What is a Massage Therapist?
As previously discussed, therapeutic massage is an alternative form of healthcare that provides relief from pain and helps people function better. The massage therapist manipulates skin, muscles and tissue to diminish stress and relieve tension and pain in their patients. Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the kind of massage that most of us think of when researching massage therapy, and almost all Cincinnati OH massage therapy schools offer it as their principal form of massage. However, there are many other types of massage that schools may or may not include as part of their syllabus. 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 are properly referred to as massage therapists. On occasion one may hear them called a masseuse or a masseur, which is generally the name of a male or female massage practitioner. Unfortunately, these names often have a derogatory connotation among Cincinnati OH professionals and the public at large and are better avoided.
Massage Therapy Training Requirements
Almost all Cincinnati OH schools offering massage therapy require enrolling students have a high school diploma or a GED to qualify. Programs can vary in length from a few 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 vary by State based on the training hours required for licensing. An additional factor that can also influence the program length is whether classes are offered during the daytime or in the evening. Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy may have general studies requirements and are often transferrable into a related Bachelor’s Degree Program. Once you have received your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the training does not end there. The type and amount of continuing education you are required to complete will depend on the State where you are licensed. Some states have requirements for both number of hours and subjects covered, such as ethics or HIPAA compliance.
Massage Therapist Licensing
Once you have graduated from an accredited Cincinnati OH 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 a test 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 prior to enrolling in a massage therapy school. If you fail the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can re-take it after thirty days but will be charged another exam fee. After obtaining your license, you will be required to renew it in most states, which means complying with renewal requirements and paying a renewal fee. As earlier stated, renewal typically requires a certain number of hours of continuing education be completed. And if you should move to another State, licensing will be required for 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. Confirm with your new State prior to moving that you meet the requirements to practice legally there.