What is a Massage Therapist?
As previously discussed, therapeutic massage is an alternative form of healing that provides relief from pain and helps people function better. The massage therapist manipulates muscles, tissue and skin to reduce stress and alleviate pain and tension in their patients. Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the kind of massage that most of us think of when researching massage therapy, and the majority of Granger IN massage therapy schools teach it as their principal form of massage. But keep in mind, there are many other forms of massage that schools have the option to include within their course of instruction. Below are just a few examples.
- Neuromuscular Therapy Massage
- Deep Tissue Massage
- Sports Massage
- Shiatsu Massage
- Thai Massage
- Hot Stone Massage
- Pregnancy Massage
Professionals that work in massage therapy are properly referred to as massage therapists. From time to time you might hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which refers to a female or a male massage practitioner. However, these titles generally have a derogatory connotation among the general public and Granger IN professionals alike and should be avoided.
Massage Therapy Education Requirements
The majority of Granger IN schools offering massage therapy require enrolling students have a high school diploma or a GED to qualify. Programs can vary in length from several months for a Diploma or a Certificate to as long as 2 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. Another factor that may also have an effect on the program length is whether classes are scheduled during the day or at night. In addition, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy often has general studies requirements and are often transferrable into a related Bachelor’s Degree Program. After you have earned your Certificate or Degree, the training doesn’t stop there. The amount and type of continuing education you are required to complete will depend 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 ethics or HIPAA compliance.
Massage Therapy Licensing
Once you have graduated from an accredited Granger IN massage therapy school, you will then need to become licensed 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 part of the licensing process. There are States that have additional tests or their own, 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. After obtaining your license, you will be required 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 should move to another State, you will need to get licensed in that new State also. Every State regulates massage therapy differently, so do not assume that you will automatically be qualified for licensing. Confirm with your new State prior to moving that you have satisfied the requirements to practice legally there.