What is Massage Therapy?
As previously discussed, therapeutic massage is a holistic form of healthcare that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manipulates skin, muscles and tissue to reduce stress and relieve pain and tension in their patients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the type of massage that many of us think of when discussing therapeutic massage, and almost all Kendall West FL massage therapy schools teach it as their principal form of massage. But keep in mind, there are many other types of massage that schools 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 therapeutic massage should be referred to as massage therapists. From time to time you might hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which is generally the name of a male or female massage professional. However, these titles generally carry a negative connotation among the general public and Kendall West FL professionals alike and are better avoided.
Massage Therapist Training Requirements
Almost all Kendall West FL schools offering massage therapy require enrolling students have a high school diploma or a GED to qualify. Programs can range in length from a few months for a Diploma or a Certificate to as long as two years to earn an Associate’s Degree. How long the programs are will also vary by State dependent on the training hours required for licensing. Another factor that can also have an effect on the program length is whether classes are scheduled during the day or at night. In addition, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy may have general studies requirements and are often transferrable into a similar Bachelor’s Degree Program. Once you have received your Certificate or Degree, the training doesn’t stop 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 require both a certain number of hours of continuing education as well as specific education in subjects, such as HIPPA compliance or ethics.
Massage Therapy Licensing
After your graduation from an accredited Kendall West FL massage therapy program, 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 controlled and administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is required by most States as a portion of the licensing process. Some States have their own or additional exams, so find out from your State before enrolling in a massage therapy program. If you do not pass the MBLEx in your initial attempt, you can re-take it after 30 days but must pay an additional testing fee. After obtaining your license, you will be required to renew it in most states, which means complying with renewal requirements and paying a renewal fee. As earlier stated, 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 have satisfied the requirements to practice legally there.