What is a Massage Therapist?
As previously discussed, massage therapy is a holistic form of medicine that provides relief from pain and helps people function better. The massage therapist manipulates skin, muscles and tissue to diminish stress and eliminate pain and tension in their patients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the kind of massage that most of us think of when discussing therapeutic massage, and most Brawley CA massage therapy schools teach it as their principal type of massage. But keep in mind, there are many other forms of massage that programs may or may not include as part of their course of instruction. Following are just a few examples.
- Neuromuscular Therapy Massage
- Deep Tissue Massage
- Sports Massage
- Shiatsu Massage
- Thai Massage
- Hot Stone Massage
- Pregnancy Massage
Professionals that work in therapeutic massage are properly referred to as massage therapists. On occasion one may hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which is generally the name of a male or female massage practitioner. Unfortunately, these terms typically carry a negative connotation among Brawley CA professionals and the public at large and should be avoided.
Massage Therapy Training Requirements
Most Brawley CA schools offering massage therapy require enrolling students have a high school diploma or a GED to qualify. Programs can range in length from several months for a Certificate or a Diploma to as long as 2 years for an Associate’s Degree. How long the programs are will also be State specific dependent on the number of hours required for licensing. An additional factor that may also influence the program length is whether classes are scheduled during the day or in the evening. Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy may have general education requirements and the credits may be transferrable into a similar Bachelor’s Degree Program. Once you have earned your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the training does not end there. The type and amount of continuing education you will need to complete will depend 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 Brawley 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 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 check with your State before 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 will be charged another testing fee. After obtaining your license, you will be required to renew it in most states, which means complying with renewal requirements and paying a renewal fee. As previously mentioned, 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 as well. Every 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 have satisfied the requirements to practice legally there.