What is a Massage Therapist?
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 alleviate tension and pain in their clients. Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the kind of massage that most of us relate to when researching therapeutic massage, and most Washington MI massage therapy schools teach it as their principal form of massage. However, there are numerous other forms of massage that programs 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
Professionals that work in therapeutic massage are properly referred to as massage therapists. From time to time one may hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which refers to a male or female massage professional. However, these terms often carry a derogatory connotation among Washington MI professionals and the public at large and are better avoided.
Massage Therapist Training Requirements
Almost all Washington MI massage therapy programs require that the enrollee has earned a high school diploma or its equivalent to qualify. Programs can range in length from several months for a Certificate or a Diploma to as long as two years to earn an Associate’s Degree. The lengths of the programs will also vary by State based on the training hours required for licensing. An additional factor that may also have an effect on the length of the program is whether classes are offered during the day or at night. Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy may have general studies requirements and the credits may be transferrable into a related Bachelor’s Degree Program. After you have earned your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the training doesn’t stop there. The type and amount of continuing education you are required to complete will vary based 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 Therapist Licensing
Once you have graduated from an accredited Washington MI massage therapy program, 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 fail the MBLEx in your initial attempt, you can re-take it 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 earlier 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 regulates massage therapy differently, so it is not safe to assume that you will automatically qualify for licensing. Confirm with your new State prior to moving that you meet the requirements to legally practice there.