What is a Massage Therapist?
As previously discussed, massage therapy is a holistic form of healing that provides relief from pain and helps people function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates skin, muscles and tissue to reduce stress and alleviate tension and pain in their clients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the kind of massage that most people think of when researching therapeutic massage, and most Edmond OK massage therapy schools offer it as their principal form of massage. But keep in mind, there are many other types of massage that schools have the option to include as part of their syllabus. 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 should be referred to as massage therapists. On occasion you might hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which refers to a male or female massage practitioner. Unfortunately, these titles often have a derogatory connotation among the general public and Edmond OK professionals alike and should be avoided.
Massage Therapy Education Requirements
Most Edmond OK massage therapy programs require that the enrollee has earned a high school diploma or its equivalent to qualify. Programs can range in length from a few months for a Certificate or a Diploma to as long as two 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 can also influence the program length is whether classes are scheduled during the daytime or in the evening. In addition, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy often has general studies requirements and are often transferrable into a similar Bachelor’s Degree Program. Once you have earned 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 Therapy Licensing
Once you have graduated from an accredited Edmond OK massage therapy program, the next step is to obtain your license 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 required by most States as a portion of the licensing process. There are States that have their own or additional exams, so find out from your State prior to enrolling in a massage therapy school. If you fail the MBLEx in your initial attempt, you can re-take it after 30 days but must pay an additional testing fee. Once licensed, you will be required to maintain it in most states, which means paying a renewal fee and satisfying renewal requirements. As previously stated, 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 also. Every State regulates massage therapy differently, 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 practice legally there.