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What is a Massage Therapist?

West Rancho Dominguez California clinical massage therapist massaging woman patientAs mentioned in the introduction, massage therapy is a holistic form of healing that provides relief from pain and helps people function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates muscles, tissue and skin to reduce stress and eliminate tension and pain in their clients.  Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the type of massage that most people relate to when discussing massage therapy, and almost all West Rancho Dominguez CA massage therapy schools offer it as their primary type of massage.  But keep in mind, there are numerous other forms of massage that schools may or may not include within 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

Professionals that work in therapeutic massage should be referred to as massage therapists. On occasion one may hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which refers to a female or a male massage practitioner. Unfortunately, these terms often carry a negative connotation among the general public and West Rancho Dominguez CA professionals alike and are better avoided.

Massage Therapy Training Requirements

West Rancho Dominguez California massage therapist massaging woman patient's backThe majority of West Rancho Dominguez CA massage therapy programs require enrolling students have a high school diploma or a GED to qualify. Programs can vary in length from several months for a Diploma or a Certificate to as long as two years for an Associate’s Degree.  The lengths of the programs will also vary by State based on the number of hours required for licensing.  Another factor that may also have an effect on the length of the program is whether classes are scheduled during the day or at night.  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 received your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the education doesn’t stop 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 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

West Rancho Dominguez California massage therapist rotating man patient's armOnce you have graduated from an accredited West Rancho Dominguez 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 controlled and administered 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 additional tests or their own, 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 30 days but must pay an additional exam fee.  Once licensed, you will need to renew it in most states, which means paying a renewal fee and satisfying renewal requirements.  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 also. Every 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 meet the requirements to practice legally there. 

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