What is a Massage Therapist?
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 reduce stress and eliminate tension and pain in their patients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the type of massage that most people think of when researching therapeutic massage, and most Lake Stevens WA massage therapy schools offer it as their primary form of massage. But keep in mind, there are numerous other forms of massage that schools may or may not 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
Practitioners that work in massage therapy 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 practitioner. Unfortunately, these titles typically have a negative connotation among the general public and Lake Stevens WA professionals alike and are better avoided.
Massage Therapy Training Requirements
Most Lake Stevens WA massage therapy programs require that the enrollee has earned a high school diploma or its equivalent to qualify. Programs can range in length from a few months for a Diploma or a Certificate to as long as two years for an Associate’s Degree. The lengths of the programs will also be State specific based on the number of hours required for licensing. An additional factor that may also influence the program length is whether classes are scheduled during the day or in the evening. Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy may have general studies requirements and the credits may be transferrable into a similar Bachelor’s Degree Program. Once you have earned your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the training 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 ethics or HIPAA compliance.
Massage Therapist Licensing
Once you have graduated from an accredited Lake Stevens WA 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 controlled and administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is required by the majority of States as a portion of the licensing process. Some States have their own or additional exams, so find out from your State before enrolling in a massage therapy school. If you do not pass the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can take it again after 30 days but must pay an additional testing fee. Once licensed, you will be required to renew it in most states, which means paying a renewal fee and satisfying renewal requirements. As previously stated, renewal typically requires a certain number of hours of continuing education be completed. And if you decide to move to a different State, you will need to get licensed in 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 legally practice there.