What is a Massage Therapist?
As mentioned in the introduction, therapeutic massage is a holistic form of medicine that provides relief from pain and helps people function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates muscles, tissue and skin to diminish stress and relieve tension and pain in their patients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the kind of massage that most people think of when researching massage therapy, and almost all Novato CA massage therapy schools offer it as their primary type of massage. But keep in mind, there are many other types of massage that schools have the option to include within their syllabus. 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
Professionals that work in therapeutic massage are properly referred to as massage therapists. On occasion you might hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which refers to a male or female massage professional. However, these titles often have a derogatory connotation among Novato CA professionals and the public at large and are better avoided.
Massage Therapist Education Requirements
Almost all Novato 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 Certificate or a Diploma to as long as 2 years for an Associate’s Degree. The lengths of the programs will also vary by State dependent on the training hours required for licensing. An additional factor that may also have an effect on the program length is whether classes are offered during the daytime or in the evening. Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy often has general studies requirements and the credits may be transferrable into a related Bachelor’s Degree Program. After you have earned your Certificate or Degree, the training 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 require both a certain number of hours of continuing education as well as specific education in subjects, such as HIPPA compliance or ethics.
Massage Therapist Licensing
Once you have graduated from an accredited Novato 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 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. There are States that have additional tests or their own, so find out from your State before enrolling in a massage therapy school. If you fail the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can take it again 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 earlier stated, renewal typically requires a certain number of hours of continuing education be completed. And if you should move to another State, you will need to get licensed in that new State also. 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 meet the requirements to practice legally there.