the career, especially the training details, work duties and certification requirements.
Important Knowledge
Most canine massage therapists also work in a veterinary or therapy related field and only take this program as an extra skill. Just like in human beings, the canine massage therapy involves applying some pressure to help the animal heal quicker or stay healthier. Massage may also be given to offer flexibility or offer essential knowledge to dog owners on how to handle their animals while at home.
In most cases, a canine massage therapy program is studied alongside a traditional massage therapy or any other type of veterinary education. However, some states still allow some of the practitioners to offer services to animals as long as the owner allows it. So, if you love a one on one approach way of handling animals, this would be a great career option for you.
The following are the main details about this program.
Career |
Massage Experts |
Vets |
Veterinary Techs vs technologists |
Education details |
Postsecondary certification |
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine |
Associate’s and a Bachelors degree respectively |
Other Requirements |
You can get a certificate on a voluntary basis |
State licensure |
A pass in the necessary veterinary exam |
Expected job growth |
23% |
12% |
30% |
Average salary as per 2014 |
$37,180 |
$82,390 |
$31,070 |
Available Programs for Canine Massage Therapy Students
Programs available for canine massage therapy students often take between several weeks and 600 hours to complete and mainly cover topics in areas such as how to do good massages, relaxation and rehabilitation. The course program may in addition deal with varying types of massage therapies or only focus on canine massage.
A Career in Canine Massage Therapy
Veterinary technicians massage experts and sometimes dog trainers often need some knowledge about canine massage therapy if they are to stay adept in their skills. The work of the canine massage therapist is to apply various forms of pressure on the muscles to help with relieving stress.
Career Chance and Salary Details
The U.S. Bureau of statistics says that vet technicians, as well as vet technologists’ jobs are likely to soar highly for the next seven years. For canine massage experts, their jobs are likely to increase by an average of 23% in the same time period. In terms of salary, the BLS report states that the average salary for vet technicians is $31,070 while the salary for massage therapists average at $38,180
Licensing and Certification
Licensing and certifying of qualified vet technicians is the work of the related State’s department. The licensing may however differ from state to state. Voluntary certification can be availed to any trained candidate by consulting with the National Board of Certification for animal Acupressure. The candidates must however complete an online 150 question exam after fully training for the massage training program.