What is Massage Therapy?
As mentioned in the introduction, therapeutic massage is a holistic form of medicine that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates muscles, tissue and skin to reduce stress and relieve tension and pain in their clients. Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the type of massage that most of us think of when researching therapeutic massage, and the majority of Taylor MI massage therapy schools offer it as their primary type 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 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 therapeutic massage should be referred to as massage therapists. On occasion one may hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which is generally the name of a male or female massage professional. Unfortunately, these titles typically have a negative connotation among the general public and Taylor MI professionals alike and should be avoided.
Massage Therapist Training Requirements
Almost all Taylor MI 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 to earn an Associate’s Degree. How long the programs are will also be State specific dependent on the number of hours required for licensing. An additional factor that can also have an effect on the length of the program is whether classes are scheduled during the day or in the evening. Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy often has general studies requirements and are often transferrable into a similar Bachelor’s Degree Program. Once you have earned your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the education 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 Therapy Licensing
Once you have graduated from an accredited Taylor MI 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 conducted and controlled by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is required by most States as part of the licensing process. Some States have additional tests or their own, so find out from your State before enrolling in a massage therapy school. If you fail the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can take it again after thirty days but must pay an additional exam fee. Once licensed, you will be required to maintain it in most states, which means complying with renewal requirements and paying a renewal fee. As previously 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 as well. 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.