Ready to become a massage therapist? Helping others can be rewarding. Not only do you assist clients in alleviating their aches and pains, but you also have the satisfaction of knowing you are helping to enhance a client’s wellness and quality of life. So, ask yourself, “Why is massage a licensed profession?”
Does a Massage Therapist Need a License to Practice?
Since the field requires massage therapists to work near their clients, all professional massage therapists must be licensed in the state they choose to practice in. The license exam tests massage therapists on proper technique and sanitation that keeps everyone safe and healthy.
Why is Massage a Licensed Profession?
There are several reasons why massage must remain a licensed profession. Due to the nature of massage therapy, every professional must thoroughly understand body dynamics, massage techniques, sanitation, and other health-related knowledge. Massage therapists must successfully pass a licensing exam to practice their trade in a professional capacity. The following are several reasons why massage therapy is a licensed profession.
Reason #1: Massage Therapists are Entrusted to Safely Work on Client’s Muscles
Because, as a massage therapist, you must purposefully manipulate the various muscles on a client’s body, you must know the proper ways to conduct treatments without causing injury to your clients. If you are unskilled in this field, there is a chance you could cause significant injury, potentially leading to physical disability. Therefore, you must ensure you have the knowledge and skills to work with clients safely.
Reason #2: Safety & Sanitation
Another essential reason a massage therapist must have their knowledge and skills verified by a licensing exam is that they work in extremely close proximity to clients, making safety and proper sanitization practices extremely important. Viruses or diseases could easily be transferred from a client to a massage therapist or even to another client if proper sanitation measures are not adhered to between each appointment. Massage therapy training will ensure you develop a thorough knowledge of the importance of sanitation procedures and the potentially harmful ramifications of inadequate sanitation practices.
Reason #3: The Importance of Proper Technique for You
Massage therapists tend to stand on their feet for much of their workday. So, it is crucial that, as a massage therapist, you learn how to perform each therapeutic technique safely. This will allow you to not overly strain your body during appointments. Failure to deliver massage therapies safely and adequately could lead to severe muscle strain or even a pinched nerve, which could lead to a massage therapist being unable to practice for a substantial amount of time. Permanent injury may even lead an unskilled massage therapist to leave the field. Because of this, all professional massage therapists must attend a massage therapy program to prepare for the licensing exam.
How Do You Prepare for the Licensing Exam?
Professional massage therapists must satisfactorily pass a comprehensive licensing exam before legally practicing massage therapy on clients. Fortunately, a massage therapy degree and diploma program at Gwinnett College will cover everything you need to know to sit for the licensure exam successfully.
What are the Massage Techniques You Should Know for the Exam?
One of the most exciting aspects of being a massage therapist is learning new and innovative massage techniques. You may decide to specialize in a variety of techniques, or you may focus on perfecting a handful of methodologies. The methods utilized by massage therapists have originated from every corner of the world, with each technique being unique in how it is performed and what it’s meant to accomplish. You will receive hands-on training in various massage techniques, including:
Swedish – utilizes kneading and stroking movements to decrease muscle tension and increase healthy blood circulation.
Deep Tissue – uses various deep pressure techniques to help the client relieve significant muscle tension.
Reflexology – focuses on using acupressure on the hands and feet to target various areas of pain or discomfort in the body.
Prenatal – alleviates lower back pain and physical discomfort often experienced during pregnancy.
Sports – often tailored towards each client’s needs to help alleviate any pain or discomfort due to sports-related injury.
Chair massage – conducted while the client is sitting, enabling the massage therapist more access to the back, neck, shoulders, and other areas of concern.
Final Thoughts
By enrolling in a massage therapy program, you will learn what you need to know to take the license exam and get started in this advantageous career field. Take the first step and discover more about the massage therapy diploma program at Gwinnett College today.
Want to Learn More?
Upon graduation, Massage Therapy Program students will receive diplomas and be qualified to seek entry-level positions as clinical, medical, or deep tissue massage therapists in wellness clinics and centers, spa environments including resorts and franchises, and self-employment.
The massage therapy training diploma program consists of a well-planned sequence of courses, each preparing the college student for the more intensive information to follow. The school curriculum includes training to provide college students with scientific knowledge, manual skills, and business mastery to become a professional massage therapist.
Contact us to learn more about how you can become a massage therapist today.