What is a Massage Therapist?
As mentioned in the introduction, therapeutic massage is an alternative form of healing that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manipulates skin, muscles and tissue to reduce stress and relieve pain and tension in their clients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the kind of massage that most people relate to when researching massage therapy, and almost all Puyallup WA massage therapy schools teach it as their principal 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 course of instruction. Following 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 are properly referred to as massage therapists. From time to time one may hear them called a masseuse or a masseur, which is generally the name of a male or female massage professional. Unfortunately, these names typically carry a negative connotation among Puyallup WA professionals and the public at large and are better avoided.
Massage Therapist Education Requirements
Most Puyallup WA schools offering massage therapy require enrolling students have a high school diploma or a GED to qualify. Programs can vary in length from a few 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 vary by State based on the number of hours required for licensing. Another factor that may also have an effect on the program length is whether classes are scheduled during the day or in the evening. In addition, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy often has general education requirements and are often transferrable into a similar Bachelor’s Degree Program. After you have received your Certificate or Degree, the education 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 require both a certain number of hours of continuing education as well as specific education in subjects, such as HIPPA compliance or ethics.
Massage Therapy Licensing
Once you have graduated from an accredited Puyallup 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 conducted and controlled by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is mandated by the majority of States as part of the licensing process. Some States have additional tests or their own, so find out from your State before enrolling in a massage therapy program. If you fail the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can re-take it after thirty days but will be charged another testing fee. After obtaining your license, you will be required to maintain it in most states, which means paying a renewal fee and satisfying renewal requirements. As earlier mentioned, renewal typically requires a certain number of hours of continuing education be completed. And if you should move to another 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. Check with your new State before moving to confirm that you meet the requirements to legally practice there.