Chapter One: Introduction

Welcome to this audio course on studying for and taking the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination, otherwise known as the MBLEx test! I will guide you through the course material. If you are listening to this course, you have likely made the decision to become a massage therapist, and you are preparing for the written exam and all other hiring requirements. Or perhaps you are just contemplating a career as a massage therapist and want to get some information about the licensing exam.

Whatever your reason for listening, I want to congratulate you on choosing such a potentially rewarding career path. After listening to this course, you will be well prepared for the written Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination. Additionally, you will have a thorough understanding of the steps you need to take as you begin your practice and career as a massage therapist.

A licensed massage therapist uses the power of touch to treat clients by manipulating muscles and other tissues in the body. This treatment can relieve pain, help to heal injuries, improve circulation, increase relaxation, and improve the general wellbeing of individuals. Therefore, a thorough knowledge of the body is required to effectively treat the ailments of clients. I will discuss this in more detail throughout my lectures.

Even before treating an individual with touch, a licensed massage therapist is responsible for consulting with clients to determine or develop a treatment regimen that works for them. During this process of treatment development and through the actual physical treatment, therapists must always put the client’s needs first. The goal of increasing patients’ wellbeing must be at the forefront of any treatment.

In order to begin consulting and treating individuals, you must have a license. That means that any individual wanting to become a professional massage therapist must first pass the licensing examination.

The MBLEx exam assesses your knowledge of human anatomy and the guidelines of professional massage therapy practice. The test requires you to demonstrate that you possess that knowledge. The MBLEx certification exam is a two hour computer based