What is Massage Therapy?
As mentioned in the introduction, therapeutic massage is an alternative form of healing that provides relief from pain and helps people function better. The massage therapist manipulates muscles, tissue and skin to diminish stress and alleviate tension and pain in their patients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the kind of massage that many of us think of when discussing massage therapy, and almost all Holladay UT massage therapy schools teach it as their primary form of massage. But keep in mind, there are many other forms of massage that programs may or may not include as part of their course of instruction. 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 one may hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which is generally the name of a female or a male massage professional. Unfortunately, these terms often have a negative connotation among the general public and Holladay UT professionals alike and are better avoided.
Massage Therapy Education Requirements
The majority of Holladay UT massage therapy programs require enrolling students have a high school diploma or a GED 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. How long the programs are will also vary by State dependent on the number of hours required for licensing. Another factor that may also influence the program length is whether classes are scheduled during the day or at night. Also, 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 received your Certificate or Degree, the training doesn’t stop 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 Holladay UT 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 mandated by the majority of States as a portion of the licensing process. There are States that have their own or additional exams, 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 thirty days but will be charged another exam fee. Once licensed, you will be required to renew it in most states, which means paying a renewal fee and satisfying renewal requirements. As earlier mentioned, 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, you will need to get licensed in 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 legally practice there.