What is a Massage Therapist?
As mentioned in the introduction, therapeutic massage is a holistic form of medicine that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manipulates skin, muscles and tissue to reduce stress and alleviate pain and tension in their patients. Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the type of massage that many of us relate to when discussing massage therapy, and the majority of Mission Viejo CA massage therapy schools teach it as their principal type of massage. However, there are many other forms of massage that schools may or may not include as part of their syllabus. 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 massage therapy are properly referred to as massage therapists. From time to time one may hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which refers to a female or a male massage practitioner. Unfortunately, these names generally have a derogatory connotation among Mission Viejo CA professionals and the public at large and should be avoided.
Massage Therapy Training Requirements
Almost all Mission Viejo CA schools offering massage therapy require enrolling students have a high school diploma or its equivalent to qualify. Programs can range in length from several 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 be State specific dependent on the number of hours required for licensing. Another factor that can also have an effect on the length of the program is whether classes are offered during the day or in the evening. Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy may have general studies requirements and are often transferrable into a similar Bachelor’s Degree Program. After you have earned your Certificate or Degree, the training 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 require both a certain number of hours of continuing education as well as specific education in subjects, such as ethics or HIPAA compliance.
Massage Therapist Licensing
Once you have graduated from an accredited Mission Viejo 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 mandated by the majority of States as a portion of the licensing process. Some States have their own or additional exams, so find out from your State before enrolling in a massage therapy school. If you fail the MBLEx in your initial attempt, you can re-take it after 30 days but must pay an additional 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 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. 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 practice legally there.