Spa Therapy Training & Career Guide

Spa Therapist 101

Spa therapists are experts in pampering and full-body beautification. The term "spa therapist" may be used to describe anyone who works in a day spa, health spa, spa resort or other type of spa setting.

Spa therapist may also refer specifically to an individual who performs treatments that are only provided in spas and luxury salons. These spa therapies include body wraps, body scrubs, therapeutic baths and many other luxurious options for mind and body wellness.

Most spa therapists have previous training as massage therapists, estheticians or nail technicians. They often add specific spa therapy techniques to their repertoire in order to thrive in the spa industry. For example, massage therapists working in a spa may learn hot stone or mud therapy to enhance their basic massage training.

If state and local laws allow, spa therapists may be trained just to provide spa body treatments without previous training or licensure in a related discipline. Some spas hire people with minimal skills and teach them to perform the spa's signature treatments under their own supervision. This helps to establish consistent spa techniques across the spa’s staff.

If you have the following qualities and skills, spa therapy may be a great career choice for you:

• Compassion for people
• Interest in encouraging optimum physical and emotional health
• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of people
• Ability to accept all body types and physical conditions
• Attention to detail

Your Spa Therapy Education

What You’ll Study

With the rapid growth of the spa industry, many professional schools are now offering spa-focused training. For example, it is now possible to get your massage certification and learn all about spa therapy treatments at the same time.

With or without previous training, your career in the spa industry may benefit from additional training. There are many types of spa therapies and learning even one or two can expand your opportunities and increase your income.

Examples of spa therapy treatments you can learn include the following:

• Body wraps for detoxification, hydration or weight loss
• Exfoliating salt glows using sea salts, oils and aromatic ingredients
• Body scrubs using ingredients such as coffee grounds or grape seeds
• Mud baths and other therapeutic baths
• Hydrotherapy, including the benefits of hot and cold water
• Use of the Vichy shower (a relaxing shower that cascades from five to seven showerheads)
• Thassalotherapy (a seaweed wrap that uses seawater and mineral-rich marine products)
• Aromatherapy using essential oils

Average Length of Study

Many spa therapy trainings are workshops focused on a specific treatment modality. These may last from a few hours to a week or more. They often provide continuing education credits and may be targeted toward a specific type of spa profession.

Earning a certification in spa therapy as part of a massage therapy program may take anywhere from six months to two years. Other spa therapy training programs may be offered to employees through the spa where they work.

Average Tuition

The tuition varies greatly with the training needs and interests of each individual. You could spend less than a $100 for a continuing education course on salt glows. Or you could pay $10,000 for a massage therapy program that certifies you as a spa therapist.

Spa Therapist Certification and Licensing

In most cases, spa therapists must be licensed as estheticians, massage therapists, cosmetologists or other professional designation. Depending on state and local laws, a spa therapist may be able to work in a spa under proper supervision without a professional license.

Some schools offer certification in spa therapy, usually as part of a massage therapy program. Skilled professionals may also choose to take a spa certification exam through the American Spa Therapy Education and Certification Council(ASTECC) for additional recognition of their skills.

Spa Therapist Career Overview

Spa therapists may work in a day spa or health spa. Working in a spa resort in an exotic location is also an option. Wherever they work, spa therapists spend their days pampering spa-goers. They give luxury treatments and help to create a thoroughly relaxing atmosphere. They may also help individuals recover in a medical spa with treatments such as lymphatic drainage massage, a massage technique developed as a physical therapy modality. Or they may work with couples enjoying a honeymoon or romantic vacation.

Spa Therapist Career Outlook

In the past few years, the spa industry has enjoyed enormous success. The number of day spas in the United States has more than doubled since 2002, and luxury spa resorts are more popular than ever. Formerly "alternative" spa treatments like massage and acupuncture are enjoying mainstream success. There is a large and growing demand for qualified spa therapists.

Spa Therapist Salaries

Spa therapist salaries vary widely depending on training, experience, hours and the type of spa where you work. You may receive a basic wage plus tips. Or you may receive a percentage of the fee for each service you provide, plus tips. According to International Spa Association (ISPA), spa therapist income can range anywhere from $10,000 for a part-time employee to $60,000 a year for a full-time practitioner.

Return to the Spa & Massage Career Center home page.

Looking for Spa and Massage Schools?

Try our Spa, Massage & Beauty Schools + Training page. There you will find a comprehensive list of schools which offer program descriptions. You can also request information from the schools that interest you most.

Sources:
About, Inc, 2007
Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals, 2007