What is a Massage Therapist?
As previously discussed, therapeutic massage is an alternative form of healthcare that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manipulates skin, muscles and tissue to diminish stress and eliminate tension and pain in their clients. Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the type of massage that most of us think of when discussing therapeutic massage, and the majority of Johns Creek GA massage therapy schools teach it as their primary type of massage. But keep in mind, there are numerous other types of massage that programs may or may not include within 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 massage therapy should be 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 male or female massage practitioner. Unfortunately, these names generally carry a negative connotation among the general public and Johns Creek GA professionals alike and are better avoided.
Massage Therapy Training Requirements
Most Johns Creek GA schools offering massage therapy require that the enrollee has earned 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. How long the programs are will also be State specific dependent on the number of hours required for licensing. An additional factor that may also have an effect on the program length is whether classes are offered during the day or in the evening. Also, 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 received your Certificate or Degree, the training does not end 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 Johns Creek GA 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 an exam controlled and administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is mandated by the majority of States as part of the licensing process. Some States have additional tests or their own, so check with your State before enrolling in a massage therapy school. If you fail 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 be required to maintain it in most states, which means paying a renewal fee and satisfying renewal requirements. As previously stated, completion of a specific number of continuing education hours are usually required as a prerequisite for renewal. And if you decide to move to a different State, you will need to get licensed in that new State also. Every 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.