What is a Massage Therapist?
As mentioned in the introduction, therapeutic massage is a holistic form of medicine that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manipulates muscles, tissue and skin to diminish stress and alleviate tension and pain in their patients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the kind of massage that many people think of when researching massage therapy, and most West Palm Beach FL massage therapy schools teach it as their principal form of massage. But keep in mind, there are numerous other forms of massage that schools may or may not include within 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
Practitioners that work in therapeutic massage are properly referred to as massage therapists. From time to time one may hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which is generally the name of a female or a male massage practitioner. Unfortunately, these terms typically have a derogatory connotation among the general public and West Palm Beach FL professionals alike and should be avoided.
Massage Therapy Education Requirements
The majority of West Palm Beach FL massage therapy programs require enrolling students have a high school diploma or its equivalent to qualify. Programs can vary in length from several months for a Certificate or a Diploma to as long as 2 years to earn 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 may also influence the program length is whether classes are offered during the day or at night. In addition, 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 earned your Certificate or Degree, the training 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 ethics or HIPAA compliance.
Massage Therapy Licensing
After your graduation from an accredited West Palm Beach 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 most States as a portion of the licensing process. Some States have their own or additional exams, so check with your State before enrolling in a massage therapy school. If you do not pass the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can re-take it after thirty days but will be charged another testing fee. Once licensed, you will need to renew it in most states, which means paying a renewal fee and satisfying renewal requirements. 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, you will need to get licensed in that new State also. Each State regulates massage therapy differently, so do not assume that you will automatically be qualified for licensing. Check with your new State before moving to confirm that you have satisfied the requirements to practice legally there.