What is a Massage Therapist?
As previously discussed, massage therapy is a holistic form of healing that provides relief from pain and helps people function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates skin, muscles and tissue to reduce stress and eliminate pain and tension in their clients. Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the kind of massage that many people think of when researching massage therapy, and most West Valley City UT massage therapy schools offer it as their primary type of massage. But keep in mind, there are many other types of massage that schools have the option to include within 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 massage therapy are properly referred to as massage therapists. From time to time you might hear them called a masseur or a masseuse, which is generally the name of a female or a male massage professional. Unfortunately, these titles often carry a negative connotation among the general public and West Valley City UT professionals alike and are better avoided.
Massage Therapist Education Requirements
Almost all West Valley City UT schools offering massage therapy require enrolling students have a high school diploma or its equivalent 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. The lengths of the programs will also be State specific based on the training hours required for licensing. Another factor that may also have an effect on the program length is whether classes are offered during the day 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 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 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 West Valley City UT 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 conducted and controlled by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is required by the majority of States as part of the licensing process. Some States have their own or additional exams, so check with your State before enrolling in a massage therapy school. If you fail the MBLEx in your initial attempt, you can re-take it after thirty days but must pay an additional exam fee. After obtaining your license, you will need to maintain it in most states, which means complying with renewal requirements and paying a renewal fee. As earlier stated, renewal typically requires a certain number of hours of continuing education be completed. And if you decide to move to a different State, licensing will be required for that new State as well. Every 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 have satisfied the requirements to practice legally there.