What is a Massage Therapist?
As previously discussed, massage therapy is an alternative form of healthcare that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manipulates muscles, tissue and skin to reduce stress and eliminate tension and pain in their patients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the kind of massage that most of us relate to when researching massage therapy, and the majority of Bloomington CA massage therapy schools offer it as their primary type of massage. However, there are many other types of massage that programs 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 massage therapy should be referred to as massage therapists. On occasion one may hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which is generally the name of a female or a male massage professional. However, these titles typically carry a negative connotation among Bloomington CA professionals and the public at large and are better avoided.
Massage Therapy Training Requirements
The majority of Bloomington CA massage therapy programs require that the enrollee has earned a high school diploma or its equivalent to qualify. Programs can vary in length from a few months for a Certificate or a Diploma to as long as two years for an Associate’s Degree. How long the programs are will also be State specific based on the training hours required for licensing. Another factor that can also have an effect on the program length is whether classes are offered during the daytime or at night. Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy often has general education requirements and are often transferrable into a related Bachelor’s Degree Program. Once you have received your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the education doesn’t stop 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 Therapy Licensing
After your graduation from an accredited Bloomington 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 an exam controlled and administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is mandated by the majority of States as part of the licensing process. There are States that have their own or additional exams, so find out from your State before enrolling in a massage therapy program. If you fail the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can take it again after 30 days but must pay an additional testing fee. Once licensed, you will be required to renew it in most states, which means complying with renewal requirements and paying a renewal fee. As previously stated, completion of a specific number of continuing education hours are usually required as a prerequisite for renewal. And if you should move to another State, you will need to get licensed in that new State also. Each State has different regulations for massage therapists, 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.