What is Massage Therapy?
As previously discussed, massage therapy is a holistic form of healing that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates skin, muscles and tissue to diminish stress and eliminate pain and tension in their clients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the kind of massage that most of us relate to when researching therapeutic massage, and almost all Ridgewood NJ massage therapy schools teach it as their principal form of massage. However, there are many other types of massage that schools may or may not include as part of 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 female or a male massage professional. However, these terms often have a negative connotation among the general public and Ridgewood NJ professionals alike and should be avoided.
Massage Therapy Education Requirements
Most Ridgewood NJ massage therapy programs require enrolling students have a high school diploma or its equivalent to qualify. Programs can range in length from several months for a Certificate or a Diploma to as long as 2 years to earn an Associate’s Degree. The lengths of the programs will also be State specific dependent on the training 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. In addition, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy often has general education requirements and the credits may be transferrable into a similar Bachelor’s Degree Program. After you have earned your Certificate or Degree, the training does not end there. The type and amount 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 ethics or HIPAA compliance.
Massage Therapist Licensing
Once you have graduated from an accredited Ridgewood 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 part of the licensing process. Some States have their own or additional exams, so find out from your State before enrolling in a massage therapy program. If you do not pass the MBLEx in your initial attempt, you can re-take it after 30 days but must pay an additional exam fee. Once licensed, you will be required to renew it in most states, which means complying with renewal requirements and paying a renewal fee. 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 also. Every State has different regulations for massage therapists, 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 meet the requirements to practice legally there.