How is a certified Massage therapist different from Licensed massage therapist?
The difference lies in the regulations and requirements imposed by individual states. While the terms "certified" and "licensed" may sometimes be used interchangeably in common parlance, there are crucial distinctions to be aware of:
Certified Massage Therapist:
1. Voluntary Certification: Certification in massage therapy is often a voluntary process initiated by massage therapist to demonstrate competence and professional development.
2. Accrediting Bodies: Various independent organizations, such as the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) or the Federation of State Massage Therapy Board (FSMTB), offer accreditation to qualified massage therapist who meet certain standards.
3. Scope of Practice: Certified massage therapist may face less stringent regulations regarding the scope of their practice compared to licensed counterparts, As a result, their abilities may be limited in certain jurisdictions, and some medical procedures or treatments may be prohibited.
4. State Regulations: While some states recognize massage therapy certifications, others may not grant the same legal standing as a license. Therefore, the actual impact and recognition of a certification may vary from state to state.
Licensed massage Therapist:
1. Licensing Requirements: Licensed massage therapist are regulated and licensed by the government or health authorities of their respective states or jurisdiction.
2. Legal Recognition: A license denotes the legal authorization of massage therapist to practice massage therapy professionally in a specific state. It signifies that the individual has met specific education, training, and licensing requirements.
3. Standardized Criteria: Licensed massage therapist must adhere to standardized criteria and comply with state regulations, including continuing education and renewal.
4. State Examinations: Obtaining a license generally requires passing a state licensing examination that asses the massage therapist's knowledge and competence in the field.
5. Expanded Scope of Practice: Licensed massage therapist may enjoy a broader scope of practice relative to certified massage therapist, enabling them to provide a more extensive range of treatment techniques.
6. Public Protection: The primary purpose of licensing massage therapist is to protect the public by ensuring that practitioners have the necessary training and expertise to deliver safe and effective massage services.
In essence, while both certified massage therapist and licensed massage therapist receive training in massage therapy techniques, the key distinction is that licensed massage therapist have state-sanctioned authorization and meet established standards to practice massage therapy in a regulated manner within specific jurisdictions.