What is a Massage Therapist?
As previously discussed, therapeutic massage is an alternative form of healthcare that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates muscles, tissue and skin to diminish stress and alleviate tension and pain in their patients. Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the kind of massage that many of us think of when researching therapeutic massage, and the majority of Gadsden AL massage therapy schools teach it as their primary type of massage. But keep in mind, there are numerous other types of massage that programs may or may not include as part of their course of instruction. Following are some of the more popular examples.
- Neuromuscular Therapy Massage
- Deep Tissue Massage
- Sports Massage
- Shiatsu Massage
- Thai Massage
- Hot Stone Massage
- Pregnancy Massage
Professionals that work in therapeutic massage should be referred to as massage therapists. On occasion one may hear them called a masseuse or a masseur, which is generally the name of a male or female massage practitioner. Unfortunately, these titles often have a derogatory connotation among Gadsden AL professionals and the public at large and are better avoided.
Massage Therapist Education Requirements
The majority of Gadsden AL schools offering massage therapy require that the enrollee has earned a high school diploma or its equivalent to qualify. Programs can vary in length from several months for a Certificate or a Diploma to as long as 2 years to earn an Associate’s Degree. The lengths of the programs will also vary by State dependent on the training hours required for licensing. An additional factor that may also have an effect on the program length is whether classes are offered during the day or in the evening. In addition, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy often has general education requirements and the credits may be transferrable into a related Bachelor’s Degree Program. After you have received your Certificate or Degree, the education does not end there. The type and amount of continuing education you will need to complete will vary based on the State where you are licensed. Some states have requirements for both number of hours and subjects covered, such as ethics or HIPAA compliance.
Massage Therapist Licensing
Once you have graduated from an accredited Gadsden AL massage therapy program, the next step is to obtain your license in the State where you will be practicing. The Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), is an exam controlled and administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is required by the majority of States as part of the licensing process. Some States have their own or additional exams, so find out from your State prior to enrolling in a massage therapy program. If you do not pass the MBLEx in your initial attempt, you can re-take it after 30 days but must pay an additional exam fee. After obtaining your license, you will need to maintain it in most states, which means complying with renewal requirements and paying a renewal fee. As earlier mentioned, renewal typically requires a certain number of hours of continuing education be completed. And if you decide to move to a different State, licensing will be required for that new State as well. Every State regulates massage therapy differently, so do not assume that you will automatically be qualified for licensing. Check with your new State before moving to confirm that you meet the requirements to legally practice there.