What is a Massage Therapist?
As previously discussed, massage therapy is a holistic form of healthcare that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates skin, muscles and tissue to diminish stress and alleviate tension and pain in their patients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the kind of massage that most people relate to when discussing therapeutic massage, and the majority of Goshen IN massage therapy schools teach it as their principal type of massage. However, there are numerous other forms of massage that schools may or may not include as part of 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 one may hear them called a masseuse or a masseur, which refers to a female or a male massage professional. Unfortunately, these terms typically have a derogatory connotation among the general public and Goshen IN professionals alike and are better avoided.
Massage Therapist Education Requirements
The majority of Goshen IN schools offering massage therapy require enrolling students have a high school diploma or its equivalent to qualify. Programs can range in length from a few months for a Diploma or a Certificate to as long as two years for an Associate’s Degree. How long the programs are will also be State specific based on the number of hours required for licensing. An additional factor that can also influence the program length is whether classes are offered during the daytime or in the evening. Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy may have general studies requirements and are often transferrable into a similar Bachelor’s Degree Program. After you have received your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the education does not end there. The type and amount of continuing education you are required 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 Therapist Licensing
After your graduation from an accredited Goshen IN 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 a test conducted and controlled by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is mandated by most States as part 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 school. If you fail the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can re-take it after 30 days but must pay an additional testing fee. Once licensed, you will be required to renew it in most states, which means complying with renewal requirements and paying a renewal fee. As earlier 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 has different regulations for massage therapists, 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 meet the requirements to practice legally there.