What is a Massage Therapist?
As previously discussed, massage therapy is an alternative form of healing that provides relief from pain and helps people function better. The massage therapist manipulates skin, muscles and tissue to diminish stress and eliminate tension and pain in their patients. Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the type of massage that most people relate to when researching massage therapy, and the majority of Belmont CA massage therapy schools offer it as their primary type of massage. However, there are many other types of massage that schools may or may not include as part of their course of instruction. Below 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 you might hear them called a masseuse or a masseur, which refers to a male or female massage practitioner. Unfortunately, these names typically carry a negative connotation among the general public and Belmont CA professionals alike and should be avoided.
Massage Therapy Education Requirements
Almost all Belmont CA massage therapy programs require enrolling students have a high school diploma or a GED to qualify. Programs can range in length from a few months for a Diploma or a Certificate to as long as two years for an Associate’s Degree. How long the programs are will also vary by State dependent on the number of hours required for licensing. Another factor that can also influence the length of the program is whether classes are scheduled during the daytime or in the evening. Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy often has general studies requirements and are often transferrable into a similar Bachelor’s Degree Program. After you have received your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the education does not end there. The type and amount of continuing education you are required 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 HIPPA compliance or ethics.
Massage Therapy Licensing
After your graduation from an accredited Belmont CA massage therapy school, you will then need to become licensed in the State where you will be practicing. The Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), is a test conducted and controlled by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is required by the majority of States as a portion 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 program. If you do not pass the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can re-take it after 30 days but will be charged another exam fee. After obtaining your license, you will need to maintain it in most states, which means paying a renewal fee and satisfying renewal requirements. As earlier stated, 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 also. Each State regulates massage therapy differently, so it is not safe to assume that you will automatically qualify for licensing. Check with your new State before moving to confirm that you meet the requirements to legally practice there.