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 manipulates muscles, tissue and skin to diminish stress and relieve pain and tension in their patients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the type of massage that most people think of when researching massage therapy, and almost all Golden Glades FL massage therapy schools teach it as their primary type of massage. However, there are many other types of massage that schools may or may not include as part of their course of instruction. Following 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 should be referred to as massage therapists. From time to time one may hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which refers to a male or female massage practitioner. However, these titles generally carry a negative connotation among the general public and Golden Glades FL professionals alike and are better avoided.
Massage Therapy Education Requirements
The majority of Golden Glades FL massage therapy programs require that the enrollee has earned a high school diploma or its equivalent to qualify. Programs can vary in length from a few 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 training hours required for licensing. An additional factor that can also influence the length of the program is whether classes are offered during the day 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 doesn’t stop there. The amount and type 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 HIPPA compliance or ethics.
Massage Therapy Licensing
After your graduation from an accredited Golden Glades 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 a test controlled and administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is required by most States as part of the licensing process. There are States that have their own or additional exams, so find out from your State before enrolling in a massage therapy school. If you fail the MBLEx in your initial attempt, you can take it again after thirty days but will be charged another testing fee. After obtaining your license, you will need to maintain it in most states, which means complying with renewal requirements and paying a renewal fee. As earlier mentioned, completion of a specific number of continuing education hours are usually required as a prerequisite for renewal. And if you should move to another State, licensing will be required for that new State as well. Each State regulates massage therapy differently, so it is not safe to assume that you will automatically qualify for licensing. Check with your new State before moving to confirm that you meet the requirements to practice legally there.