What is a Massage Therapist?
As previously discussed, therapeutic massage is a holistic form of medicine that provides relief from pain and helps people function better. The massage therapist manipulates skin, muscles and tissue to reduce stress and eliminate pain and tension in their clients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the kind of massage that many people relate to when discussing therapeutic massage, and most Baldwin NY 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. 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 therapeutic massage are properly referred to as massage therapists. On occasion one may hear them called a masseuse or a masseur, which refers to a female or a male massage professional. Unfortunately, these names typically have a negative connotation among the general public and Baldwin NY professionals alike and should be avoided.
Massage Therapist Education Requirements
Most Baldwin NY massage therapy programs require enrolling students have a high school diploma or a GED to qualify. Programs can range in length from several 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 length of the program is whether classes are scheduled during the daytime or in the evening. Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy often has general education requirements and the credits may be transferrable into a related Bachelor’s Degree Program. After you have earned your Certificate or Degree, the training doesn’t stop there. The amount and type of continuing education you are required to complete will vary based 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 Baldwin NY 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 the majority of States as part of the licensing process. There are States that have their own or additional exams, so find out from your State before enrolling in a massage therapy school. If you do not pass the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can re-take it after 30 days but will be charged another exam fee. Once licensed, you will need to renew it in most states, which means paying a renewal fee and satisfying renewal requirements. As earlier stated, 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, you will need to get licensed in that new State also. 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 have satisfied the requirements to practice legally there.