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 manipulates skin, muscles and tissue to diminish stress and alleviate pain and tension in their patients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the kind of massage that most of us relate to when researching therapeutic massage, and almost all Camden NJ massage therapy schools offer it as their primary type of massage. However, there are numerous other forms of massage that schools have the option to 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
Practitioners that work in massage therapy are properly referred to as massage therapists. From time to time one may hear them called a masseuse or a masseur, which refers to a female or a male massage practitioner. Unfortunately, these terms typically have a derogatory connotation among Camden NJ professionals and the public at large and are better avoided.
Massage Therapist Training Requirements
Almost all Camden NJ schools offering massage therapy require that the enrollee has earned a high school diploma or a GED to qualify. Programs can vary in length from a few months for a Diploma or a Certificate to as long as 2 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. Another factor that can also influence the program length 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 the credits may be transferrable into a similar Bachelor’s Degree Program. After you have earned your Certificate or Degree, the education does not end 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 have requirements for both number of hours and subjects covered, such as HIPPA compliance or ethics.
Massage Therapy Licensing
Once you have graduated from an accredited Camden NJ 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 a test 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. There are States that have additional tests or their own, so check with your State prior to enrolling in a massage therapy school. If you do not pass the MBLEx in your initial attempt, you can take it again after thirty days but must pay an additional testing fee. After obtaining your license, you will be required to renew it in most states, which means complying with renewal requirements and paying a renewal fee. As previously mentioned, completion of a specific number of continuing education hours are usually required as a prerequisite for renewal. And if you decide to move to a different State, licensing will be required for that new State also. Each State has different regulations for massage therapists, so do not assume that you will automatically be qualified for licensing. Confirm with your new State prior to moving that you meet the requirements to practice legally there.