Certification and licensure for massage therapists in the U.S.

View Schools that offer Massage Therapy Courses.

At present 42 states regulate massage therapy. As well as state regulations many towns and cities have their own rules as well. The therapist must then meet both local and state law if necessary. In order to practice as a massage therapist in one of these states you will have to meet the qualifications required for certification or licensure.

Certification is gained by attending massage school or college and attaining their qualification. This will normally entail several hundred hours of work, study, and hands-on massage practice. A standard minimum is six hundred hours with some states requiring a minimum of one thousand hours.

The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork operates two exams which therapists can sit. These are the preferred exams of most states. They are multiple choice and contain questions on anatomy and physiology, pathology, body systems, massage assessment, and professional ethics and business practice. State boards list which exam they require to practice in their state. The therapist has to have sat and passed the certificate before they can be awarded a license to practice in that state. Some states run their own examination and also require ongoing development and training in order for the therapist to retain their license. In all cases there will be a minimum number of hours of experience expected too.

The Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards operates a licensure program which is accepted by several states. Its examination is called the MBLEx and is accepted by several states as a qualification towards licensure.

Of the states which do not currently regulate massage therapy, some contain towns and cities which do have regulatory laws.

In the states which do regulate massage therapy you will need to obtain a license in order to be able to call yourself a masseur/masseuse or massage therapist. There are some basic requirements needed such as that you must be 18 years old or over, be of good moral character, meet educational and certification requirements, meet experience requirements, and be a US citizen. Individual states may have additional requirements; for example, New York asks for a recent certificate in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

The American Massage Therapy Association maintains an up-to-date listing of all the states and their requirements, including contact details, cost, and the number of hours required. It also lists which examination is acceptable and how many hours of continuing practice is required and how frequently, for example, annually.

Although it may appear to be complicated, following the contact details on the AMTA website can help you to navigate through the maze of state regulation.

Schools that offer Massage Therapy Courses

Trillium College

Diploma.
Massage Therapy.
Ontario.

Blue Cliff College

Our Massage Therapy Diploma will give you the background in anatomy and psychophysiology that will allow you to receive enhanced training in more specific techniques. Students will learn, via hands on training, techniques such as Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue, Neuromuscular Therapy, Sports Massage, Basic Shiatsu, and Supervised Clinical Practice. Students gain the skills needed for an entry level position through the diploma program.

The training in the diploma program is extended by the Associate in Occupational Studies Degree in Massage Therapy. The associate degree program offers courses that will expand the scope of the massage technique training offered, and its courses in general education give the graduate the foundation to become a well rounded massage therapist that can handle the management and communication aspects of business.

Diploma, Associate.
Massage Therapy.
Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas.

Keystone Technical Institute

Associate, Diploma.
Professional Massage Therapy Specialist, Professional Massage Therapist.
Pennsylvania.

Pittsburgh Technical Institute

Therapeutic Massage is a combination of science and art. This includes the science of the human anatomy and physiology, as well as the technique of professional touch. The art of professional touch that involves stroking, percussion and other techniques requires a holistic and comprehensive understanding of the human body.

Certificate.
Therapeutic Massage.
Pennsylvania.

Tri-State Business Institute

Therapeutic Massage Career

The program at Tri-State Business Institute offers a wide variety of techniques, both basic and specialty. These include client draping, product knowledge, and how to set up a professional message room. Students will be trained in all aspects of a career in Therapeutic Massage. Conducting proper client consolidation, safety, sanitation, and ethics are also taught to the student.

Associate.
Therapeutic Massage.
Pennsylvania.