What is a Massage Therapist?
As previously discussed, therapeutic massage is a holistic form of healthcare that provides relief from pain and helps people function better. The massage therapist manipulates 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 of us think of when discussing therapeutic massage, and most Newark DE massage therapy schools offer it as their principal form of massage. However, there are numerous other forms of massage that schools 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 therapeutic massage are properly 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 derogatory connotation among Newark DE professionals and the public at large and should be avoided.
Massage Therapist Education Requirements
Most Newark DE massage therapy programs require enrolling students have a high school diploma or its equivalent to qualify. Programs can vary in length from several 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 be State specific dependent on the training hours required for licensing. An additional factor that can also influence the length of the program is whether classes are scheduled during the day or in the evening. Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy may have general studies requirements and the credits may be transferrable into a similar Bachelor’s Degree Program. Once you have earned your Certificate or Degree, the training 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 have requirements for both number of hours and subjects covered, such as ethics or HIPAA compliance.
Massage Therapist Licensing
After your graduation from an accredited Newark DE massage therapy school, you will then need to become licensed in the State where you will be practicing. The Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), is a test controlled and administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is required by the majority of States as a portion of the licensing process. Some States have additional tests or their own, so check with your State prior to enrolling in a massage therapy school. If you do not pass 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 be required to maintain it in most states, which means paying a renewal fee and satisfying renewal requirements. As previously 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 regulates massage therapy differently, so do not assume that you will automatically be qualified for licensing. Confirm with your new State prior to moving that you have satisfied the requirements to practice legally there.