Pennsylvania Massage Therapy Insurance
How Much Does Massage Liability Insurance Cost in Pennsylvania?
1 year full-time Professional Rate
$
169
/1yr
Cost to you: $0.46/day
2 year full-time
professional rate
$
289
/2yr
Cost to you: $0.39/day
1 year part-time
professional rate
$
149
/1yr
Cost to you: $0.41/day
Pennsylvania Massage Liability Insurance Guidelines
When people think of "malpractice insurance" in healthcare, doctors often come to mind. However, this protective measure isn't just for physicians. Massage therapists, with the intimate nature of their profession, are also at risk of potential legal claims from clients. While massage therapy might seem like a low-risk profession, it's impossible to anticipate every client's reaction. In our current society, where legal actions are becoming more common, having insurance as a protective measure is vital.
In Pennsylvania, the State Board of Massage Therapy has outlined specific criteria for those aspiring to become licensed massage therapists. These standards ensure that practitioners are proficient and adhere to the highest ethical practices. To be eligible for a license in Pennsylvania, candidates must:
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Complete a minimum of 600 classroom hours at a recognized Massage Therapy School. If studied outside Pennsylvania, validation through NCBTMB or proof of licensure by the respective state is mandatory. A transcript copy is essential.
- If the transcript falls short of the 600-hour requirement, up to 150 Continuing Education Hours might be considered to bridge the gap, but this requires prior consent from the Board's Executive Director.
- Successfully passed the MBLEx exam. Proof of exam results is a must. The fee for the MBLEx exam is $195.
Pennsylvania also emphasizes the significance of liability insurance for massage therapists. While not mandatory, having Personal Liability Coverage, with a coverage limit of $2,000,000, acts as a protective shield. This insurance protects therapists from potential financial setbacks if their services lead to harm or unforeseen mishaps.
Continuous learning is the cornerstone of a proficient massage therapist. In Pennsylvania, a massage therapist should:
- Undergo at least three hours of training in recognizing and reporting child abuse, approved by the Department of Human Services (DHS).
- Renew their license every two years, with a fee of $175. Additionally, therapists must acquire 24 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every two years, including CPR Certification, to remain abreast of evolving practices and methodologies.
Once all educational, examination, and documentation prerequisites are met, applicants can forward their credentials to the Pennsylvania State Board of Massage Therapy. The application should comprise a photograph, evidence of massage school completion, proof of passing the MBLEx, and the application fee. Upon verification and approval, Pennsylvania will grant the massage therapist's license.
Becoming a licensed massage therapist in Pennsylvania is a mark of dedication and professionalism. It shows that the state ensures its therapists are skilled, trustworthy, and well-protected. Therapists and clients can feel safe and confident with the suggested massage liability insurance in Pennsylvania. After all, a licensed and insured therapist means peace of mind for everyone involved.
How much does it cost to become a massage therapist in Pennsylvania?
Becoming a massage therapist in Pennsylvania is an exciting journey, and while the costs can vary, it's an investment in a rewarding career. Let's break down some of the potential expenses:
Schooling and Training:
- Pittsburgh School of Massage Therapy: While the average cost hovers around $10,000, prices can range anywhere from a mere $695 to a more premium $19,000.
- HACC: With a tuition fee of $12,800, HACC ensures that most essentials are covered. This fee includes your supplies, though you'll need to budget a bit extra for textbooks. If you're a student at HACC, there's a possibility of availing financial aid, Stafford loans, Pell grants, and even HACC-specific scholarships.
Licensing and Certification:
- Pennsylvania State Board of Massage Therapy: Ready to make it official? The application for licensure will set you back $100. If you're looking for a temporary practice permit, that's an additional $65. Need to verify your licensure or get a letter of good standing? That's a modest $15.
- Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) Registration: Before you can practice, you'll need to register with the FSMTB. There's a registration fee of $195. The good news? While you'll need to confirm you've received the right training, you won't have to fuss with sending in transcripts.
- MBLEx Examination: Recognized by the FSMTB, the MBLEx exam is a crucial step for aspiring therapists. The fee for this exam aligns with the FSMTB registration at $195.
While these costs might seem daunting at first glance, remember that you're investing in a profession that not only offers personal satisfaction but also brings comfort and relief to others. Pennsylvania offers a plethora of options, ensuring every aspiring massage therapist finds their perfect fit.
To find out more, check out our blog "How To Become A Massage Therapist"
Pennsylvania Massage Therapy Resources
The following are state resources, including some Pennsylvania employment statistics, to help you determine if being a massage therapist is right for you:
Pennsylvania massage employment statistics as of September 11, 2023: $36.41/hour.
Source: Indeed.com
Education Requirements: You must complete 600 hours of in-class instruction at a board-approved school. The instruction must include at least 175 hours of anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and pathology and at least 250 hours of massage therapy assessment, theory, and practice. Source: 49 Pa. Code Chapter 20. State Board Of Massage Therapy.
Continuing Education Requirements: Massage therapists in Pennsylvania must complete 24 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years to renew their license. The renewal period runs from February 1 of an odd year to January 31 of the next odd year. 49 Pa. Code § 20.32. Continuing education hours, maintenance of certificates of completion.
For additional information about massage therapy in Pennsylvania, follow these links:
State massage information: Massage Therapist Licensure Requirements Snapshot.
State employment stats: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_pa.htm
Everything You Need to Know About Renewals in Pennsylvania
If you're gearing up to renew your massage therapist license online, here's a checklist to ensure you're prepared to renew your license in Pennsylvania:
Renewal Fee:
- Renewal fee from February 1, 2021, to January 31, 2023: $150.
- The renewal fee from February 1, 2023, to January 31, 2025, and for every two years after that, is $175.
Expiration of license:
Licenses will end on January 31 of every odd year starting from 2013, no matter when they were issued. Starting from 2012, October 31 of even year marks the beginning of a 2-year renewal period.
Restrictions on Practice:
If a therapist's license isn't renewed by the end of January of the renewal year, they can't practice massage therapy in this state.
Steps for Renewal:
To renew a license, one must:
- Complete the renewal process online or use the Board's form.
- Pay the renewal fee.
- Show a current CPR certification.
- Provide evidence of 24 hours of approved continuing education.
- Confirm understanding and agreement to follow the act and its chapters.
Mandatory Reporting:
- If a therapist gets licensed in another place, they must inform the Board within 90 days or during biennial renewal.
- Any disciplinary actions in other places must be reported within 90 days or at renewal.
- Any criminal charges or related legal actions should be reported within 30 days or at renewal.
- After renewal, therapists will get an updated license and a card showing the next expiry date. Those renewing online can print a temporary license until the official one arrives.
- To make a license inactive, notify the Board online or send a notarized letter. Return all license documents to the Board. To practice again, the license must be reactivated and renewed.
To reactivate a license that's inactive or expired (within 5 years of expiry), one must:
- Apply to the Board.
- Pay the current renewal fee.
- Show proof of required continuing education from the last renewal period.
- Provide a current CPR certificate.
- Swear an oath of not practicing in this state during the inactive period.
Additional Fees:
Therapists who practice with an inactive or expired license must pay late fees upon renewal.
Possible Disciplinary Actions:
Practicing with an inactive or expired license can lead to disciplinary actions by the Board.
Proving Competence After 5 Years:
If a license has been inactive or expired for over 5 years, to renew, one must show they've been practicing elsewhere for the past 5 years or pass a state-approved licensure exam.
Three Policy Options to Choose From For Pennsylvania Massage Insurance
1 year full-time Professional Rate
$
169
/1yr
Cost to you: $0.46/day
2 year full-time
professional rate
$
289
/2yr
Cost to you: $0.39/day
1 year part-time
professional rate
$
149
/1yr
Cost to you: $0.41/day
Who Is Massage Magazine Insurance Plus?
With a rich history of 38 years in the industry, MASSAGE Magazine created Massage Magazine Insurance Plus as a comprehensive national liability insurance policy for professionals in the fields of health, wellness, and beauty.
Now supported by Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. and Arch Insurance, our members can benefit from enhanced insurance coverage that is both reliable and backed by esteemed partners. Despite these advancements, our dedicated team at MASSAGE Magazine, serving the massage and bodywork industry since 1985, continues to operate the program.
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