What is a Massage Therapist?
As mentioned in the introduction, therapeutic massage is an alternative form of healthcare that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manipulates skin, muscles and tissue to diminish stress and relieve pain and tension in their clients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the kind of massage that many of us think of when researching massage therapy, and most Menifee CA massage therapy schools offer it as their primary form of massage. However, there are many other types of massage that programs may or may not 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 masseuse or a masseur, which refers to a male or female massage practitioner. Unfortunately, these names typically carry a derogatory connotation among the general public and Menifee CA professionals alike and should be avoided.
Massage Therapy Training Requirements
Most Menifee CA 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 a few months for a Diploma or a Certificate to as long as two years to earn an Associate’s Degree. The lengths of the programs will also vary by State based on the number of hours required for licensing. An additional factor that may also have an effect on the length of the program is whether classes are scheduled during the daytime or in the evening. Also, 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 training does not end there. The amount and type of continuing education you are required 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 HIPPA compliance or ethics.
Massage Therapist Licensing
Once you have graduated from an accredited Menifee CA massage therapy program, you will then need to become licensed in the State where you will be practicing. The Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), is an exam conducted and controlled by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is mandated by most States as part of the licensing process. There are States that have their own or additional exams, so find out from your State prior to enrolling in a massage therapy school. If you fail the MBLEx in your initial attempt, you can take it again after thirty days but will be charged another exam 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 earlier stated, completion of a specific number of continuing education hours are usually required as a prerequisite for renewal. And if you decide to move to a different 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. Confirm with your new State prior to moving that you have satisfied the requirements to legally practice there.