Meet Massage Therapy Requirements And Start Your Career

Massage therapy is quickly ballooning into a high demand career field. Because of this, one of the most important steps in learning how to become a massage therapist is to be aware of your states massage therapy requirements. State prerequisites are basically the same at the core and differ in such areas as classroom time, hands-on training, and licensing fees.

After you have finished your stated massage training, you will then be able to obtain a massage therapist license. Depending on the state, city or jurisdiction in which you live, your massage therapy licensing requirements will vary. 

Massage License Requirements Differ By State

As of 2007, 38 out of the 50 states (including the District of Columbia) have laws in place that regulate the industry of massage therapy. In addition, many states have further massage therapy requirements, including the number of hours of continuing education you receive massage therapy degrees. This is to keep you up to date on your skills and refreshing your knowledge.

National certification is likely required if you live in a state that regulates massage therapy. If you live in a state that requires licensing for massage therapists, then you will need to take the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB) and/or the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage (NCETM). You will first need to complete your mandated hours at an accredited or approved school before you can take these certification tests. 

Know Your State's Regulations

Massage therapy requirements can include a state administered examination. Many states are now recognizing a licensure program from the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards. It is important to first check with your state regarding their state exam regulations as some states do not recognize this state exam.

If you reside in a state that does not have rules and regulations regarding massage therapy certification, then your massage therapy requirements will not be as stringent. The best rule of thumb is to check with your local authority to determine which laws, if any, apply to requirements for massage therapy. In addition, many of the local laws in your area can differ greatly from the state’s laws. If you have any doubts on which stipulations are necessary to begin your career as a massage therapist, check first with the Department of Regulatory Practices of your city or county.

National and state boards will require that you pay fees and show proof of a completed degree or massage therapy program from an approved school to obtain your massage license. The best course of action is to contact the appropriate local agency and ask about their massage requirements. Ask which type of training is necessary regarding their requirements to be a massage therapist and inquire about the fees and exams required to obtain a massage license.  

Meeting massage therapy requirements is the first step in beginning a career as a licensed massage therapist. Plan your route with research and due diligence. Know that the recommended training differs between states and jurisdictions.