In the United States of America, massage therapists are licensed in 43 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. As a matter of fact, you would need a license in each state in which a massage therapist practices and must be renewed on a regular basis, with a majority of states requiring continuing education as a requirement for renewal. As of 2014, the states of Kansas, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Vermont and Wyoming do not require massage therapists to be licensed or certified.
Alaska did not require massage therapists to be licensed in 2014, but a legislation was passed that will require massage practitioners to be licensed as of July 15, 2015. Please note that as a massage therapist, you must practice within the scope of practice defined by these state licensure laws (massage therapy practice acts in most cases). The practice acts, rules and regulations, comprise the law governing massage therapy practice within a state.
Basic Requirements
The basic requirements for securing a massage therapy license are generally education and examination. We are not ruling out the fact that other states may decide to come up with their own unique requirements aside from the standard requirements.
1. Documenting Education
Massage therapy education may be documented in multiple ways. Most states require official transcripts from the massage therapy school or program. Some have an educational verification form that must be completed by a representative of the school. This form may take the place of transcripts or may be in addition.
Many states also require you to document high school graduation or equivalency. You may need to secure a transcript or diploma from your high school. In order to become a licensed massage therapist in the united states, you are expected to;
2. Examination Requirements
Most states require a licensing examination, though there are some exceptions. Some states also require a jurisprudence exam. This tests your knowledge of massage-related laws, rules, and ethics.
3. Subject to Background Screening
- Your board may require you to have a fingerprint-based background check.
- Other states may carry out a name-based background check. Virtually all applications include questions about criminal history.
- A few jurisdictions seek references from all applicants.
4. Meet Further Requirements
Some states require you to take out a liability insurance policy. You will need to make sure your policy complies with board rule. There is typically a minimum coverage amount. Some states require you to show evidence of current CPR certification. The application packet may include links to approved providers.
Lastly, in order to get a license to practice massage therapy in the United States, you must earn a passing grade on the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx). As a matter of fact, this test is now the sole licensing exam for the profession in the United States of America.
Please be informed that almost all the states have a similar process for applying for state licensure, and this are the basic requirements;
- Prospective massage therapists must apply for federal background checks. They may apply through the state bureau of investigation or a local police department. Results are to be sent directly to the licensing agency.
- Achieve minimum licensure requirements
- Achieve required education/experience for licensure
- Complete fingerprinting process for background investigation
- Complete license application and provide necessary documentation
- Pass state examination
- Maintain state licensure through continuing education and license renewal
- Applicants also need three reference letters; they are to affirm moral character.
- Transcripts are to be sent straight from the massage school.
- The prospective massage therapist will need proof of CPR and first aid training.
- Legal residency must be documented. An applicant who was born in the United States may include a notarized copy of a birth certificate.
- The applicant will need to attach a two by two photograph to the application form and have the accompanying affidavit notarized.
- Applicants who have criminal or disciplinary histories will need to provide details.
- There is a $65 application fee. The application fee covers the cost of licensure up until the next annual renewal date. It is, however, nonrenewable even in cases where licensure is denied.
- Application materials are to be sent to the Board of Massage Therapy in Providence.
- Prospective massage therapists are required to pursue CPR certification. The American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, and the National Safety Council are among the potential providers. Other courses may be accepted following review
- Transcripts are to be sent straight to the licensing agency by the issuing institution.
- Score reports are also to come directly from the FSMTB or NCBTMB. The Division notes that applicants who need score reports from the NCBTMB can log onto their Career Management System profiles.
- The applicant may photocopy the front and back of his or her CPR certification.
- Applicants pay a nonrefundable $126 fee at either the technician or therapist level. The processing fee for temporary technician certification is $55.
- A Certified Massage Technician with active credentialing pays $55 to upgrade.
- Any applicant who has ever held massage credentialing in a U.S. jurisdiction will need to secure a letter of good standing.
- Out-of-state applicants must file for initial application unless they have been licensed and in continuous practice for at least two years. If they hold current licensing and have met the practice requirement, they can apply by reciprocity. The same application is used. However, the massage therapist will follow a different set of instructions. The reciprocity candidate does not have to submit transcripts documenting completion of Delaware’s required coursework. CPR certification must still be documented.
General Requirements and Procedure for Applying and Getting a Massage Therapy License in USA
1. Alabama
Alabama’s massage therapists are licensed by the Alabama Board of Massage Therapy. In order to qualify for licensure, the applicant must be at least eighteen and have an acceptable background. Additionally, he or she must complete a qualifying educational program, pass a national examination, and take out a liability insurance policy and put in 500 hours, NCETMB or MBLEx and CPR
Once you have completed the applications, you can forward your applications, application fees and supporting documents to;
Board of Massage Therapy
610 S. McDonough St.
Montgomery, AL 36104
Tel: 334-269-9990
Fax: 334-263-6115
Email: ALMTBD@aol.com
2. Arkansas
Arkansas happens to be one of states that has additional requirements for those who are interested in becoming licensed massage therapists. In addition to the basic requirements as listed above in order to qualify for a massage therapy license in Arkansas;
You must put in 650 hours and NCETMB. Once you have completed the applications, you can forward your applications, application fees and supporting documents to;
Arkansas Department of Health
4815 W. Markham Street, Slot #8
Little Rock, AR 72205
Tel: 501-683-1448
Email: adh.massage@arkansas.gov
3. Alaska
Alaska happens to be one of states that has additional requirements for those who are interested in becoming a licensed massage therapist. In addition to the basic requirements as listed above, in order to qualify for a massage therapy license in Alaska;
You must put in 500 hours and MBLEx or NCETMB. Once you have completed the applications, you can forward your applications, application fees and supporting documents to;
Alaska Board of Massage Therapists
Contact: Karen Hudson, Licensing Examiner
Phone: (907) 465-2691
Fax: (907) 465-2974
E-mail: karen.hudson@alaska.gov
Juneau address and phone:
PO Box 110806
Juneau, AK 99811-0806
Phone: (907) 465-2550
Fax: (907) 465-2974
Anchorage address and phone:
550 West Seventh Ave.
Suite 1500
Anchorage, AK 99501-3567
Phone: (907) 269-8160
Fax: (907) 269-8150
4. Washington
If you are interested in obtaining a massage therapy license in Washington having met the basic requirements, you can forward your applications, application fees and supporting documents to;
Department of Health
Massage Program
PO Box 47865
Olympia, WA 98504-7868
Tel: 360-236-4700
Fax: 360-236-4818
Email: hpqa.csc@doh.wa.gov
5. California
California is one of the states that have additional requirements for those who are interested in becoming a licensed massage therapist. In addition to the basic requirements as listed above in order to qualify for a massage therapy license in California;
- You must have completed 250 hours at an approved massage school. Requirement 2. You have a previous valid permit or license from a California city or county, 100 hours of education, and three years in practice with at least 1,000 hours of massage work.
- Put in 500 hours and MBLEx or NCETMB
Once you have completed the applications, you can forward your applications, application fees and supporting documents to;
California Massage Therapy Council
One Capitol Mall, Suite 320
Sacramento, CA 95814
Tel: 916-669-5336
Fax: 916-444-7462
Please note that you are expected to renew your license after every 2 years.
6. Nevada
Nevada is one of the states that has additional requirements for those who are interested in becoming a licensed massage therapist. In addition to the basic requirements as listed above in order to qualify for a massage therapy license in Nevada;
You must put in 500 hours and MBLEx or NCBTMB Once you have completed the applications, you can forward your applications, application fees and supporting documents to;
Nevada Board of Massage Therapy
1755 E. Plumb Lane
Suite 252
Reno, NV 89502
Tel: 775-688-1888
E-mail: nvmassagebd@state.nv.us
Please note that you are expected to renew your license after every 2 years.
7. Arizona
If you are interested in obtaining a massage therapy license in Arizona or Licensed Massage Therapist having met the basic requirements, you can forward your applications, application fees and supporting documents to
Board of Massage Therapy
1400 West Washington, #230
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Tel: 602-542-8604
Fax: 602-542-8804
Email: info@massageboard.az.gov
Please note that you are expected to renew your license after every year.
8. Oregon
Oregon is one of the states that has additional requirements for those who are interested in becoming a licensed massage therapist. In addition to the basic requirements as listed above in order to qualify for a massage therapy license in Oregon;
You must put in 700 hours & NCETMB or MBLEx (unless grad. from AZ USDE accredited school) Once you have completed the applications, you can forward your applications, application fees and supporting documents to;
Oregon Board of Massage Therapists
748 Hawthorne Ave NE
Salem, OR 97301
Tel: 503-365-8657
Fax: 503-385-4465
Please note that you are expected to renew your license after every 2 years.
9. Texas
Texas is one of the states that has additional requirements for those who are interested in becoming a licensed massage therapist. In addition to the basic requirements as listed above in order to qualify for a massage therapy license in Texas;
You must put in 625 hours, and MBLEx or NCETMB. Once you have completed the applications, you can forward your applications, application fees and supporting documents to;
Massage Therapy Advisory Board
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
PO Box 12057
Austin, Texas 78711
Tel: 512-463-6599
Fax: 512-463-9468
Email: CS.MassageTherapy@tdlr.texas.gov
Please note that you are expected to renew your license after every 2 years.
10. New York
For those who are interested in becoming a licensed massage therapist or Licensed Massage Therapist as it is called in New York, aside from the basic requirements, you are expected to; Put in 500 hours and MBLEx or NCETMB. Once you have completed the applications, you can forward your applications, application fees and supporting documents to;
State Board of Massage Therapy
89 Washington Ave
Second Floor
Albany, NY 12234
Tel: 518-474-3817 ext. 410
Note: Massage category is #27.
Email: opunit3@mail.nysed.gov
Please note that you are expected to renew your license after every 2 years.
11. North Carolina
For those who are interested in becoming a licensed massage therapist or Licensed Massage Therapist as it is called in North Carolina, aside from the basic requirements, you are expected to;
Put in 1000 hours and state exam. Please be informed that renewal of the license begins from Jan 1, 2012 – 36 hours/3 years. Up to 36 hours can be online, and provider should be approved. Once you have completed the applications, you can forward your applications, application fees and supporting documents to;
Board of Massage & Bodywork Therapy
PO Box 2539
Raleigh, NC 27602
Phone: 919-546-0050
Fax: 919-833-1059
Email: admin@bmbt.org
12. District of Columbia
District of Columbia is one of the states that has additional requirements for those who are interested in becoming a licensed massage therapist in the state or Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist as it is called in the state. In addition to the basic requirements as listed above in order to qualify for a massage therapy license in District of Columbia;
You must put in 500 hours and MBLEx (Max 12 hours online, Max 3 hours of business and Min 3 hours ethics). Once you have completed the applications, you can forward your applications, application fees and supporting documents to;
Department of Health
Health Professional Licensing Administration
Board of Massage Therapy
825 North Capitol Street, NE, 2nd Floor
Washington, DC 20002
Tel: 202-724-4900, 877-672-2174
Please note that you are expected to renew your license after every 2 years.
13. Oklahoma
Oklahoma is one of the states that has additional requirements for those who are interested in becoming a licensed massage therapist in the state. It is important to state that Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering regulates massage therapy.
In addition to the basic requirements as listed above, in order to qualify for a massage therapy license in Oklahoma; You must put in 500 hours and NCETMB or MBLEX. Once you have completed the applications, you can forward your applications, application fees and supporting documents to;
Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering
2401 NW 23rd, Suite 84
Shepherd Mall
Oklahoma City, OK 73107
Phone: 405-521-2441
Fax: 405-521-2440
Please note that you are expected to renew your license after every 2 years.
14. Florida
Florida is yet another state that has additional requirements for those who are interested in becoming a licensed massage therapist in the state or Licensed Massage Therapist, Master Massage Therapist, Instructor as it is called in the state. In addition to the basic requirements as listed above, in order to qualify for a massage therapy license in Florida;
You must put in 500 hours, and MBLEx or NCBTMB. Additional requirements for Master and Instructor. Once you have completed the applications, you can forward your applications, application fees and supporting documents to;
Florida Department of Health
Medical Quality Assurance
Board of Massage Therapy
4052 Bald Cypress Way
Bin #C06
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Tel: 850-245-4161
Fax: 850-921-6184
Email: MQA_MassageTherapy@doh.state.fl.us
Please be informed that renewal of the license begins 18 hours / 2 years
15. Wisconsin
Wisconsin is amongst the states that has additional requirements for those who are interested in becoming a licensed massage therapist in the state. In addition to the basic requirements as listed above in order to qualify for a massage therapy license in Wisconsin;
You must put in 500 hours, and MBLEx or NCBTMB. In order to renew your license, you would need 24 hours / 2 years, Minimum 12 hours hands-on MT techniques, Minimum 2 hours in each subject: medical error prevention, Wisconsin law, and ethics. Once you have completed the application, you can forward your application, application fees and supporting documents to;
Department of Regulation & Licensure
1400 E. Washington Avenue
PO Box 8935
Madison, WI 53708
Tel: 608-266-2112
Fax: 608-267-0644
16. Colorado
Colorado is yet another state that has additional requirements for those who are interested in becoming a licensed massage therapist in the state.
In addition to the basic requirements as listed above, in order to qualify for a massage therapy license in Colorado; You must put in 600 hours, and MBLEx or NCBTMB. Additional requirements for Master and Instructor. Once you have completed the applications, you can forward your applications, application fees and supporting documents to;
1560 Broadway, Ste 1350
Denver, CO 80202
Tel: 303-894-7800
Fax: 303-894-7764
17. Indiana
Indiana happens to be one of states that has additional requirements for those who are interested in becoming a licensed massage therapist in the state.
In addition to the basic requirements as listed above, in order to qualify for a massage therapy license in Indiana; You must put in 500 hours, and MBLEx or NCBTMB and as regards renewal, no CEU req / 2yrs. Once you have completed the applications, you can forward your applications, application fees and supporting documents to;
Professional Licensing Agency
Attn: State Board of Massage Therapy
402 W Washington St, Room W072
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Tel: 317-234-8800
E-mail: pla6@pla.IN.gov
18. Nebraska
Nebraska happens to be one of states that has additional requirements for those who are interested in becoming a licensed massage therapist in the state. In addition to the basic requirements as listed above in order to qualify for a massage therapy license in Nebraska;
You must put in 500 hours, and MBLEx or NCETMB. Once you have completed the applications, you can forward your applications, application fees and supporting documents to;
HHSR&L Credentialing Division
Massage Therapy Board
PO Box 94986
Lincoln, NE 68509-4986
Tel: 402-471-2115
Fax: 402-471-3577
19. Tennessee
Tennessee happens to be one of states that has additional requirements for those who are interested in becoming a licensed massage therapist in the state. In addition to the basic requirements as listed above in order to qualify for a massage therapy license in Tennessee;
You must put in 1000 hours, and MBLEx or NCETMB. Once you have completed the applications, you can forward your applications, application fees and supporting documents to;
Massage Licensure Board
227 French Landing, Suite 300
Nashville, TN 37243
Tel: 615-253-3202, 800-778-4123
Fax: 615-532-5164
20. Michigan
For those who are interested in becoming a licensed massage therapist in Michigan, aside from the basic requirements, you are expected to; Put in 500 hours and MBLEx or NCETMB. Once you have completed the applications, you can forward your applications, application fees and supporting documents to; Michigan Board of Massage Therapy board.
21. Ohio
Ohio happens to be one of states that has additional requirements for those who are interested in becoming a licensed massage therapist in the state. In addition to the basic requirements as listed above, in order to qualify for a massage therapy license in Ohio;
If enrolled prior to 8/1/17, 500 hours and MBLEx, NCETMB, or NCETM. If enrolled after 8/1/17, 625 hours and MBLEx, NCETMB, or NCETM. Once you have completed the applications, you can forward your applications, application fees and supporting documents to;
State Medical Board
Massage Licensing Division
30 East Broad Street, 3rd Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-6127
Tel: 614-466-3934
Fax: 614-728-5946
Please be informed that the requirements for renewal are: Every three years (Oct. 31). 18 hours of CE required each renewal period after 2018 renewal.
22. Kentucky
Kentucky happens to be one of states that has additional requirements for those who are interested in becoming a licensed massage therapist in the state. In addition to the basic requirements as listed above, in order to qualify for a massage therapy license in Kentucky;
You must put in 750 hours with minimum 9 months’ program, and MBLEx. Once you have completed the applications, you can forward your applications, application fees and supporting documents to;
Kentucky Board of Licensure for Massage Therapy
PO Box 1360
Frankfort, KY 40602
Tel: 502-564-3296
Fax: 502-696-1922
E-mail: Jeff.Boler@ky.gov
23. Mississippi
Mississippi is yet another state that has additional requirements for those who are interested in becoming a licensed massage therapist in the state or Licensed Massage Therapist as it is called in the state. In addition to the basic requirements as listed above in order to qualify for a massage therapy license in Mississippi;
You must put in 600 hours, and MBLEx or NCBTMB. Once you have completed the applications, you can forward your applications, application fees and supporting documents to;
State Board of Massage
PO Box 12489
Jackson, MS 39326-2489
Tel: 601-732-6038
Fax: 601-853-0336
Email: director@msbmt.state.ms.us
24. Louisiana
If you are interested in becoming a licensed massage therapist, aside from the basic requirements, you are expected to; Put in 700 in class hours, 100 hours supervised clinic and NCETMB or MBLEx. Once you have completed the applications, you can forward your applications, application fees and supporting documents to;
Louisiana Board of Massage Therapy
12022 Plank Road
Baton Rouge, LA 70811
Tel: 225-771-4090
Fax: 225-771-4021
E-mail: admin@lsbmt.org
Please be informed that for renewal, you would need 24 hours / 2 years, Max 5 hours online, 3 hours MS state law/rules, 3 hours ethics and Current CPR.
25. North Dakota
North Dakota happens to be one of states that has additional requirements for those who are interested in becoming a licensed massage therapist in the state. In addition to the basic requirements as listed above in order to qualify for a massage therapy license in North Dakota;
You must put in 500 hours and MBLEx or NCETMB. Once you have completed the applications, you can forward your applications, application fees and supporting documents to;
State Board of Massage
PO Box 98
Mandan, ND 58554
Contact: Office Manager – Amy Heilman
Tel: 701-667-9378
Email: ah.ndbom@gmail.com
26. South Dakota
If you are interested in becoming a Licensed Massage Therapist in South Dakota, aside from the basic requirements, you are expected to; Put in 750 hours, NCETMB and practical exams. Once you have completed the applications, you can forward your applications, application fees and supporting documents to;
Massage Therapy Board
PO Box 1062
Sioux Falls, SD 57101
Tel: 605-271-7103
Fax: 605-331-2043
E-mail: sdmtb.msp@midconetwork.com
Please be informed that the requirements for renewal is 24 hours/2 year and Max 10 hours online
27. Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is yet another state that has additional requirements for those who are interested in becoming a licensed massage therapist in the state or Licensed Massage Therapist, Master Massage Therapist, Instructor as it is called in the state.
In addition to the basic requirements as listed above, in order to qualify for a massage therapy license in Pennsylvania; You must put in 500 hours, and MBLEx or NCBTMB. Additional requirements for Master and Instructor.
Once you have completed the applications, you can forward your applications, application fees and supporting documents to;
State Board of Massage Therapy
PO Box 2649
Harrisburg, PA 17105-2649
Tel: 717-783-7155
Fax: 717-787-7769
E-mail: RA-Massagetherapy@state.pa.us
The requirements for renewal are 18 hours / 2 years and Max 6 hours online CE
28. Missouri
Missouri happens to be one of states that has additional requirements for those who are interested in becoming a licensed massage therapist in the state. In addition to the basic requirements as listed above, in order to qualify for a massage therapy license in Missouri;
You must put in 600 hours and MBLEx or NCBTMB exam. Once you have completed the applications, you can forward your applications, application fees and supporting documents to;
Division of Professional Registration
Massage Therapy Board
3605 Missouri Blvd.
PO Box 1335
Jefferson City, MO 65102-1335
Tel: 573-522-6277
Fax: 573-751-0735
Please note that the requirement for renewal is 24 hours / 2 years with a minimum of 4 hours ethics and minimum 16 contact.
29. Maine
Maine happens to be one of states that has additional requirements for those who are interested in becoming a licensed massage therapist in the state. In addition to the basic requirements as listed above in order to qualify for a massage therapy license in Maine;
You must be eligible with proof that performed massage therapy prior to July 1, 2015, background check, CPR. Once you have completed the applications, you can forward your applications, application fees and supporting documents to;
Department of Professional & Financial Regulation
Division of Licensing & Enforcement
Massage Therapist
35 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333
Tel: 207-624-8613
Fax: 207-624-8637
30. New Hampshire
New Hampshire is yet another state that has additional requirements for those who are interested in becoming a licensed massage therapist. In addition to the basic requirements as listed above in order to qualify for a massage therapy license in New Hampshire;
You must put in 500 hours, and MBLEx or NCBTMB (passage of exam is an alternative to education). Once you have completed the applications, you can forward your applications, application fees and supporting documents to;
New Hampshire Dept. of Health & Services
Licensing & Regulative Services
129 Pleasant Avenue
Concord, NH 03301
Tel: 603-271-3608
31. Maryland
If you are interested in becoming a Licensed Massage Therapist as it is called in Maryland, aside from the basic requirements, you are expected to; Put in 1000 hours and state exams. Once you have completed the applications, you can forward your applications, application fees and supporting documents to;
Board of Chiropractic and Massage Therapy Examiners
4201 Patterson Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21215-2299
Tel: 410-764-4738
Fax: 410-358-1879
Please be informed that for renewal, the requirement is 36 hours. 3 years up to 36 hours can be online, provider should be NY approved.