What is Massage Therapy?
As mentioned in the introduction, therapeutic massage is a holistic form of healing that provides relief from pain and helps people function better. The massage therapist manipulates skin, muscles and tissue to diminish stress and eliminate pain and tension in their patients. Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the type of massage that most of us relate to when researching massage therapy, and the majority of Caldwell ID massage therapy schools offer it as their principal type of massage. But keep in mind, there are numerous other forms of massage that schools have the option to include within their course of instruction. Below 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 are properly referred to as massage therapists. On occasion you might hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which refers to a male or female massage practitioner. However, these titles generally have a derogatory connotation among Caldwell ID professionals and the public at large and are better avoided.
Massage Therapy Education Requirements
Almost all Caldwell ID massage therapy programs require that the enrollee has earned a high school diploma or its equivalent to qualify. Programs can vary in length from a few months for a Certificate or a Diploma to as long as 2 years to earn an Associate’s Degree. How long the programs are will also be State specific 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 daytime or in the evening. In addition, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy often has general education requirements and are often transferrable into a related Bachelor’s Degree Program. After you have earned your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the education does not end there. The type and amount 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
Once you have graduated from an accredited Caldwell ID 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 mandated by the majority of States as a portion of the licensing process. There are States that have their own or additional exams, so find out from your State before enrolling in a massage therapy school. If you do not pass the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can take it again after 30 days but will be charged another testing fee. Once licensed, you will need to renew it in most states, which means complying with renewal requirements and paying a renewal fee. 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, licensing will be required for that new State also. Every 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 meet the requirements to legally practice there.