What is Massage Therapy?
As previously discussed, massage therapy is a holistic form of healing that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates skin, muscles and tissue to diminish stress and alleviate pain and tension in their patients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the type of massage that many of us think of when discussing therapeutic massage, and most Glendora CA massage therapy schools teach it as their principal form of massage. However, there are numerous other types of massage that schools have the option to include within their syllabus. 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 massage therapy should be referred to as massage therapists. From time to time you might hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which is generally the name of a female or a male massage practitioner. Unfortunately, these terms often have a negative connotation among Glendora CA professionals and the public at large and are better avoided.
Massage Therapist Education Requirements
Almost all Glendora CA massage therapy programs require enrolling students have a high school diploma or its equivalent to qualify. Programs can range in length from a few months for a Diploma or a Certificate to as long as two years to earn an Associate’s Degree. How long the programs are will also be State specific dependent on the training hours required for licensing. Another factor that may also influence the program length is whether classes are offered during the day or in the evening. In addition, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy may have general education requirements and are often transferrable into a related Bachelor’s Degree Program. After you have received your Certificate or Degree, the education doesn’t stop there. The amount and type 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 Therapist Licensing
After your graduation from an accredited Glendora CA 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 a test conducted and controlled by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is required by most States as a portion of the licensing process. Some States have their own or additional exams, so check with your State prior to enrolling in a massage therapy school. 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. 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 as well. Each State has different regulations for massage therapists, 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.