What is Massage Therapy?
As previously discussed, massage therapy is an alternative form of medicine that provides relief from pain and helps people function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates skin, muscles and tissue to diminish stress and relieve tension and pain in their patients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the type of massage that most of us relate to when discussing massage therapy, and almost all Mill Creek WA massage therapy schools offer it as their principal form of massage. But keep in mind, there are many other types 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 massage therapy should be referred to as massage therapists. On occasion you might hear them called a masseuse or a masseur, which is generally the name of a male or female massage professional. However, these titles generally carry a derogatory connotation among the general public and Mill Creek WA professionals alike and should be avoided.
Massage Therapy Education Requirements
Almost all Mill Creek WA 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 Certificate or a Diploma to as long as two years to earn an Associate’s Degree. How long the programs are will also be State specific based on the number of hours required for licensing. Another factor that can also have an effect on the length of the program is whether classes are scheduled during the day or at night. In addition, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy may have general studies requirements and are often transferrable into a similar Bachelor’s Degree Program. After you have received your Degree, Diploma or Certificate, the training doesn’t stop 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 have requirements for both number of hours and subjects covered, such as HIPPA compliance or ethics.
Massage Therapy Licensing
Once you have graduated from an accredited Mill Creek 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 a test 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. There are States that have additional tests or their own, so find out from your State prior to enrolling in a massage therapy program. If you do not pass the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can re-take it after 30 days but will be charged another testing fee. Once licensed, you will be required 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 should move to another State, you will need to get licensed in that new State as well. Each State regulates massage therapy differently, so it is not safe to assume that you will automatically qualify for licensing. Check with your new State before moving to confirm that you have satisfied the requirements to legally practice there.