By Andrea Poteat Salzman, MS, PT Physical therapists and PTAs often work in settings that permit them to observe other allied health care providers. Later articles will address occupational therapists and therapeutic recreation specialists. As state practice acts and other scope of practice documents change frequently, the provider is directed to the individual state codes themselves as the ultimate authority on these matters. Any such additions or corrections are welcomed by the author. Currently, massage professionals do not have a standardized occupational name, definition or description.
Educational programs can be of any length.
To be eligible for recognition, the allied health occupation must have programs already established with enrolled students. 1 Many individual states have defined massage therapy within their statutory codes. Educational and Training Requirements Massage professionals are educated and trained at vastly different levels ranging from home-study courses to accredited programs. 2 Massage schools may be accredited by several different agencies. Each state has different minimum requirements for an individual to qualify as a massage professional.