Theresa Abrect, 38, works for Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas. She has a COOL JOB as a massage therapist.

Her Gig:
Abrect was a singer on a cruise ship when she became friends with the massage therapist on board. The therapist was in need of help and Abrect stepped in. She was hooked right from the start. "I was always interested in alternative medicine and healthcare." Her first break was meeting her friend on the cruise ship and being able to break into the business. After working on the cruise ship, she became certified in massage therapy and opened her own clinic in Florida.

Education:
Attended massage school for one year and received certification. Programs vary from state to state. Florida has a state board licensing program which is important in terms of the quality of care people receive. Some states do not require or provide certification. In order to keep her license, she must take continuing education courses.

How long have you been at your current job?
Since April of 1999. Started in massage in 1991.

A Day in the Life Of:
Abrect manages 11 therapists and is looking to hire five more. Saturdays are usually the busiest, when she will do up to 8 massages in one day. The Hard Rock Spa offers every kind of massage you can think of including deep tissue, hands & feet, all wraps, reflexology, etc. A massage manager can work 9-10 hours a day, 5 or 6 days a week. Most of her staff therapists work 4 days a week, 10 hours a day.

Hive Five:
"The environment at the Hard Rock Hotel." She also enjoys the combination of managing a staff and practicing massage therapy. Her clientele makes her job enjoyable.

Down Low:
"Keeping everyone happy all the time."

Wish List:
Bringing her two loves together, singing and massage therapy. Theresa is currently working on a music CD that incorporates soothing and relaxing songs to listen to during massage. She is also working on a writing a book on massage therapy.

Words From the Wise:
"Do not get into massage therapy for the money. Get involved because you love working with people. Massage therapy can be draining emotionally and physically unless you love helping people and love alternative means of healthcare."

Paying the Bills:
Salary can vary greatly depending on a number of factors. Geography matters — usually bigger cities and upper bracket areas help to support a clinic or salon. It also depends on whether you are independent and own a salon or if you work for someone else. Number of hours you put in and the amount of clients you treat also matter.

For More Information:
Check out the American Massage Therapy Association— for job information and a list of accredited schools and massage education programs. The Massage Therapy Network also has listings of Nationally accredited Massage Schools at: www.massagetherapynetwork.com.