Certified massage therapists (CMTs), licensed massage therapists (LMTs), and certified massage practitioners (CMPs) are the three different types of massage therapists. States that demand that the massage industry be regulated have created these three categories. These laws guarantee the patients’ and consumers’ welfare. Each category has a set amount of training requirements as well as a certification process. Although the training requirements for CMTs and LMTs are similar, there are significant differences in how each group participates in professional and governmental organizations.
Both licensed and certified massage therapists have the same level of education. Both of these groups of people finish a 150-hour basic training program. Depending on how the program is structured, this fundamental training typically lasts for three months. Over a one- to two-year period, 500 additional hours of training are completed, instructing participants in specific techniques and deep tissue work. 1,000 hours, or the third training level, can take up to two years to complete. These individuals are well skilled in a variety of techniques.
Certification is a voluntary process. Massage therapists can sell their services without this designation. Certification is given to people who can demonstrate that their training and education have given them the fundamental knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job. Numerous organizations provide certification, and each organization’s rules will be different. People looking for massage services should enquire with the therapist about the organization that certified them so they can check their credentials.
Licensure is not a voluntary process. Licensure is necessary for massage therapists who want to practice in certain states. This procedure gives the therapist authorization to accept patients and grow their practice. While the requirements for licensure vary from state to state, all state laws are written to protect the general welfare, health, and safety of both therapists and their patients. Depending on the location, licensing may be required at both the state and local levels.
What is a massage therapist certification?
The typical additional and optional credential you can obtain for this profession is a massage therapist certification. In some states, its required instead of a license. In many cases, certification can help you negotiate a higher salary, set you apart from other job candidates, and maybe even bring in more business. Although certification programs differ, you typically must complete a predetermined number of clinical hours before sitting for the relevant exam.
If you wish to work with particular clientele or types of massage, you may want to consider obtaining specialty certifications. For instance, you could pursue training in sports massage to assist athletes. Here are other certifications and specialties you can pursue:
Although there are numerous voluntary certifications a massage therapist can obtain, only one major organization—the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB)—has national recognition. It is the highest professional designation available in the field. Earning a massage therapist board certification involves:
What is a massage therapist license?
A license as a massage therapist is a professional designation granted to those who satisfy certain requirements to work with clients in locations that demand it. Having a license helps ensure a level of professionalism, safety, and standards, especially given that the work involves close contact. State governments that you want to live and work in frequently issue licenses. Before obtaining a license, most people complete accredited courses to earn a diploma in which they learn body mechanics, medical terminology, human anatomy, massage techniques, and physiology.
Since only a few states don’t require it, becoming licensed and registered is typically necessary to work as a massage therapist. You typically must complete a predetermined number of training hours, which varies from state to state, in order to obtain your state license to practice massage therapy. Many states accept 500 hours or more of training, but some demand 1,000 hours. To help you obtain the necessary hours toward licensing, depending on the school or program you attend, you typically combine academic coursework with real-world experience, like an internship or school clinic. Licensing also involves:
License vs. certification for massage therapists
Although there are some differences between a massage therapist’s license and certification, both work to safeguard the public and the industry. If you’re interested in a career in massage therapy, take into account these six variations:
Mandatory vs. voluntary work requirements
Being licensed and registered is more frequently required than being certified in many states and territories. Only Kansas, Minnesota, Vermont, and Wyoming are without regulations. Because each state regulates this industry, think about comparing the specific requirements your state has to others. For instance, some states mandate liability insurance for licensed therapists. Additionally, certification typically transfers between states, whereas state licenses only apply to the state in which you want to practice, especially if certification is optional there.
Organizations issuing the credential
If you are obtaining a license or certification, a different organization will issue your credential. State governments issue licenses, whereas non-governmental associations, institutions, organizations, or entities issue certifications. Some certification-issuing bodies have national recognition, so your credential will typically be accepted in whichever state or U S. territory you want to practice. Consider doing extensive research on programs to make sure they offer legitimate and widely recognized certifications to use in your career.
Total number of tests
The total number of exams necessary to obtain the credential is another distinction between a licensed and certified massage therapist. For instance, passing just one test is typically required to become a state-licensed and registered massage therapist. You can retake the test if you don’t pass it the first time. In order to maintain your credentials, some states may mandate that you take the test every few years and log a certain number of hours of continuing education.
You may need to pass a number of exams to obtain specific specializations, such as deep tissue, therapeutic, or acupressure massage, in order to become certified. There is no cap on the number of certifications you can obtain or obtain over the course of your career. You could research new massage techniques as they emerge and demonstrate your knowledge and expertise by passing a certification exam.
Industry titles
Industry titles often vary between licensed and certified massage therapists. However, you may hold multiple titles depending on your credentials. Here are the definitions of the four abbreviations most frequently heard in the massage sector:
While some titles are interchangeable, it’s crucial to remember that each has its own requirements and qualifications. Think about finding out what is necessary in the state where you want to practice.
Legal ability to practice
The practice of massage therapy is governed in states where businesses are run by licenses. This indicates that there are guidelines for what constitutes a massage. Protection from unqualified service providers is provided by regulation. For instance, a spa employee may use certain pressure techniques as part of their duties, but they might not be able to use more advanced massage techniques, such as hot stone or trigger point massage, unless they’re licensed.
Local municipalities can still enact laws that may be less stringent in non-licensing states that only require certification, though. This allows some practitioners to work without state certification. Being a certified massage therapist can frequently inspire customers’ confidence in states with these regulations.
Ongoing upkeep
The requirements for maintaining your license and certifications change as well. For instance, maintaining your registration and license usually involves paying renewal fees and completing a minimum number of hours of continuing education. Many specialty certifications, in contrast, do not; however, it greatly depends on the issuing organization. Some NCBTMB certifications require annual practical training hours and roughly 25 hours of educational learning to remain valid and current. Consider reviewing specific certifications to know how to maintain them.
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Difference Between Massage Certification and Massage License – Which is More Important?
FAQ
What is the difference between CMT and LMT?
The primary distinction between certified massage therapists and licensed massage therapists is whether they are certified or licensed.
What is the difference between a massage therapist and a massage practitioner?
The terms “licensed massage practitioner” (LMP) and “licensed massage therapist” (LMT) are interchangeable. The key phrase in both job descriptions is “licensed,” which denotes that the individual has received state approval to provide therapeutic massage.
Is massage therapist is considered a professional?
Is a Massage Therapist a Medical Professional? Massage therapists are medical professionals because they work in the allied healthcare sector. While some only provide massages for relaxation, others collaborate with doctors on their own or directly in hospitals to improve patient health.
Is the Mblex a national certification?
The Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination, or MBLEx exam, is a widely accepted test for licensure in massage therapy.
