What is Massage Therapy?
As previously discussed, massage therapy is an alternative form of healthcare that provides relief from pain and helps people function better. The massage therapist manipulates skin, muscles and tissue to diminish stress and alleviate pain and tension in their patients. Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the kind of massage that most people relate to when discussing massage therapy, and most Covington WA massage therapy schools teach it as their principal type of massage. However, there are numerous 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 therapeutic massage 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 practitioner. Unfortunately, these terms generally carry a negative connotation among the general public and Covington WA professionals alike and should be avoided.
Massage Therapy Training Requirements
Almost all Covington WA 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 Certificate or a Diploma to as long as 2 years for an Associate’s Degree. How long the programs are will also be State specific based on the training hours required for licensing. Another factor that can 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. After you have earned your Certificate or Degree, the education doesn’t stop there. The type and amount 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 ethics or HIPAA compliance.
Massage Therapist Licensing
After your graduation from an accredited Covington WA 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 the majority of States as part of the licensing process. There are States that have additional tests or their own, so find out from your State before enrolling in a massage therapy school. If you fail the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can re-take it after 30 days but must pay an additional exam fee. Once licensed, you will need to maintain 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 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 legally practice there.