What is a Massage Therapist?
As mentioned in the introduction, therapeutic massage is an alternative form of medicine that provides relief from pain and helps people function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates muscles, tissue and skin to reduce stress and alleviate tension and pain in their patients. Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the type of massage that most people think of when researching massage therapy, and almost all Westfield NJ massage therapy schools offer it as their primary form of massage. But keep in mind, there are numerous other forms of massage that programs may or may not 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
Professionals that work in therapeutic massage are properly referred to as massage therapists. From time to time you might hear them called a masseuse or a masseur, which refers to a male or female massage professional. However, these terms often carry a derogatory connotation among the general public and Westfield NJ professionals alike and are better avoided.
Massage Therapy Education Requirements
The majority of Westfield NJ 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 several 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 be State specific based on the number of hours required for licensing. An additional factor that may also influence the length of the program is whether classes are scheduled during the day or at night. Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy may have general studies requirements and are often transferrable into a similar Bachelor’s Degree Program. Once you have received your Certificate or Degree, the education doesn’t stop there. The type and amount of continuing education you are required 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 HIPPA compliance or ethics.
Massage Therapy Licensing
After your graduation from an accredited Westfield 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 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 their own or additional exams, 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 re-take it after 30 days but will be charged another exam fee. After obtaining your license, you will be required to maintain it in most states, which means paying a renewal fee and satisfying renewal requirements. As previously mentioned, renewal typically requires a certain number of hours of continuing education be completed. And if you decide to move to a different State, licensing will be required for that new State also. Every State regulates massage therapy differently, so do not assume that you will automatically be qualified for licensing. Check with your new State before moving to confirm that you have satisfied the requirements to legally practice there.