Pennsylvania Massage Therapist License Requirements & Resources

Although the state of Pennsylvania does not require professional massage therapists (MTs) to have insurance for practice, they are still advised to have coverage to ensure protection from any unexpected occurrence in the workplace. Pennsylvania only requires professional massage practitioners to pass the Pennsylvania State Board of Massage Therapy in order to practice, provided that they have completed the program for therapeutic massage offered by accredited schools. It is also worth noting that continuing education is a requirement for license renewal, which includes 24 CE hours every 2 years.

Importance of Coverage

Malpractice claims can destroy any professional practice. This is the reason why professionals, not just MTs, choose insurance: to protect them from the financial consequences of these claims. Insurance companies provide coverage to LMTs, so they have the advantage of offering tailored policies to the specific insurance needs of professionals who work in the massage industry, from physical claims to trip & fall, as well as object coverage. Most policies do not limit protection to just physical claims. They also protect the practitioner for claims of stolen goods up to a certain amount.

Aside from financial coverage, massage professionals also become more competitive if they are practicing with a state license and full coverage. Clients typically feel more assured with therapists who have passed state requirements and practice with insurance.

Insurance Coverage Types

Practitioners can choose from various types of coverage, from malpractice coverage to general liability insurance. Professional liability insurance for massage professionals covers claims that can arise out of injuries due to lack of ordinary skill and usually offers a cover of $2 million for each occurrence. General liability insurance covers ordinary accidents in the workplace such as slips, trips, and falls. Product liability insurance is also advised for massage practitioners for any untoward accidents that can arise out of the use of products on clients. Claims for allergic reactions, burns, and product side effects can be covered by this policy. Other types of coverage include rental damage insurance and stolen goods insurance. The former provides coverage for any damage to the workplace in the course of practice, while stolen goods insurance covers the cost of goods owned by clients or the establishment that are stolen in the course of practice.

Insurance for massage offers comprehensive coverage for the professional massage therapist. Although accidents in the workplace are often few when it comes to the practice of massage therapy, there are occurrences that are still beyond the control of professionals and could lead to considerable financial claims. Insurance in these times is crucial to ensure that the therapist is financially protected.

The following are Pennsylvania state resources, including some employment statistics, to help you determine if being a massage therapist is right for you:

Pennsylvania Massage Therapy Resources:

State of Pennsylvania massage employment statistics as of May, 2017:
Licensed Therapists: 3,700
Mean Hourly Wage: $20.29
Annual Mean Wage: $42,210
Source: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_pa.htm

Education Requirements
Required Education Hours: 600 hours
Written or Practical Exam: Written
Exam Administered: MBLEx
CEUs Required: 24 hours every 2 years + CPR Certification
Renewal Fee: $75 every 2 years
Source: https://www.massagetherapylicense.org/state/pennsylvania-massage-license.html

Other Requirements: Liability Insurance
For one low flat fee, massage therapists can receive the quality, comprehensive coverage they deserve, avoiding the costly impact that a lawsuit can bring. Even the most careful massage therapists can make a mistake, or encounter one of those hard-to-please clients that finds fault in a treatment, even if nothing really went wrong.
Required To Have Insurance: NO
Application Process: Online Application for immediate approval.

For additional information about massage therapy in Pennsylvania, follow these links:
State massage association: Pennsylvania State Board of Massage Therapy
State employment stats: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_pa.htm

Compare Pennsylvania’s massage therapist employment statistics to other states:
https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes319011.htm