What is a Massage Therapist?
As previously discussed, massage therapy is an alternative form of medicine that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manipulates skin, muscles and tissue to reduce stress and alleviate tension and pain in their patients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the kind of massage that most of us think of when researching massage therapy, and the majority of Paris OH massage therapy schools teach it as their primary type of massage. However, there are numerous other types of massage that programs 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
Professionals that work in massage therapy should be referred to as massage therapists. On occasion you might hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which refers to a female or a male massage professional. Unfortunately, these titles typically carry a negative connotation among the general public and Paris OH professionals alike and should be avoided.
Massage Therapist Education Requirements
Almost all Paris OH 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 Diploma or a Certificate to as long as 2 years to earn an Associate’s Degree. The lengths of the programs will also be State specific dependent on the training hours required for licensing. Another 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. In addition, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy often has general education requirements and are often transferrable into a related Bachelor’s Degree Program. After you have received your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the training does not end there. The type and amount of continuing education you will need to complete will vary based on the State where you are licensed. Some states have requirements for both number of hours and subjects covered, such as HIPPA compliance or ethics.
Massage Therapist Licensing
After your graduation from an accredited Paris 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 controlled and administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is mandated by most States as a portion of the licensing process. Some States have additional tests or their own, so check with your State before enrolling in a massage therapy program. If you do not pass the MBLEx in your initial attempt, you can take it again after thirty days but will be charged another exam fee. Once licensed, you will need to renew 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 decide to move to a different State, you will need to get licensed in that new State also. Each State has different regulations for massage therapists, so it is not safe to assume that you will automatically qualify for licensing. Check with your new State before moving to confirm that you have satisfied the requirements to legally practice there.