What is a Massage Therapist?
As previously discussed, massage therapy is an alternative form of healthcare that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates skin, muscles and tissue to diminish stress and alleviate pain and tension in their clients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the kind of massage that most of us relate to when discussing massage therapy, and most Mustang OK massage therapy schools offer it as their principal form of massage. But keep in mind, there are many other types of massage that programs have the option to include as part of their syllabus. Below are just a few examples.
- Neuromuscular Therapy Massage
- Deep Tissue Massage
- Sports Massage
- Shiatsu Massage
- Thai Massage
- Hot Stone Massage
- Pregnancy Massage
Practitioners 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 refers to a female or a male massage practitioner. However, these terms typically have a derogatory connotation among Mustang OK professionals and the public at large and are better avoided.
Massage Therapy Training Requirements
Most Mustang OK massage therapy programs require enrolling students have 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 2 years for an Associate’s Degree. The lengths of the programs will also be State specific dependent on the number of hours required for licensing. Another factor that can also have an effect on the program length is whether classes are scheduled during the daytime or in the evening. Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy often has general studies requirements and the credits may be transferrable into a similar Bachelor’s Degree Program. Once you have received your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the education does not end 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
After your graduation from an accredited Mustang OK 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 required 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 your initial attempt, you can take it again after 30 days but will be charged another testing fee. After obtaining your license, you will need 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 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 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 legally practice there.