What is a Massage Therapist?
As previously discussed, therapeutic massage is an alternative form of healing that provides relief from pain and helps people function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates skin, muscles and tissue to diminish stress and relieve pain and tension in their clients. Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the kind of massage that many of us relate to when researching massage therapy, and the majority of Howard Beach NY massage therapy schools offer it as their primary form of massage. However, there are numerous other types of massage that programs may or may not include as part of 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 therapeutic massage should be referred to as massage therapists. On occasion you might hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which is generally the name of a male or female massage practitioner. Unfortunately, these terms often carry a negative connotation among Howard Beach NY professionals and the public at large and should be avoided.
Massage Therapist Education Requirements
Almost all Howard Beach NY schools offering massage therapy require enrolling students have a high school diploma or its equivalent to qualify. Programs can range in length from a few months for a Diploma or a Certificate to as long as 2 years for an Associate’s Degree. The lengths of the programs will also vary by State based on the number of hours required for licensing. Another factor that may also have an effect on the length of the program is whether classes are offered during the daytime or at night. In addition, 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 Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the training doesn’t stop there. The type and amount 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 HIPPA compliance or ethics.
Massage Therapist Licensing
Once you have graduated from an accredited Howard Beach 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 a portion of the licensing process. Some States have additional tests or their own, so find out from your State before enrolling in a massage therapy program. If you fail the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can take it again after 30 days but will be charged another exam fee. Once licensed, you will be required to maintain it in most states, which means complying with renewal requirements and paying a renewal fee. As previously mentioned, renewal typically requires a certain number of hours of continuing education be completed. And if you should move to another State, you will need to get licensed in that new State as well. Every State has different regulations for massage therapists, 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 practice legally there.