What is a Massage Therapist?
As mentioned in the introduction, massage therapy is a holistic form of medicine that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manipulates skin, muscles and tissue to reduce stress and eliminate pain and tension in their clients. Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the kind of massage that most people relate to when discussing therapeutic massage, and almost all Cape Girardeau MO massage therapy schools offer it as their principal form of massage. However, there are numerous other types of massage that schools may or may not include within their course of instruction. Following 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. From time to time you might hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which refers to a male or female massage practitioner. Unfortunately, these names typically have a negative connotation among the general public and Cape Girardeau MO professionals alike and should be avoided.
Massage Therapist Training Requirements
Almost all Cape Girardeau MO schools offering massage therapy require that the enrollee has earned a high school diploma or its equivalent to qualify. Programs can vary in length from a few months for a Certificate or a Diploma to as long as two years for 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 program length is whether classes are offered during the daytime or in the evening. 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. Once you have received your Certificate or Degree, the training doesn’t stop there. The type and amount of continuing education you will need 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 HIPPA compliance or ethics.
Massage Therapist Licensing
Once you have graduated from an accredited Cape Girardeau MO 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 conducted and controlled by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is mandated by most States as a portion of the licensing process. Some States have their own or additional exams, so check with your State before enrolling in a massage therapy program. If you fail the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can re-take it after 30 days but will be charged another exam fee. After obtaining your license, you will be required to renew 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 as well. Every State has different regulations for massage therapists, 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 practice legally there.