What is a Massage Therapist?
As previously discussed, massage therapy is a holistic form of medicine that provides relief from pain and helps people function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates muscles, tissue and skin to diminish stress and eliminate pain and tension in their clients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the kind of massage that most of us think of when researching therapeutic massage, and most Maywood IL massage therapy schools offer it as their principal form 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 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 professional. Unfortunately, these terms often have a negative connotation among the general public and Maywood IL professionals alike and are better avoided.
Massage Therapist Education Requirements
Most Maywood IL schools offering massage therapy require enrolling students have a high school diploma or its equivalent to qualify. Programs can vary in length from several months for a Diploma or a Certificate to as long as two years for an Associate’s Degree. The lengths of the programs will also vary by State based on the training hours required for licensing. Another factor that can also influence the program length is whether classes are offered during the daytime or at night. In addition, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy may have general education requirements and are often transferrable into a similar Bachelor’s Degree Program. After you have earned your Certificate or Degree, the education does not end 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 have requirements for both number of hours and subjects covered, such as ethics or HIPAA compliance.
Massage Therapy Licensing
Once you have graduated from an accredited Maywood IL massage therapy school, 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 most States as a portion of the licensing process. There are States that have their own or additional exams, so check with your State before enrolling in a massage therapy program. If you do not pass the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can re-take it after 30 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, renewal typically requires a certain number of hours of continuing education be completed. And if you should move to another State, licensing will be required for that new State as well. Every State has different regulations for massage therapists, so it is not safe to assume that you will automatically qualify for licensing. Confirm with your new State prior to moving that you have satisfied the requirements to legally practice there.