What is Massage Therapy?
As previously discussed, therapeutic massage is an alternative form of medicine that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manipulates muscles, tissue and skin to reduce stress and relieve tension and pain in their patients. Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the type of massage that many of us think of when discussing therapeutic massage, and almost all Hialeah Gardens FL massage therapy schools offer it as their principal type of massage. However, there are numerous other forms 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
Practitioners 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 female or a male massage professional. Unfortunately, these titles generally have a derogatory connotation among the general public and Hialeah Gardens FL professionals alike and are better avoided.
Massage Therapist Training Requirements
Almost all Hialeah Gardens FL schools offering massage therapy require enrolling students have a high school diploma or a GED to qualify. Programs can range in length from several months for a Certificate or a Diploma 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 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. Once you have earned your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the training does not end there. The amount and type of continuing education you will need 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
Once you have graduated from an accredited Hialeah Gardens FL 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 a test 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. There are States that 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 re-take it after 30 days but must pay an additional testing fee. Once licensed, you will be required to renew it in most states, which means complying with renewal requirements and paying a renewal fee. As previously stated, renewal typically requires a certain number of hours of continuing education be completed. And if you decide to move to a different State, licensing will be required for that new State also. Every State regulates massage therapy differently, 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 practice legally there.