What is a Massage Therapist?
As mentioned in the introduction, therapeutic massage is a holistic form of healing that provides relief from pain and helps people function better. The massage therapist manipulates muscles, tissue and skin to diminish stress and alleviate tension and pain in their clients. Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the kind of massage that many people think of when discussing therapeutic massage, and almost all North Amityville NY massage therapy schools offer it as their principal type of massage. But keep in mind, there are many other forms of massage that schools have the option to include within 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 therapeutic massage should be referred to as massage therapists. From time to time one may hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which is generally the name of a male or female massage practitioner. Unfortunately, these terms often have a derogatory connotation among the general public and North Amityville NY professionals alike and should be avoided.
Massage Therapist Education Requirements
Most North Amityville NY massage therapy programs require enrolling students have a high school diploma or a GED 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 offered during the daytime or at night. In addition, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy may have general studies requirements and are often transferrable into a similar Bachelor’s Degree Program. After you have earned your Certificate or Degree, the education doesn’t stop there. The amount and type of continuing education you will need 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 ethics or HIPAA compliance.
Massage Therapist Licensing
Once you have graduated from an accredited North Amityville 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 conducted and controlled by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is required by the majority of States as a portion of the licensing process. There are States that 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 your initial attempt, you can re-take it after thirty days but will be charged another testing fee. After obtaining your license, you will be required to renew it in most states, which means paying a renewal fee and satisfying renewal requirements. As earlier mentioned, completion of a specific number of continuing education hours are usually required as a prerequisite for renewal. And if you decide to move to a different State, you will need to get licensed in that new State as well. Each 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 legally practice there.