What is a Massage Therapist?
As previously discussed, massage therapy is an alternative form of healthcare that provides relief from pain and helps people function better. The massage therapist manipulates muscles, tissue and skin to reduce stress and relieve tension and pain in their clients. Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the type of massage that many people think of when researching massage therapy, and the majority of Redondo Beach CA massage therapy schools teach it as their principal form of massage. However, there are numerous other types of massage that programs may or may not include as part of their course of instruction. Below are just a few examples.
- Neuromuscular Therapy Massage
- Deep Tissue Massage
- Sports Massage
- Shiatsu Massage
- Thai Massage
- Hot Stone Massage
- Pregnancy Massage
Practitioners that work in massage therapy should be 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 names typically carry a derogatory connotation among the general public and Redondo Beach CA professionals alike and should be avoided.
Massage Therapist Training Requirements
The majority of Redondo Beach CA schools offering massage therapy require enrolling students have a high school diploma or its equivalent to qualify. Programs can vary in length from a few 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 vary by State based on the training hours required for licensing. Another factor that can also influence the program length is whether classes are offered during the daytime or at night. Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy may have general education requirements and the credits may be transferrable into a related Bachelor’s Degree Program. After you have earned your Certificate or Degree, the education 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 have requirements for both number of hours and subjects covered, such as HIPPA compliance or ethics.
Massage Therapy Licensing
Once you have graduated from an accredited Redondo Beach CA massage therapy school, the next step is to obtain your license 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 required by most States as part of the licensing process. Some States have additional tests or their own, so find out from your State prior to enrolling in a massage therapy school. If you do not pass the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can take it again after thirty days but will be charged another testing 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 decide to move to a different State, licensing will be required for 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 legally practice there.