What is a Massage Therapist?
As mentioned in the introduction, therapeutic massage 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 eliminate tension and pain in their patients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the type of massage that most of us think of when discussing therapeutic massage, and the majority of Vineyard CA massage therapy schools teach it as their principal form of massage. But keep in mind, there are numerous other forms of massage that programs may or may not include within their syllabus. 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 is generally the name of a female or a male massage professional. Unfortunately, these names typically carry a derogatory connotation among Vineyard CA professionals and the public at large and are better avoided.
Massage Therapist Education Requirements
Most Vineyard CA schools offering massage therapy require enrolling students have a high school diploma or a GED 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 often has general education requirements and the credits may be transferrable into a similar Bachelor’s Degree Program. Once you have received your Certificate or Degree, the education does not end there. The amount and type 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 Therapy Licensing
After your graduation from an accredited Vineyard 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 an exam controlled and administered 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 additional tests or their own, so find out from your State prior to enrolling in a massage therapy program. If you do not pass the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can re-take it after 30 days but must pay an additional testing fee. After obtaining your license, you will need to renew it in most states, which means paying a renewal fee and satisfying renewal requirements. 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 as well. Each State has different regulations for massage therapists, so it is not safe to assume that you will automatically qualify for licensing. Confirm with your new State prior to moving that you have satisfied the requirements to practice legally there.