Massage Therapist License Requirements By State

Q: Can you be a massage therapist without massage insurance?

Massage therapist license requirements vary significantly by state. Some states do require massage therapists to carry professional liability insurance in order to obtain/renew their licenses. While not every state requires liability insurance, it is typically far cheaper to carry comprehensive massage liability insurance than to pay the costs associated with a legal claim. An event as simple as a patient accidentally rolling off your massage table can give rise to a claim. Under Massage Magazine Insurance Plus coverage, this event would be fully covered up to $2 Million per occurrence under the General Liability provisions of the policy.

Q: Do you need to be a licensed massage therapist to get massage insurance?

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. Additionally, for students who are enrolled in a massage therapy school and are not licensed yet, you may still purchase a comprehensive massage therapy student liability insurance policy. Another instance is a therapist who has stopped practicing and no longer holds a license. It is important to note, members with Massage Magazine Insurance Plus coverage enjoy the benefit of occurrence form coverage. This means if a claim is filed against you after your policy expires, you’re still covered as long as the claim event occurred while your policy was still active.

Q: What are the massage license guidelines for California?

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.

Q: How can I transfer my massage license from one state to another?

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.

Q: Which states have massage license reciprocity?

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.

Q: What is the process for getting a massage license in Pennsylvania?

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.

Q: How do I get a massage license in my state?

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.

Q: How can I renew my massage license in Texas?

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.

Q: How do massage therapy requirements differ by state?

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.

Q: What are the differences in massage license requirements by state?

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.

We want to make finding the information you need easy. That's why we've put together this easy guide to the requirements of all 50 states.

Life Can Be Unpredictable

In the hands-on profession of massage therapy, unpredictable events can cause unexpected and problematic issues. Accidents or miscommunication can lead to significant claims, which is why a number of states require massage practitioners to have coverage.

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. Learn more about what it takes in each state to become a licensed massage therapists and any additional liability insurance requirements for business owners or individual practitioners. Take a quick look at policy details and benefits.

Select your State On The Map Below or

Alabama

Prerequisites

• At least 18 years old
• Has never knowingly performed massage therapy at a sexually-oriented business
• Has never plead “no contest” to crimes pertaining to prostitution or sexual offense within three years prior to license application

Training

• 650 hours
• MBLEx

Instructor License

• Hold and maintain a current AL license
• Submit application form and fee
• Show proof of two years of work experience

Renewal

• $100 every two years
• Instructor license: $10

Reciprocity

N/A

CEUS

• 16 every two years

State Board

Alabama Board of Massage Therapy
(866) 873-4664
Email: Click for Contact Form

Note: This information has been gathered from external sources and is for informational purposes. Please check with your local regulations to verify your state and local requirements.

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