Massage therapists in California receive voluntary certification through the California Massage Therapy Council. For both those seeking to become Certified Massage Practitioners, as well as, a Certified Massage Therapists, therapists are required to meet a set minimum number of education hours and also pass a written examination. However, it should be noted massage licensing in California is voluntary although each local jurisdiction may carry its own requirements for permitting or business licensing.

California also does not currently require therapists to carry a massage therapist liability insurance policy, but the costs of a claim far outweigh the cost of this vital protection for both practitioner and practice. Massage Magazine Insurance Plus coverage offers protection for the “what-ifs”, in addition to, a host of additional member benefits like exclusive discounts and access to members-only resources.

States have differing levels of reciprocity when it comes to transferring a massage license. Some offer no form of reciprocity while others require additional training or proof that your training matches their own state’s training requirements. No matter where you’re moving, it’s a good idea to review the state board for massage licensure in the state you’re moving to and also to maintain good records of your licensing/training in the state you’re coming from. 

The following are states with some degree of reciprocity: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Washington DC.

The best resource for the specific requirements of the state you are going to practice in is the state’s board for massage therapists. Most board’s websites provide a good rundown of everything that’s entailed for getting your license. If something’s not clear, call or email the board’s office. At the same time you’re considering licensure, you should be looking at options to protect your new practice. Massage Magazine Insurance Plus coverage offers an affordable way to be covered for a potential claim against your business and also provides a ton of resources and additional benefits to help your practice succeed. Compare massage insurance options here.

States vary considerably in their education and certification requirements for massage therapists. Some states do not require a form of licensure altogether while others require as much as 600 hours of education, various certifications, and passing examinations before a license will be issued. In addition, some states require applicants to have a form massage liability insurance before they can practice. While not every state makes this a requirement, it is one of the best investments a therapist can make in their practice.

The relatively small investment in Massage Magazine Insurance Plus coverage provides total protection for both General Liability and Professional Liability claims, up to $2 Million per occurrence. As well, practitioners are provided with the tools and resources to set-up and maintain a successful practice. There are a suite of massage tools and member benefits such as a free professional website, access to exclusive members-only content, and savings programs from the leading companies in massage therapy.

Yes, professional massage liability insurance from Massage Magazine Insurance Plus requires individuals to be licensed or certified in line with any regulations regarding their profession in the states in which they practice. However, if the state in which you practice does not require you to obtain a license in order to practice, then you may still purchase massage insurance. 

Transferring a massage license can be a lengthy endeavor from state-to-state. The board that governs the licensure for the state you’re moving to can have vastly different requirements than your previous state. Most states do a decent job of explaining what transferring your license entails. You may be required to have additional training hours, file new paperwork, and/or pay additional fees to move your license. This process can be lengthy, so the earlier you begin the better. Most states require either an NCETMB or MBLEx test for licensure but some states are specific as to taking one over the other. 

Hawaii, for example, has their own test entirely. Conversely, in California where a license is not required then you may not have to transfer your massage license at all. Local jurisdictions still usually have their own regulations for permits and business licenses though so always be sure to research your new locale before moving your practice. No matter the state you’re practicing in, one of the most vital tools for protecting yourself and your practice is a comprehensive massage liability insurance policy. Learn more about how this small investment provides big benefits for your massage practice.

The Pennsylvania State Board of Massage Therapy regulates how to get a massage license for therapists in the Commonwealth. Massage license applicants must possess a high school diploma or GED, complete an application form, have completed 600 hours of training, and pass a CPR certification course, as well as, the MBLEx exam. In Pennsylvania, licensed massage therapists will then need 24 CEUs every two years to maintain their license.

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation issues licenses for massage therapists in the state. The state requires all applicants to complete a renewal application and submit a $75 fee. In addition, applicants will need to provide proof of satisfying the state’s continuing education requirements. After approval, your massage license in Texas will be good for two years. Some modalities, such as reflexology, don’t require licensure in the state. Be sure to look for your specific modality when seeking initial licensing or a renewal.

Different states have a fairly wide range of licensing requirements and you’ll need to visit your state’s board for a complete listing of all the specifics. Some states don’t define specific modalities as massage therapy so don’t require a license but then may classify a modality as a cosmetic treatment and will require a specific license for that. It’s important to learn the ins and outs of your state before attempting to set-up a practice. While some states require massage therapists to hold liability insurance, not every state does. In any case, the costs of a claim against you or your practice far exceed the cost of a policy. Learn more about Massage Magazine Insurance Plus coverage and the many benefits that come with it.

It all depends on the state you are seeking licensure in. Some states have no requirements for therapists and others require extensive training, certification, and passing examinations before a license will be issued. Always visit your state’s board that regulates massage therapists to learn the exact requirements for your specific modality. Even as a student, it’s vital for you and your future practice to have protection from a potential claim. When you’re practicing on the public, a simple slip-and-fall can result in a claim against you. If you don’t have General Liability coverage like that offered in Massage Magazine Insurance Plus’s Student Massage Liability Insurance Program, you could be left having to pay thousands in legal fees to defend yourself.