What is a Massage Therapist?
As previously discussed, massage therapy is an alternative form of medicine 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 clients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the kind of massage that many of us think of when researching therapeutic massage, and almost all Tamiami FL massage therapy schools teach it as their primary type of massage. However, there are many other forms of massage that programs may or may not include as part of their syllabus. Following are some of the more popular 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 masseuse or a masseur, which is generally the name of a female or a male massage practitioner. However, these titles generally carry a negative connotation among Tamiami FL professionals and the public at large and should be avoided.
Massage Therapy Training Requirements
Almost all Tamiami FL massage therapy programs require enrolling students have a high school diploma or a GED to qualify. Programs can range in length from a few 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 dependent on the training hours required for licensing. Another factor that may also influence the length of the program is whether classes are scheduled during the day or at night. Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy often has general studies requirements and the credits may be transferrable into a related Bachelor’s Degree Program. After you have earned your Certificate or Degree, the training does not end there. The amount and type of continuing education you are required to complete will depend 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 ethics or HIPAA compliance.
Massage Therapy Licensing
Once you have graduated from an accredited Tamiami FL 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 an exam conducted and controlled by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is required by most States as a portion of the licensing process. There are States that have their own or additional exams, so check with your State prior to enrolling in a massage therapy school. If you fail the MBLEx in your initial attempt, you can re-take it after thirty days but will be charged another testing fee. Once licensed, you will be required to maintain it in most states, which means complying with renewal requirements and paying a renewal fee. As previously mentioned, 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. 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 legally practice there.