What is a Massage Therapist?
As mentioned in the introduction, therapeutic massage is an alternative form of healthcare that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates muscles, tissue and skin to reduce stress and relieve tension and pain in their patients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the kind of massage that many of us relate to when discussing therapeutic massage, and almost all Bristol RI massage therapy schools teach it as their primary form of massage. But keep in mind, there are many other forms of massage that schools 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
Professionals that work in therapeutic massage are properly referred to as massage therapists. On occasion one may hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which refers to a male or female massage professional. Unfortunately, these titles typically carry a negative connotation among the general public and Bristol RI professionals alike and are better avoided.
Massage Therapy Education Requirements
Almost all Bristol RI massage therapy programs require that the enrollee has earned 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. How long the programs are will also be State specific 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. Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy often has general studies requirements and are often transferrable into a related Bachelor’s Degree Program. Once you have earned your Certificate or Degree, the education doesn’t stop there. The amount and type of continuing education you will need to complete will depend 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 ethics or HIPAA compliance.
Massage Therapist Licensing
After your graduation from an accredited Bristol RI massage therapy school, the next step is to obtain your license in the State where you will be practicing. The Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), is an exam conducted and controlled by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is required by most States as part of the licensing process. Some States have their own or additional exams, so find out from your State prior to enrolling in a massage therapy program. If you fail the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can re-take it after 30 days but will be charged another exam fee. Once licensed, you will be required to maintain it in most states, which means paying a renewal fee and satisfying renewal requirements. As earlier stated, completion of a specific number of continuing education hours are usually required as a prerequisite for renewal. And if you decide to move to a different State, licensing will be required for that new State as well. Each State has different regulations for massage therapists, so it is not safe to assume that you will automatically qualify for licensing. Confirm with your new State prior to moving that you have satisfied the requirements to practice legally there.