Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services, Other.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
All data shown below (except Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity) is based on the category, not just this specific degree.
Please use your own discretion when interpreting these results. For certain degrees, a limited number of institutions report to the government's College Scorecard API, which may cause the data to be skewed or less representative of national trends. Consider these figures as informative but not definitive, and consult additional sources or advisors for important decisions.
Debt to Income Ratio
Debt-to-income analysis for Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services, Other.: The DTI for this program is 50.3%, which is within the generally accepted range for higher education. While not as low as some top-performing degrees, this ratio suggests that most graduates can manage their student loan payments, especially if they secure employment in related fields. If you are considering Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services, Other., compare your expected starting salary (currently $19916) to the average debt ($10018) to ensure it fits your financial goals in .
Degrees with a DTI between 0.5 and 0.8 are common, but it's wise to plan your budget and consider loan repayment options.
Important financial note for Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services, Other.: The debt-to-income ratio for this program is 50.3%, which is above the recommended maximum of 80%. This means that, on average, graduates may need to dedicate a significant portion of their first-year earnings to student loan payments. If you are considering Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services, Other., be sure to weigh the average starting salary ($19916) against the typical student debt ($10018), and explore scholarships, grants, or alternative funding sources to reduce your financial burden in and beyond.
Key Insights
Wondering if Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services, Other. is right for you? This degree is designed for students who want both knowledge and practical experience. Most graduates see starting salaries near $19916, and the average student debt is $10018, with a debt-to-income ratio of 0.5—a strong position for financial independence.
With an annual graduating class of 10516 students, you’ll be part of a dynamic student body. Whether you’re looking for upward mobility, a chance to innovate, or a degree that’s respected in the job market, Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services, Other. delivers. Take advantage of every resource your school offers to maximize your success!
Degree Overview
Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services, Other (CIP 51.3599) is a holistic, body-centered health and wellness degree category that captures specialized and emerging programs focused on therapeutic touch, movement-based healing, and mind–body integration. This CIP code exists to represent non-traditional, interdisciplinary, and customized somatic programs that do not fall under standard massage therapy or manual therapy classifications.
At its core, somatic bodywork is about understanding the body as a living, sensing system—not just a mechanical structure. Programs under 51.3599 emphasize how physical patterns, posture, movement, breath, stress, and emotional experience interact to influence pain, mobility, regulation, and overall well-being. Rather than treating symptoms in isolation, somatic approaches focus on awareness, nervous system regulation, and restoring functional movement and balance.
This field is especially relevant as more people seek alternatives to medication-only or surgery-first approaches for chronic pain, stress-related conditions, trauma recovery, and movement limitations. Somatic bodywork professionals support clients through hands-on techniques, guided movement, and education that promotes long-term self-regulation and resilience.
What Is a Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services, Other Degree?
A degree or certificate classified under CIP 51.3599 represents non-traditional or interdisciplinary somatic therapy programs that integrate bodywork, movement education, and mind–body awareness. Schools use this category when programs extend beyond standard massage therapy into specialized or emerging somatic modalities.
Depending on the institution, programs in this category may include:
- Somatic education and body awareness training
- Movement-based therapeutic methods
- Touch-based and manual techniques
- Nervous system regulation and stress reduction
- Trauma-informed bodywork principles
- Postural alignment and functional movement
- Breathwork and embodied awareness practices
- Client education and self-care strategies
- Ethics, boundaries, and scope of practice
Rather than focusing on diagnosis or medical treatment, these programs emphasize supportive, client-centered therapeutic services that complement healthcare, fitness, mental health, and wellness settings.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services, Other is well-suited for students who:
- Are interested in holistic, hands-on healing approaches
- Enjoy working directly with people in one-on-one settings
- Are curious about the mind–body connection
- Prefer experiential and movement-based learning
- Want careers focused on wellness, recovery, and prevention
This degree often attracts people who are deeply observant, empathetic, and interested in how awareness and movement can change long-standing physical and emotional patterns.
What Will You Learn?
Students in 51.3599 programs learn to understand the body as an integrated system shaped by movement habits, stress responses, injury history, and lived experience. Coursework emphasizes awareness, adaptability, and individualized support rather than standardized protocols.
You will learn how to work with clients to increase body awareness, reduce tension, improve movement efficiency, and support nervous system balance—often empowering clients to participate actively in their own healing process.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Most programs help students develop skills such as:
- Observing posture, movement patterns, and tension
- Applying hands-on or guided movement techniques safely
- Supporting relaxation and nervous system regulation
- Teaching clients body awareness and self-care strategies
- Communicating clearly and compassionately
- Maintaining ethical boundaries and professional standards
- Adapting sessions to individual needs and goals
- Integrating breath, movement, and awareness techniques
These skills are central to somatic work, where progress often comes from subtle changes rather than forceful intervention.
Topics You May Explore
Coursework and training may include subjects such as:
- Somatic education and body awareness
- Functional anatomy and movement
- Trauma-informed and nervous system–aware practices
- Manual and touch-based therapeutic techniques
- Movement re-education and posture
- Breathwork and relaxation methods
- Stress, pain, and tension patterns
- Client communication and session design
- Ethics, consent, and scope of practice
Programs are often experiential, emphasizing practice, feedback, and personal embodiment alongside theory.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
A Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services, Other credential prepares graduates for a variety of wellness and therapeutic support roles.
Common career paths include:
- Somatic Bodywork Practitioner
- Movement or Somatic Educator
- Body Awareness or Stress Reduction Specialist
- Wellness or Recovery Support Practitioner
- Complementary Therapy Practitioner (non-licensed)
- Private Practice Somatic Professional
- Integrative Health or Wellness Center Staff
- Movement-Based Rehabilitation Support
Some roles may require additional certification, licensure, or supervision depending on state regulations and the specific modality practiced.
Where Can You Work?
Graduates commonly work in:
- Wellness and holistic health centers
- Integrative healthcare clinics
- Massage and bodywork practices
- Yoga, movement, or mind–body studios
- Rehabilitation and recovery-focused settings
- Mental health or trauma-informed programs (support roles)
- Corporate or workplace wellness programs
- Private practice or self-employed settings
These professionals are especially valued in environments that emphasize stress reduction, movement quality, and whole-person wellness.
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings vary widely based on location, modality, experience, and whether you work independently.
Typical ranges include:
- Entry-level practitioners: $35,000–$45,000 annually
- Experienced or specialized practitioners: $45,000–$65,000+
- Private practice income can vary based on client volume and pricing
Many professionals value this field for its flexibility, autonomy, and meaningful client relationships as much as income potential.
Is This Degree Hard?
Academically, programs are generally accessible, but the work is deeply experiential. The challenge lies in self-awareness, presence, and continuous learning. Students must be comfortable receiving feedback, practicing mindfulness, and refining subtle skills over time.
Success requires patience, sensitivity, strong boundaries, and a commitment to ethical practice.
Who Should Choose CIP 51.3599 Specifically?
This CIP code may be a strong fit if you:
- Want a hands-on, holistic wellness career
- Are interested in movement, touch, and body awareness
- Prefer client-centered, personalized work
- Value prevention and long-term well-being
- Want flexibility to work independently or in integrative settings
How to Prepare in High School
Students interested in somatic bodywork should:
- Take biology or anatomy courses if available
- Participate in movement-based activities (dance, yoga, sports)
- Develop communication and listening skills
- Explore mindfulness or stress management practices
- Learn about ethics, consent, and professionalism
Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services, Other represents a deeply human-centered pathway for students who want to support healing through awareness, movement, and touch—helping people reconnect with their bodies and improve well-being from the inside out.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor