What is a Massage Therapist?
As previously discussed, massage therapy is an alternative form of medicine that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates muscles, tissue and skin to reduce stress and eliminate tension and pain in their patients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the kind of massage that many of us think of when researching therapeutic massage, and most Easton MA massage therapy schools teach it as their principal form of massage. But keep in mind, there are many other types of massage that programs have the option to include within 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 is generally the name of a female or a male massage professional. However, these names generally have a derogatory connotation among Easton MA professionals and the public at large and should be avoided.
Massage Therapist Training Requirements
Most Easton 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 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. Another 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 may have 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 education doesn’t stop there. The amount and type of continuing education you will need 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 HIPPA compliance or ethics.
Massage Therapy Licensing
After your graduation from an accredited Easton MA 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 required by most States as a portion of the licensing process. There are States that have additional tests or their own, so check with your State before enrolling in a massage therapy school. 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. After obtaining your license, 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 also. Every State has different regulations for massage therapists, so do not assume that you will automatically be qualified for licensing. Check with your new State before moving to confirm that you have satisfied the requirements to practice legally there.