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 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 many people think of when discussing therapeutic massage, and almost all Longmont CO massage therapy schools offer it as their principal type of massage. However, there are numerous other types of massage that programs have the option to 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
Professionals that work in massage therapy are properly referred to as massage therapists. From time to time you might hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which refers to a male or female massage professional. Unfortunately, these names often carry a negative connotation among Longmont CO professionals and the public at large and should be avoided.
Massage Therapist Training Requirements
The majority of Longmont CO massage therapy programs require that the enrollee has earned 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 2 years to earn an Associate’s Degree. The lengths of the programs will also vary by State dependent on the number of hours required for licensing. An additional factor that may also have an effect on the length of the program is whether classes are scheduled during the daytime or at night. Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy often has general education requirements and are often transferrable into a similar Bachelor’s Degree Program. Once you have received your Certificate or Degree, the education does not end there. The type and amount of continuing education you are required to complete will depend 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
After your graduation from an accredited Longmont CO 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 the majority of States as part of the licensing process. Some States have their own or additional exams, so find out from your State prior to enrolling in a massage therapy program. If you fail the MBLEx in your initial attempt, you can take it again after 30 days but will be charged another exam fee. Once licensed, you will need to maintain it in most states, which means paying a renewal fee and satisfying renewal requirements. As previously 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, 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.