How to Get Dual Licensed as a Massage Therapist and Esthetician

Today’s beauty industry moves super fast, so it’s hard to keep up and eventually stand out. But here’s the thing: if you get licensed as both a massage therapist and an esthetician, you’ll have a major edge. You’ll be able to go from giving a deep tissue massage to offering high-end skincare treatments without skipping a beat. Having both skills under your belt makes you way more attractive to potential employers and boosts your clients’ experience big time. They’ll be super happy and more likely to come back and tell their friends about you.

You get to offer two services at once, which means clients get everything they need in one place. They love that they don’t have to go to different people for massage therapy and esthetician services. If they’re feeling stressed or need a facial, you can do both in one session – saving them time and giving them a complete care experience. People really want this kind of holistic approach, and with two licenses, you’re all set to give it to them.

Plus, getting a dual license is a smart financial move. Offering both massage and skincare makes your practice more valuable and increases your earning potential. With more clients and a wider range of services, your income will naturally grow. As you build a reputation for excellence in both areas, you’ll be able to charge higher rates and see your earnings soar. Ready to get started? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get dual licensed and take your career to the next level.

Why Dual Licensing Is Worth It

The beauty industry is always changing, and getting dual licenses can unlock tons of career options. Massage therapy and esthetician services are very much in demand. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment in the massage therapy field will grow by 21% between 2021 and 2031, with a median annual salary of $55,310. For estheticians, the projected growth is 17% over the same period, with a median annual wage of $43,200. This growth rate is significantly faster than the average for all occupations, making now the perfect time to consider obtaining a dual license.

Say you have a client who comes in for massage services to ease their back pain, but they also want help with their skincare. As a dual licensed pro, you can switch from massage mode to skincare guru in no time. You’ll give them a facial or a chemical peel on the same visit. It’s a win-win – the client loves it, and they’re more likely to come back and refer friends.

Being a dual-licensed professional doesn’t just mean you can charge for more services. It also means you’ll attract more clients since you’re able to offer multiple services. Someone might come in for a massage but then stick around for skincare treatments, or vice versa. That’s like a dream come true for your business. Whether you work at a spa, run your own show, or offer mobile services, having that dual license is like having a golden ticket to career success and financial freedom.

Understanding the Pathways to Dual Licenses

So, you want to be both a massage therapist and an esthetician? That’s awesome! It takes a lot of hard work and planning, but it’s worth it. First, let’s talk about massage therapy. Most states require you to finish a certain number of hours in massage school, where you’ll learn different massage techniques like deep tissue and Swedish massage. This training gives you the skills you need and gets you ready to pass the licensing exam.

To become an esthetician, you usually need to finish a program at a cosmetology school. There, you’ll learn about skincare, chemical peels, and other beauty-related services. The number of training hours varies by state, but you’ll still need to pass a licensing exam to work legally. 

To be successful in either field, you need to finish your education with a solid foundation of knowledge and hands-on practice. This way, you can offer both massage and skincare services to your clients.

You can start with either massage therapy or esthetics – it’s up to you. If you love bodywork and already have a high school diploma, maybe start with massage therapy. Then, you can add esthetician services later and offer more to your clients. On the other hand, if skincare is your thing, get your esthetician license first and add massage therapy later. It’s all about what you’re passionate about and what you want to achieve in your career.

The Process of Dual Licensing

Get dual licensed and unlock your full potential! It’s not just about finishing training hours and passing exams. You need to think about your education and professional growth. Some cosmetology schools have combined programs that let you work on both licenses at the same time, saving you time and money. For instance, the Aveda Institute has great programs that cover both massage and skincare, making it easier to meet the dual licensure requirements.

To stay on top of your dual licenses, continuing education is a must. Massage therapy and esthetics are always changing, so you need to keep your skills sharp and up-to-date. Most states require a certain number of continuing education hours each year to renew your licenses. This way, you can keep offering top-notch services, whether it’s a deep tissue massage or a chemical peel. 

Having two licenses doesn’t just help you grow professionally – it also makes you more valuable to your clients. By offering services like massage and skin care, you can create custom wellness plans that meet their specific needs. For example, a client getting ready for a special event might book you for both a Swedish massage to relax and a facial to make their skin look amazing. Being able to meet multiple needs in one appointment is a huge advantage in today’s beauty market.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Dual Licensed

Step 1: Research State Requirements

• Know the requirements: Each state has its own licensing requirements for both massage therapy and esthetics. Research what your state requires to make sure you meet all criteria, including training hours and exams.
• Check resources: Visit your state’s Board of Massage Therapy and Board of Cosmetology websites. You can also use resources like the Beauty Insurance Plus state requirements page for estheticians to get an overview—or the Massage Magazine Insurance Plus state requirements page for massage therapists.

Step 2: Obtain a High School Diploma or Equivalent

• Educational prerequisite: Most states require you to have a high school diploma or GED before enrolling in any massage therapy or esthetics program.
• Prepare for enrollment: Gather your high school transcripts or GED certification. They might be required when applying to massage and cosmetology schools.

Step 3: Choose Your Starting Point

• Decide where to start: Depending on your career goals, decide whether to start with massage therapy or esthetics. If you’re more interested in bodywork, start with massage therapy. If skincare is your passion, an esthetician license might be the better choice.
• Consider dual programs: Some schools offer programs that let you pursue both licenses simultaneously, saving time and money, as the Aveda Institute mentioned earlier.

Step 4: Enroll in a Massage Therapy Program

• Select an accredited school: Choose a massage school accredited and recognized by your state’s licensing board. The program should cover essential massage modalities like deep tissue and Swedish massage.
• Complete required hours: Most states require 500 to 1,000 training hours, depending on the state.
• Gain hands-on experience: Practice different massage techniques under supervision during your training, preparing you for real-world scenarios.

Step 5: Pass the Licensing Exam for Massage Therapy

• Prepare for the exam: After completing your training, pass a board-approved licensing exam, such as the MBLEx (Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination).
• Apply for your license: After passing the exam, submit your application to your state’s board of massage therapy to get your license.

Step 6: Enroll in an Esthetics Program

• Choose an accredited school: For example, for massage therapy, make sure the cosmetology school you choose is accredited and meets state requirements for esthetics training.
• Complete training hours: Most states require 600 to 1,200 hours of esthetics training, depending on the state. The curriculum will cover skincare treatments, facials, chemical peels, makeup applications, and other beauty services.
• Gain hands-on practice: Perform skincare treatments on clients under supervision to gain practical experience.

Step 7: Pass the Esthetician Licensing Exam

• Study and prepare: After completing your esthetics program, the National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) offers both a written and practical exam that many states use as their licensing exam.
• Apply for your license: Once you pass the exam, submit your application to your state’s board of cosmetology to get your esthetician license.

Step 8: Complete Continuing Education (If Required)

• Stay current: Many states require licensed professionals to complete continuing education (CE) courses to maintain their licenses. This applies to both massage therapists and estheticians.
• Plan your CE: Research approved CE courses that align with your interests and career goals, like advanced massage techniques or new skincare technologies.

Building a Dual Licensed Career

So you’ve got both massage and skincare licenses – the sky’s the limit! By offering both services, you’ll attract a much more diverse client base and more lucrative career opportunities. Clients love that they can get multiple services from one expert, which means they’ll stick around and refer friends.

Let’s say a spa offers both massage therapy and esthetician services. A client comes in for a deep tissue massage to ease muscle tension and then decides to book a facial or chemical peel on the spot. That’s a win-win: clients get a better experience, and the spa rakes in more cash. As a dual-licensed pro, you’ll have way more opportunities in the beauty industry, whether you work at a high-end spa or start your own thing. By marketing yourself as a whiz who offers both services, you’ll stand out and attract clients who want top-notch care.

Plus, having both licenses lets you create custom treatment packages that appeal to all sorts of clients. You could put together a “Total Wellness Package” that includes a deep tissue massage, skincare treatments, and personalized product recs. That kind of package is a win-win: clients get more value, and you make more money by encouraging them to book additional services upfront.

Conclusion: Take the Next Step in Your Career

Becoming a massage therapist and esthetician is a great way to take your career to the next level, boost your skills, and earn more money. As you start offering more services and getting more clients, you need to make sure you’re protected with good insurance. Massage Magazine Insurance Plus has got you covered with insurance plans that work for both massage therapy and esthetician services, so you can focus on growing your business without worrying.

Ready to take the next step? Secure your dual license and make sure you have the right protection in place. Explore the comprehensive insurance plans available through Massage Magazine Insurance Plus and set your career on the path to success.