Licensed Massage Therapists
Licensed Massage Therapists
Why do we bother in checking for a licensed medical practitioner? To ensure our own safety, to ensure that the professional with whom we are consulting has been properly trained, is up to date with the latest medical releases relevant to their field and to ensure that there are no cases of malpractice registered against them.
These are the same reasons to seek for licensed message therapists whenever you decide you need massage therapy. The most important reason is you. Whether you decide to visit a massage therapist for relaxation, rehabilitation or rejuvenation, you ought to be paid by a practitioner who is skilled and knowledgeable.
In order to become nationally certified, licensed massage therapists need to demonstrate a mastery of the core skills, display an understanding and appreciation of the relevant knowledge, pass a NCBTMB (National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork) standardized exam, maintain and uphold the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics and take part in continued education.
There are currently more then 90,000 licensed massage therapists who have passed this license and met all other requirements in order to become licensed. Recently the 39th State just passed a law requiring that anyone providing a professional massage needs to be a licensed massage therapist in order to do so and this trend is growing. It is only a matter of time before all states have this requirement. A similar trend is showing in Europe and
Even if one is practicing in a state that does not require licensing, becoming a licensed massage therapist indicates a higher level of commitment towards the profession. Most states that do require massage therapists to hold a license, require that these therapists first obtain certification from the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork before giving a state specific exam.
In order to obtain the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodyworks license, one needs to make an application and undergo training and study. Licensed massage therapists have undergone a minimum of 500 hours of instruction and many hours of practice. An advantage of being a licensed massage therapist is that one becomes listed in the directory of this organization and this helps build business.
Other benefits of being licensed are that it indicated the highest credential in the field. It communicates a commitment to a safe and ethical practice. It provides a competitive edge and helps one build credibility and visibility by reassuring clients and potential employers. It even allows for reimbursement by some insurance companies thereby putting the profession at par with other professionals requiring certification.
However, becoming a licensed massage therapist is only the beginning of a serious career in this field. One can then become specialized in a variety of different fields according to their desire and capability. However it is a good start and should always be insisted upon by anyone seeking massage therapy, whether for relaxation, rehabilitation or rejuvenation.