What is a Massage Therapist?
As previously discussed, therapeutic massage is a holistic form of healthcare that provides relief from pain and helps people function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates skin, muscles and tissue to reduce stress and relieve pain and tension in their patients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the kind of massage that many people relate to when researching massage therapy, and most Chicopee MA massage therapy schools teach it as their principal form of massage. But keep in mind, there are many other types of massage that schools may or may not include as part of their syllabus. Below are just a few examples.
- Neuromuscular Therapy Massage
- Deep Tissue Massage
- Sports Massage
- Shiatsu Massage
- Thai Massage
- Hot Stone Massage
- Pregnancy Massage
Practitioners that work in massage therapy should be referred to as massage therapists. On occasion one may hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which refers to a female or a male massage practitioner. However, these terms generally have a derogatory connotation among the general public and Chicopee MA professionals alike and are better avoided.
Massage Therapy Education Requirements
Most Chicopee MA 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 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 based on the number of hours required for licensing. Another factor that may also have an effect on the length of the program is whether classes are scheduled during the daytime or at night. In addition, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy may have general education requirements and the credits may be transferrable into a related Bachelor’s Degree Program. Once you have earned your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the education does not end there. The amount and type 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 Therapy Licensing
Once you have graduated from an accredited Chicopee MA 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 an exam controlled and administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is mandated by the majority of States as part of the licensing process. Some States have their own or additional exams, so find out from your State prior to enrolling in a massage therapy school. If you fail the MBLEx in your initial attempt, you can re-take it after thirty days but will be charged another exam fee. Once licensed, 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, licensing will be required for that new State as well. Each 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.