What is a Massage Therapist?
As previously discussed, massage therapy is a holistic form of medicine that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manipulates muscles, tissue and skin to reduce stress and relieve tension and pain in their clients. Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the kind of massage that many of us think of when discussing massage therapy, and most Gates NY massage therapy schools teach it as their primary form of massage. But keep in mind, there are many other types of massage that programs have the option to include within their course of instruction. Following 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 masseur or a masseuse, which is generally the name of a male or female massage practitioner. Unfortunately, these names typically have a negative connotation among Gates NY professionals and the public at large and should be avoided.
Massage Therapist Training Requirements
Most Gates NY schools offering massage therapy require enrolling students have a high school diploma or its equivalent to qualify. Programs can vary in length from several months for a Certificate or a Diploma to as long as 2 years to earn an Associate’s Degree. How long the programs are will also vary by State dependent on the training hours required for licensing. An additional factor that may also have an effect on the program length 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 are often transferrable into a related Bachelor’s Degree Program. Once you have received your Certificate or Degree, the training does not end there. The amount and type 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 Therapist Licensing
After your graduation from an accredited Gates NY 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 an exam controlled and administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is required by the majority of States as part 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 school. If you do not pass the MBLEx in your initial attempt, you can take it again after thirty days but will be charged another testing fee. After obtaining your license, you will need to renew it in most states, which means paying a renewal fee and satisfying renewal requirements. As earlier mentioned, renewal typically requires a certain number of hours of continuing education be completed. And if you decide to move to a different State, you will need to get licensed in that new State as well. Every State regulates massage therapy differently, so it is not safe to assume that you will automatically qualify for licensing. Confirm with your new State prior to moving that you have satisfied the requirements to practice legally there.