What is Massage Therapy?
As previously discussed, therapeutic massage is a holistic form of medicine that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manipulates muscles, tissue and skin to reduce stress and alleviate tension and pain in their patients. Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the kind of massage that most people relate to when discussing therapeutic massage, and most Clinton IA massage therapy schools offer it as their primary type of massage. But keep in mind, there are numerous other types of massage that schools have the option to include as part of 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. On occasion you might hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which refers to a female or a male massage practitioner. Unfortunately, these terms typically have a negative connotation among the general public and Clinton IA professionals alike and are better avoided.
Massage Therapy Education Requirements
Almost all Clinton IA schools offering massage therapy require that the enrollee has earned a high school diploma or a GED to qualify. Programs can vary in length from several months for a Certificate or a Diploma to as long as two years to earn an Associate’s Degree. How long the programs are will also vary by State based 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 at night. In addition, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy often has general education requirements and the credits may be transferrable into a similar Bachelor’s Degree Program. Once 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 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 Therapist Licensing
Once you have graduated from an accredited Clinton IA 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 most States as a portion 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 program. 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 be required to maintain it in most states, which means paying a renewal fee and satisfying renewal requirements. As earlier mentioned, 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. Each 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.