Who Knew There Are Two Types of Massage Therapists?

The difference between the two tiered massage therapists in Maryland (and maybe your state too)

Such a touchy subject, I know. I’m going to approach it in the best way that I can, neutrally.  Do you know what separates a RPT (Registered Massage Therapist) and an LMT (Licensed Massage Therapist) in the state of Maryland? It’s been a battle for decades in Maryland amongst massage therapists, but so many of the general public have no idea. It is coming to a division since LMTs were just announced to be able to return to work per the government, because LMTs can work in a medical setting, and RMTs are not yet, while in our state of emergency during COVID-19

What is the difference?

It’s been posted and said a million times, “WHY NOT have RMTs in medical settings? We have the same schooling as an LMT! We went to the same massage school as an LMT. Going to college for an art major doesn’t help with being a massage therapist! I’ve even heard massage instructors tell students, “There is no difference if someone went to a two-year school for dance or basket weaving”. Let’s look at what goes into an associate’s degree .To major in any field, there are core courses; not all of your courses would be in art/basket weaving or dance.  

Here are some of the  criteria to get a degree:

-2 English classes (6 credits)

-1 math (3-4 credits)

-1 language (3 credits)

-1 psychology class (3 credits) 

-2 Behavioral sciences (6 credits) 

-1 speech or literature (3 credits) 

-2 physical science classes (7 credits) 

-1 Wellness (3 credits) 

-1 technology (3 credits) 

-1 diversity (3 credits) 

-60-64 credit hours total for an Associates of Arts/Science degree

-22 total credit hours  in the field that you choose for a major (which is roughly one semester of 4+semesters)

Click the link here to find out more information: preview_program.php

I would think that after seeing these core courses written down not only allows someone to see how taking these extra courses can help a person become better-rounded, but also shows that there were 2 years of related field of study.  Showing that it is related to being able to understand a more honed in environment like the medical field with physical and behavioral science, and 700 hours of massage school.  It shows that someone who earned the degree put forth extra effort to learn,  write papers, and accomplish more in the field of science, math, wellness, and behavioral sciences. As my dad would say, they also show ’sticktuitiveness” to go the further stretch in education and make the financial investment. As the general public, did you know there was a 2 tier level of massage therapists in Maryland, or if there is in your state? Would you like to know if there was a difference? If so, would you have any suggestions on how to educate the public to better understand what you are paying for? 

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In Health and Wellness, 

Michelle S Krause LMT, CST-T, Holistic Health Specialist

Certified Teaching Assistant and Techniques Therapist Click link here:  (Mentor, UII Book Club Host and Upledger CST-T Study Prep Group Leader)

Member of the National Board of Massage Therapists and Bodyworkers and a board member with the Ethics and Standards Committee

Current member with Maryland AMTA and former New Member Committee Chair and Board Member

Offices in Severna Park Maryland and Berkeley Springs West Virginia 

A little about me:

I’m an Elite Brain Health Specialist Clinician , working as a Certified CranioSacral Therapist with Michael Morgan of Upledger Institute with Alzheimer's research and Menopause related brain health. I have 5 children, homeschooled two of them while I was a fire fighter in Baltimore City before suffering a career ending injury and meeting my husband. I was told to have a surgery or become a quadriplegic within 3 years and that was 20 years ago. I began doing major research on my own and have healed my scoliosis, herniated discs, concussions and more through the many disciplines that I bring to your sessions. My mission is to assist others through CranioSacral Therapy, Visceral Manipulation and other disciplines while educating others to become their own advocates, feel into their body and lifestyle and create health and lifestyle plans that work best for them and take them from “I’m exhausted & I’ve TRIED EVERYTHING” to living their best lives!