What is a Massage Therapist?
As previously discussed, therapeutic massage is a holistic form of healthcare that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manipulates muscles, tissue and skin to reduce stress and alleviate pain and tension in their clients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the type of massage that most people think of when researching massage therapy, and most Northfield MN massage therapy schools offer it as their principal form of massage. However, there are numerous other forms of massage that programs have the option to include as part of 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 massage therapy should be referred to as massage therapists. On occasion you might hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which refers to a female or a male massage professional. Unfortunately, these titles often carry a negative connotation among Northfield MN professionals and the public at large and should be avoided.
Massage Therapist Education Requirements
Most Northfield MN schools offering massage therapy require that the enrollee has earned a high school diploma or a GED to qualify. Programs can range in length from a few months for a Certificate or a Diploma to as long as two years for 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 have an effect on the program length is whether classes are scheduled during the day or in the evening. In addition, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy often has general education requirements and are often transferrable into a related Bachelor’s Degree Program. Once you have received your Certificate or Degree, 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 HIPPA compliance or ethics.
Massage Therapy Licensing
After your graduation from an accredited Northfield MN 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 mandated by the majority of States as a portion 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 your initial attempt, you can re-take it after thirty days but must pay an additional testing fee. After obtaining your license, you will be required to maintain 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. Each State regulates massage therapy differently, 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 have satisfied the requirements to practice legally there.