Massage therapists generally have two tiers of approval they must seek before they can begin working legally. The first is national certification, a credential acquired by passing one of two exams administered by the National Certification Board of Massage Therapists and Bodyworkers (NCBTMB). The second is a license to practice, which can only be obtained through the State regulatory board in the area the therapist wants to work in. State laws regarding licensing massage therapists vary and the requirements for approval can be different. Always investigate the licensing procedure in the locale where you want to open your business. Some schools design their training programs to meet certain State requirements, which can streamline the process considerably.
National Certification
National certification is not compulsory, but recommended for massage therapists. Certification indicates a standard of education consistent with the values of the NCBTMB. In addition to simply enhancing your resume and legitimizing your training, national certification may be required by certain State regulatory boards in order to apply for a massage therapist license.
NCBTMB offers two exams for national certification. You may choose to take the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB) or the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage (NCETM). Check with your local regulatory board to find out which exam results in the preferred credential for licensing. Both tests are multiple choice and cover material learned in massage therapy programs such as knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathology. The exams also include questions about professional ethics, legal practices, massage application, and assessment. To sit for either exam, the candidate must have completed a minimum of 500 hours of training as a massage therapist at an accredited school.
To remain certified, massage therapists must renew their certification every 4 years. They may keep their certification by retaking the exam or by furnishing proof of 50 hours of continuing education, including a minimum of 2 hours of professional ethics, and 200 hours of massage therapy sessions.
Licensing
Licensing is where the legality of being a practitioner of massage therapy becomes somewhat tricky. Not only do 37 States currently have their own regulations, certain counties and municipalities may also have their own specific laws for massage therapists, such as requiring physical assessment tests and prohibiting house calls. Licenses from one State do not automatically qualify the holder to perform massage in another State, which will have its own individual licensing requirements that must be met. If you choose to start practicing in a place that has both State and local laws, you must fulfill the stipulations of both to be legally allowed to work as a massage therapist. The only way to truly pin down what the requirements are is to locate the State board in charge of licensing massage therapists and get a breakdown of what you will need to begin working.
The following States all recognize the National Certification Exam as the standard credential for a massage therapy license: Alabama, Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
It is possible for a massage therapist to work in all of these States without having to retake the exam or return to school. Certain municipalities may require more education or training for licensing.
Becoming Licensed without Certification
Some massage therapists choose to forgo national certification and obtain a license right away. This is possible in States where therapists are not required to have certification to apply for a license. However, just because national certification is not required, doesn’t mean that the State does not ask for some form of credentials in order to receive a license.
Many states that do not ask for national certification do require that applicants for a license complete a set number of training hours, which can range for 500 to 1,000 in some cases. Regulatory boards might also want applicants to have graduated from a State or COTMA (Commission Massage Therapy Accreditation) approved institution. This is a good option for therapists who have completed a program geared specifically towards a certain State’s licensing requirements.
Becoming Licensed in A New State
Unfortunately, obtaining a license from one State does not entitle the holder to practice massage therapy professionally in another. Though some States have a standardized credential that does transfer, all massage therapists must apply for a new license any time they set up shop in a different State. Any license obtained previously will not be valid in another State.
Massage therapists who move to a new State might be required to return to school for more specific training to receive a license. The law often requires a certain number of hours and courses for licensing, from a Sate-approved school. Most massage therapy schools only offer an entire training program rather than individual courses, making it difficult to cherry-pick prerequisites from the comprehensive classwork. Massage therapists who move to new States often must start their education over again, if they want to apply for a license. Therefore it is advisable to practice massage exclusively in one area, or choose between the States that have transferable credentials.
Ashworth College
Ashworth offers respected, affordable online degree programs and expert guidance to help you meet your goals while balancing work and family. Now you can get the precise training you need to become the professional you’ve always wanted to be. And you can go as far as your education takes you.
National Massage Therapy Institute
Are you seeking a rewarding new profession or just additional income? A part-time or full-time career as a Massage Therapist may be the solution you are looking for and the National Massage Therapy Institute can provide you with the necessary training to become a successful Massage Therapist in just 9 months!
The National Massage Therapy Institute (NMTI) has a singular focus and passion: professional massage therapy training. The school’s Massage Therapy program has been carefully crafted by local industry experts and aims to produce highly qualified massage therapists to meet the industry’s growing demand.
NMTI is proud to be accredited by COMTA (The Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation), an agency listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency and by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). NMTI is also a member of the American Massage Therapy Association and the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals, and certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.
Fremont College
At Fremont College, we have experienced teachers who are the leaders of today, shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
Baltimore School of Massage
Do you want a career that offers the satisfaction of helping people, the ability to earn a good living, and a work environment that is positive and exciting? After as little as seven months at the Baltimore School of Massage York Campus, that career can be yours.
Whether your dream is to work in a medical office, cruise ship, a resort spa, or a day spa or salon close to home, the education you receive at the Baltimore School of Massage York Campus can help get you there.
Globe Education
At Globe University and Minnesota School of Business we prepare students for exciting careers in high-value fields. Imagine getting paid for what you love doing. It all starts with career-based training at any one of our Globe University or Minnesota School of Business campuses. We offer master’s, bachelor’s and associate degrees, diplomas and certificates. Our graduates are prepared for careers in business, health science, technology, legal science and creative media.
Here you will find a dynamic learning environment, with hands-on training that gives you the experience you need to succeed in the real world. We’re committed to helping you succeed, not only in your training, but in your chosen career.
Cortiva Institute - Schools of Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is growing by leaps and bounds and has become a well respected health care profession, yet it remains under recognized for what it has to offer you as a career path. If you’re looking for a vocation that provides a true connection to people, diversity, autonomy, fulfillment, and possibilities, massage therapy may well be the career you’ve been searching for.
Bryan College
As a leading source of Health & Wellness training for the Northern California area, Bryan College prides itself on being an elite school for career-minded individuals who are committed to their training and future careers. Our goal is to graduate students who have received an excellent education, and who are inspired and confident to step into their new careers as Massage Therapists, Personal Trainers, and Wellness Consultants.
Denver School of Massage Therapy
The Denver School of Massage Therapy (DSMT) trains students for the numerous massage job opportunities in spas, medical settings, cruise ships, or private practices. For over 20 years, the Denver School of Massage Therapy has provided professional massage therapy training programs. DSMT has two campus locations in Westminster and Aurora, Colorado. DSMT has high standards for their programs, and is committed to the highest standards of bodywork education. The Denver School of Massage Therapy is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET).
Texas Center for Massage Therapy
Do you want a career that offers the satisfaction of helping people and a work environment that is positive and exciting? With the education you will receive at the Texas Center for Massage Therapy, that career can be yours.
Massage therapy is a flexible and rewarding career in which you not only take care of others – you also take care of yourself! You can work in a resort spa, cruise ship, medical office, sports clinic, destination spa, or a day spa close to home. You can even start your own private practice!
Virginia School of Massage
We have been providing high-quality education to the Charlottesville community for more than 18 years. The training you will receive at the Virginia School of Massage will prepare you for fulfilling and financially-rewarding careers that you will love … as a massage therapist or esthetician.
Whether your dream is to work in a medical office, cruise ship, a resort spa, or a day spa or salon close to home, the education you receive at the Virginia School of Massage can help get you there. You can even start your own private practice!