What is Massage Therapy?
As previously discussed, massage therapy is an alternative form of medicine that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manipulates muscles, tissue and skin to diminish stress and eliminate tension and pain in their patients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the type of massage that most of us relate to when researching massage therapy, and most Pennsauken NJ massage therapy schools teach it as their principal form of massage. But keep in mind, there are numerous other forms of massage that schools have the option to include as part of their syllabus. 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 massage therapy are properly referred to as massage therapists. On occasion one may hear them called a masseuse or a masseur, which is generally the name of a female or a male massage professional. Unfortunately, these titles typically carry a derogatory connotation among the general public and Pennsauken NJ professionals alike and are better avoided.
Massage Therapy Training Requirements
The majority of Pennsauken NJ schools offering massage therapy require enrolling students have 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 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 offered during the daytime or at night. Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy may have general education requirements and are often transferrable into a similar Bachelor’s Degree Program. After you have received your Certificate or Degree, the education does not end 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 Therapist Licensing
After your graduation from an accredited Pennsauken NJ 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. There are States that have additional tests or their own, so find out from your State prior to enrolling in a massage therapy program. 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 need to maintain it in most states, which means paying a renewal fee and satisfying renewal requirements. As earlier mentioned, 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 as well. Each State regulates massage therapy differently, 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 legally practice there.