Changing Career to Sports Massage

It suits people who like working with others one to one, are interested in the body and exercise, and want work they can shape themselves. Most therapists work for themselves, from a treatment room, a gym, a clinic or clients’ homes, or at clubs and events.

It is physical work. You spend much of the day on your feet using your hands, arms and body weight. If you are unsure, book a student massage first to see the work up close and ask learners what the course is like.

The qualification most people start with is a Level 3 in sports massage. SSTA teaches the Active IQ Level 3 Technical Specialist in Sports Massage Therapy (Diploma) in small groups in Chichester, and runs weekend cohorts so you can keep working during the week.

You also need time between teaching days to study and practise, so plan a few hours a week. Admissions explains the study and assessment involved before you commit.

SSTA’s course costs £1,997.99, or a £197.99 deposit then 3 × £600, 4 × £450, 6 × £300. The total is the same whichever way you pay.

Use the practice income planner to work out how many paid sessions a week you would need to replace your income, and how many to cover the course fee.

Most career changers do not quit on day one. Start with evening and weekend clients, then reduce your hours in your current job as bookings grow.

SSTA graduates get a Business Hub website with online bookings and payments, a business workshop and three monthly one-to-one marketing sessions, so you have help finding those first clients.