If you are going to work out of your home, there are also state guidelines.and if you travel to other peoples homes.you really need to watch out for your safety.and also find out about anything else you may need in your state.

You can also mix it up..and do a little of everything or whateveryou want, there is definitely versatility in this profession..

bottom line is.it depends on what you are looking for, and what you are willing to do...

i'm actually making those choices right now myself. I till have to take my national exam...but once I do.. I have to choose.

What i'm thinking of for myself, is starting out at a spa..and gradually building clientel..and saving money.. whilst I am gathering experience.. I am fortunate to live in a huge tourist town, so there are a lot of options to choose from.. the only downer for me is the fact that I like to spend as much time with a client as i feel that they need, I don't like limiting myself to a time factor..eventually though, I will go private..but I want to do some traveling first as well.so.

I know it's a lot to think about.but it's really a great profession.with a lot of versatility, so don't feel pigeon holed into one particular thing.. I'm not a massage therapist, but I have friends who are. One is private, the other works at a spa.

The one in private practice keeps her own books - she's good at it, but it takes extra time. And she manages her own scheduling - so she can decide her hours, and work more or less depending on financial needs/goals.

The one who works at the spa does not have to keep the books and the front desk staff makes the appointments - frees up her work time to focus on clients, which is what she wants to do.

good luck, whichever you choose! i've done both. i've enjoyed the freedom of private practice, and spa work was nice when i didn't want to go out and get my own clients. i think spa work is helpful to do when first starting out. i no longer work as a therapist now, but if i did i would go for the private practice bit. there is nothing like having your own business and being your own boss in my opinion.