What is a Massage Therapist?
As previously discussed, massage therapy is a holistic form of healthcare that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manipulates skin, muscles and tissue to diminish stress and alleviate pain and tension in their patients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the kind of massage that many people relate to when discussing massage therapy, and most Upper Merion PA massage therapy schools teach it as their principal type of massage. But keep in mind, there are numerous other forms of massage that programs may or may not include within their syllabus. 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 therapeutic massage are properly 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. However, these names generally have a derogatory connotation among the general public and Upper Merion PA professionals alike and are better avoided.
Massage Therapist Training Requirements
The majority of Upper Merion PA schools offering massage therapy require enrolling students have a high school diploma or a GED to qualify. Programs can range in length from several months for a Diploma or a Certificate to as long as 2 years for an Associate’s Degree. The lengths of the programs will also vary by State dependent on the training hours required for licensing. An additional factor that may also influence the length of the program is whether classes are offered 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 earned your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the education does not end there. The amount and type 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 ethics or HIPAA compliance.
Massage Therapist Licensing
Once you have graduated from an accredited Upper Merion PA 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 controlled and administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is mandated by the majority of States as a portion of the licensing process. Some States have additional tests or their own, so check with 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 must pay an additional testing 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 mentioned, 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 meet the requirements to legally practice there.