What is a Massage Therapist?
As previously discussed, massage therapy is a holistic form of medicine that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates muscles, tissue and skin to diminish stress and relieve pain and tension in their clients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the type of massage that most people think of when researching massage therapy, and almost all Mount Pleasant SC massage therapy schools offer it as their primary type of massage. But keep in mind, there are numerous other types of massage that programs may or may not include as part of their course of instruction. 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 massage therapy should be referred to as massage therapists. On occasion you might hear them called a masseuse or a masseur, which refers to a female or a male massage practitioner. Unfortunately, these terms generally have a derogatory connotation among Mount Pleasant SC professionals and the public at large and should be avoided.
Massage Therapist Education Requirements
Almost all Mount Pleasant SC massage therapy programs require enrolling students have a high school diploma or its equivalent to qualify. Programs can range 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 number of hours required for licensing. Another factor that can also influence the length of the program is whether classes are scheduled during the daytime or at night. 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. After you have received your Certificate or Degree, the training 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 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 Mount Pleasant SC 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 an exam 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 fail the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can take it again after thirty days but must pay an additional 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 previously stated, completion of a specific number of continuing education hours are usually required as a prerequisite for renewal. And if you should move to another State, licensing will be required for that new State also. Every 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.