Arizona Massage Therapist State Requirements
Starting a career as a massage therapist in Arizona is an exciting and challenging journey. If you're feeling uncertain or overwhelmed about how to become a licensed massage therapist in Arizona, rest assured that such feelings are common. Grasping the requirements set by the Arizona State Board of Massage Therapy, navigating the process of obtaining your massage therapist license, and keeping up with the necessary continuing education can seem daunting at first.
We're here to help you understand all the rules, how to check your license status, and what you need to learn. We want to give you the knowledge and confidence you need to prepare for a great career in massage therapy.
How to Become a Massage Therapist in Arizona
Starting a career as a massage therapist in Arizona means following a few key steps regulated by the Arizona State Board of Massage Therapy. First, you must be 18 and finish 700 hours of massage therapy training. Arizona accepts exams from the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) for the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) or the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB). The FSMTB exam fee is $265; the examination can be in English or Spanish.
Getting insurance is also a smart move to protect yourself while you work. Keep reading to learn more:
Education and Training Requirements:
- Completion of Training: Prospective massage therapists must complete 700 hours of instruction from a massage therapy school licensed by the Arizona State Board of Massage Therapy. This training includes both classroom education and hands-on clinical experience.
- Examination: If your education comes from a school not accredited in Arizona, you'll need to pass a recognized national exam successfully. The FSMTB's MBLEx and the NCBTMB exams are accepted for this purpose in Arizona. These exams assess your readiness to practice massage therapy at a professional level.
License Requirements:
- Age Requirement: Applicants must be 18 to qualify for a license.
- Background Check: A background check is mandatory, involving fingerprinting for a national criminal history check. Background check ensures the safety and trustworthiness of licensed massage therapists.
- Application Process: Complete the application form and submit it with the non-refundable fee of $219.50. The application must include proof of completed education, examination scores, and other required documentation.
For more information, see the Arizona State Board of Massage Therapy.
Massage Therapy Schools in Arizona
For those looking to start or further their career in massage therapy in Arizona, the state offers a variety of reputable schools with diverse programs catering to different interests and specialties within the field of massage therapy. Here are some well-established schools from different regions across Arizona, each offering unique programs and specializations:
Arizona Western College: Located in Yuma, this college offers associate and occupational degrees focusing on various massage techniques. It integrates emotional, spiritual, and physical aspects into its programs.
Central Arizona College: Known for its industry-driven yet affordable education in massage therapy, Central Arizona College offers programs focusing on relaxation, therapeutic massage, and other wellness-enhancing techniques.
Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA): This award-winning school in Phoenix offers degrees and diplomas in professional and master massage practitioner programs, including specialties in aesthetics and a wide range of courses from aromatherapy to yoga.
GateWay Community College-Central City: Offers a 700-hour program in Phoenix, designed to equip students with foundational skills for a strong position in the massage therapy industry.
Arizona College-Glendale: This college offers flexible classes, individual tutoring, financial aid, and job placement assistance. Its 35-week program focuses on financial skills alongside bodywork.
Carrington College-Tucson: This smaller institution offers a 35-credit-hour program in massage therapy that focuses on anatomy, physiology, ethical, legal, and business concerns.
Cortiva Institute-Tempe: Offers multiple massage therapy programs across Tucson, Phoenix, and Scottsdale campuses. Programs include an internship at a public clinic and membership to ABMP with liability insurance.
Pima Community College: This college focuses on therapeutic massage, with a curriculum that includes Swedish, deep tissue, sports massage, and more. It prepares students for a variety of work environments.
Each school has its own strengths, from comprehensive programs and flexible scheduling to specialties in various massage techniques and holistic wellness. Whether you're looking for a program that offers financial aid, job placement assistance, or specific modalities like Ayurvedic bodywork, these schools provide a range of options to fit your educational and career goals in massage therapy.
Insurance Requirements
While Arizona does not mandate massage therapists have liability insurance, it is still highly recommended to have this coverage. Professional liability insurance serves as a safeguard, offering protection against possible claims and lawsuits that could arise while providing massage therapy services.
A policy from Massage Magazine Insurance Plus offers comprehensive protection for massage therapists, providing $2 million in coverage per occurrence and a total aggregate coverage of $3 million.
How Much Does Arizona Massage Insurance Cost?
1 year full-time Professional Rate
$
169
/1yr
Cost to you: $0.46/day
2 year full-time
professional rate
$
299
/2yr
Cost to you: $0.41/day
1 year part-time
professional rate
$
159
/1yr
Cost to you: $0.43/day
License Renewals
Maintaining your professional status as a massage therapist in Arizona requires timely license renewal. Here's a concise guide based on Arizona regulations:
License Renewal Steps:
- Renewal Deadline: Licenses must be renewed every other year on the applicant's birthday.
- Renewal Fee: The renewal fee is $97.50 for on-time renewals.
- Online Processing: Renewals can be completed online, ensuring convenience and immediate processing.
- Late Renewal: Additional fees apply: $137.50 for less than two years late and $222.50 for 2-3 years late. Therefore, it is important to renew on time to avoid extra charges.
- Background Check: It is essential to proactively inform the relevant authorities of any changes to your criminal history within the past two years.
Continuing Education (CE) Requirements:
CE Hours: 24 CE hours are required every two years.
Hands-On Instruction: Half of these hours must be in hands-on coursework; however, Arizona regulations are subject to change, so it's important to verify the current requirements.
Flexible CE Hours: The balance of CE hours can be obtained through various approved educational activities related to massage therapy and can be done online.
These standards ensure that massage therapists stay up-to-date with the latest techniques, ethical guidelines, and professional knowledge, enhancing the quality of care provided to clients. For the most current information on continuing education requirements in Arizona, it's recommended to check the Arizona State Board of Massage Therapy website regularly.
Transfer of License and License Reciprocity
For massage therapists seeking to transfer their license to Arizona or understand the state's reciprocity policies, here's what you need to know:
License Transfer Requirements:
- Secure and submit official transcripts demonstrating completion of a minimum of 500 hours of massage therapy or bodywork therapy education. This education must have been conducted at a school outside Arizona recognized by the Arizona State Board of Massage Therapy.
- Successfully pass an examination accredited by a national board recognized by the certifying agency approved by the National Commission on Competency Assurance. Alternatively, passing an exam administered or approved by the Arizona State Board of Massage Therapy also fulfills this criterion.
- Maintain good standing with the accrediting agency or board that administered the examination.
Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact)
Arizona's Position: Arizona does not currently have the IMpact enacted. However, the compact map on the official Interstate Massage Compact website offers the latest updates on which states have enacted, are pending, or have not introduced the relevant legislation.
About IMpact: The Compact aims to allow licensed massage therapists to practice in member states without additional licensing, promoting mobility within the profession. However, each state needs to enact specific model legislation to join.
Read about the Interstate Massage Compact and its potential changes to the industry.
If you're a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) in Arizona, it's crucial to stay informed about the state's status and any updates concerning the IMpact.
Regular consultations with the Arizona State Board of Massage Therapy and relevant professional organizations will offer you the most current information and assist in understanding the implications for your practice.
Costs per day represents the cost of the total policy amount divided by policy days. Daily payments are not available.
