A massage therapist uses the practice of massage to heal injury, manage stress, and relieve pain. A massage therapist is trained in massage to apply pressure, tension, motion or vibration to the soft tissues of the body including muscles, ligaments, tendons, joints, and lymphatic vessels, to achieve a therapeutic benefit. There are over 150 types of massage that have developed from a number of sources to achieve a large range of benefits. Massage therapists are generally trained in massage types that are most beneficial and valuable to the general population. These types can include pain relief, rehabilitation, pregnancy massage, and relaxation massage.

Massage Therapist Training Requirements To Obtain A Massage Therapy License

Over 33 states in the US regulate massage therapy and massage therapy training courses. Most states require that students receive at least 500 hours of education and training. Massage therapy courses focus on anatomy, physiology, pathology, touch therapy and healing arts. Training programs may also integrate other advanced procedures including, but not limited to, sports massage, trigger point therapy, deep tissue massage, shiatsu, and Swedish massage.

In states that regulate massage therapy, graduates of an accredited massage therapy training program are eligible for certification are passing the National Certification Exam. The NCE is the standardized exam for all entry level massage practitioners. Some states require attendance at a school accredited by the Commission of Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA) in order to be licensed. Since regulations vary from state to state, it is important to be familiar with the laws in your area, and attend a massage therapy school that will best prepare you for exams and certification.

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Massage Therapy Schools and Degree Programs

There are several accredited institutions that offer massage therapy training courses. Most states regulate massage therapy and use the National Certification Exam (NCE) to test students for certification. In these states, a massage therapy training program can take at least two years to complete before the student can become certified. In states which do not regulate, massage therapy may be governed by local government, which may be investigated by visiting your local government office.

Massage Therapist Prerequisites

Most massage therapy schools only require a high school diploma. Various schools and colleges offer flexible course schedules that range from day, night and weekend classes and training sessions. HealthCare-TrainingCenter.com offers free, no obligation assistance as you are searching for courses to meet your massage therapy prerequisites. Beginning your search is as simple as using the search feature above.

Massage Therapy Continuing Education Courses

Depending on state regulations, massage therapists must renew their licenses periodically and may be required to take
continued education (CE) courses. Search HealthCare-TrainingCenter.com to find continued education courses for Massage Therapy.