What is a Massage Therapist?
As previously discussed, therapeutic massage is a holistic form of medicine that provides relief from pain and helps people function better. The massage therapist manually stimulates muscles, tissue and skin to reduce stress and relieve tension and pain in their patients. Classic, or Swedish Massage, is the kind of massage that most of us relate to when researching therapeutic massage, and the majority of Wenatchee WA massage therapy schools offer it as their principal type of massage. But keep in mind, there are numerous other types of massage that programs have the option to 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
Practitioners that work in therapeutic massage are properly referred to as massage therapists. On occasion you might hear them called a masseuse or a masseur, which refers to a female or a male massage professional. Unfortunately, these terms often have a negative connotation among Wenatchee WA professionals and the public at large and are better avoided.
Massage Therapy Education Requirements
Most Wenatchee WA schools offering massage therapy 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 Diploma or a Certificate to as long as two years to earn an Associate’s Degree. The lengths of the programs will also vary by State 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 may have general education requirements and the credits may be transferrable into a similar Bachelor’s Degree Program. After you have received your Certificate or Degree, the training does not end there. The type and amount of continuing education you are required to complete will depend on the State where you are licensed. Some states have requirements for both number of hours and subjects covered, such as ethics or HIPAA compliance.
Massage Therapy Licensing
Once you have graduated from an accredited Wenatchee WA 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 an exam controlled and administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is required by most States as a portion of the licensing process. Some States have additional tests or their own, so check with your State before enrolling in a massage therapy school. If you do not pass the MBLEx in your initial attempt, you can re-take it 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 earlier stated, completion of a specific number of continuing education hours are usually required as a prerequisite for renewal. And if you decide to move to a different State, licensing will be required for that new State also. Each State regulates massage therapy differently, 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.