What is a Massage Therapist?
As previously discussed, therapeutic massage is an alternative form of medicine that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates skin, muscles and tissue to diminish stress and relieve tension and pain in their clients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the type of massage that many of us think of when researching massage therapy, and most Scottsdale AZ massage therapy schools offer it as their primary form of massage. However, there are many other forms of massage that schools may or may not include within 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
Practitioners that work in therapeutic massage are properly referred to as massage therapists. On occasion one may hear them called a masseuse or a masseur, which refers to a male or female massage practitioner. However, these terms generally have a derogatory connotation among the general public and Scottsdale AZ professionals alike and should be avoided.
Massage Therapy Education Requirements
The majority of Scottsdale AZ schools offering massage therapy require that the enrollee has earned a high school diploma or a GED to qualify. Programs can vary in length from several months for a Certificate or a Diploma to as long as two years for an Associate’s Degree. The lengths of the programs will also be State specific based on the training hours required for licensing. Another factor that may also influence the length of the program is whether classes are scheduled during the daytime or at night. 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. Once you have received your Certificate or Degree, the training does not end there. The amount and type of continuing education you will need to complete will depend on the State where you are licensed. Some states require both a certain number of hours of continuing education as well as specific education in subjects, such as ethics or HIPAA compliance.
Massage Therapy Licensing
After your graduation from an accredited Scottsdale AZ massage therapy school, the next step is to obtain your license in the State where you will be practicing. The Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), is a test controlled and administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is required by most States as part of the licensing process. There are States that have additional tests or their own, so check with your State prior to enrolling in a massage therapy school. 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. Once licensed, you will need to maintain it in most states, which means complying with renewal requirements and paying a renewal fee. As previously mentioned, renewal typically requires a certain number of hours of continuing education be completed. And if you should move to another State, licensing will be required for that new State also. Each State has different regulations for massage therapists, so do not assume that you will automatically be qualified for licensing. Confirm with your new State prior to moving that you have satisfied the requirements to practice legally there.