What is Massage Therapy?
As mentioned in the introduction, therapeutic massage is a holistic form of healthcare that provides relief from pain and helps people function better. The massage therapist manipulates skin, muscles and tissue to reduce stress and eliminate pain and tension in their clients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the kind of massage that most people think of when researching therapeutic massage, and most Bloomington MN massage therapy schools offer it as their primary form of massage. But keep in mind, there are numerous other forms of massage that schools may or may not 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 therapeutic massage are properly referred to as massage therapists. From time to time you might hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which refers to a female or a male massage practitioner. Unfortunately, these names generally have a negative connotation among the general public and Bloomington MN professionals alike and should be avoided.
Massage Therapist Education Requirements
The majority of Bloomington MN massage therapy programs require enrolling students have 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. The lengths of the programs will also be State specific dependent on the number of hours required for licensing. An additional factor that can also influence the program length is whether classes are scheduled during the daytime or at night. In addition, 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 education doesn’t stop there. The type and amount of continuing education you will need to complete will depend 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 Therapy Licensing
Once you have graduated from an accredited Bloomington MN 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 conducted and controlled by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is required by the majority of States as part of the licensing process. There are States that have additional tests or their own, so find out from your State prior to 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 need to renew it in most states, which means complying with renewal requirements and paying a renewal fee. As previously stated, completion of a specific number of continuing education hours are usually required as a prerequisite for renewal. 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 legally practice there.