Certified vs Licensed Massage therapist?

[Abbita]

Ok so im thinking about taking an 8 month massage therapy course at a local career college (I live in FL). From what i understand, this school provides its students with certificates. Im not planning on making this my career, i just thought it would be a good idea to have a skill like this on the side while i get through college. But even though this is a side thing, i still want to be able to find a good job....its a pretty big investment of time and money to get through this program and i will be making a lot of sacrifices trying to balance regular college, massage therapy training and a job.

So my question is: Is there a real difference between the two? Is a certified MT less likely to be hired than a licensed MT? Can i go through this course and be able to do well on the exam that will allow me to practice massage therapy? Or does none of this matter as long as I pass the exam and by doing so i am automatically licensed??

basically i need someone to explain this whole "certified vs licensed" thing to me.....THANKS I'd greatly appreciate any help or advice i can get

 

[dcslmt]

Certification just means you've graduated from the program. You then apply for a license. So, a CMT cannot legally practice massage therapy for a fee. Once you get your certificate, you can take the exam to become an LMT. Only then will you be able to be employed as a massage therapist, or legally charge people for your massage services.