What is a Massage Therapist?
As mentioned in the introduction, therapeutic massage is a holistic form of healing that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates muscles, tissue and skin to diminish stress and alleviate tension and pain in their patients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the type of massage that most of us think of when researching massage therapy, and most Brandon FL massage therapy schools offer it as their principal type 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 therapeutic massage 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 female or a male massage practitioner. Unfortunately, these terms typically carry a negative connotation among the general public and Brandon FL professionals alike and should be avoided.
Massage Therapy Education Requirements
Almost all Brandon FL massage therapy programs 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 two years to earn an Associate’s Degree. The lengths of the programs will also be State specific based on the number of hours required for licensing. Another factor that can also have an effect on the program length is whether classes are scheduled during the daytime or at night. In addition, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy often has 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 type and amount of continuing education you will need 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 ethics or HIPAA compliance.
Massage Therapist Licensing
After your graduation from an accredited Brandon FL 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 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 additional tests or their own, so find out from your State prior to enrolling in a massage therapy program. If you fail the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can take it again after thirty days but must pay an additional exam fee. After obtaining your license, you will be required 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, 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 legally practice there.