Hawaii Massage Therapist State Requirements
Hawaii isn’t just a paradise for beach lovers and surfers; it’s also a thriving hub for wellness professionals. Starting a massage therapy career in Hawaii is an opportunity you won’t want to miss.
Whether you're an aspiring massage therapist or a seasoned practitioner, understanding the requirements and benefits of obtaining licensure in the Aloha State is necessary. MMIP is here as your guide.
How to Become a Massage Therapist in Hawaii
In order to pursue a career as a massage therapist in Hawaii, individuals must finish a minimum of 570 hours of massage therapy education, pass the Hawaii State Massage Licensing Exam, and clear a criminal background check. All applicants are required to finish the licensing procedure within 45 days of the exam date. Failure to do so will result in the need to submit a new application and fulfill any additional criteria. Continue reading for more details:
Hawaii Education and Application Requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Must have completed a high school education or equivalent (GED is acceptable).
- Must complete at least 570 clock hours of supervised massage therapy education.
- At least 50 hours of anatomy, physiology, and structural kinesiology
- 100 hours of theory and demonstration
- 420 hours of practical massage training
- Pass the Hawaii State Massage Licensing Exam (The MBLEx and NCBTMB exams are not accepted in Hawaii).
- Successfully pass a criminal background check.
- Provide a social security number.
- Hold a current CPR certification for infants and adults from the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association; online courses are not accepted.
- Pay a non-refundable application fee of $50.
Further details on licensing, including the specific rules for massage therapists, can be found on the website of the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.
It is important to validate this information with the most recent guidelines established by the Hawaii Board, as requirements have the potential to change.
For more insights and guidance on becoming a massage therapist, check out related resources or consult with the Hawaii Board of Massage Therapy.
Massage Therapy Schools in Hawaii
Explore additional information and advice on pursuing a career as a massage therapist by referring to relevant resources or seeking guidance from the Hawaii Board of Massage Therapy.
Making the right choice of massage school is a key factor for aspiring massage therapists in Hawaii, as it greatly influences their career path. Here are some reputable schools from different regions in Hawaii, each offering unique attributes:
- Kapiolani Community College, Honolulu, HI: Offers a non-credit Massage Therapy Program focusing on hands-on practice, theory, and clinical experience, preparing students for the Hawaii State Board of Massage License Examination and the national MBLEx certification.
- Maui School of Therapeutic Massage, Makawao, HI: Provides a 600-hour certification program covering a wide range of techniques, including Anatomy, Physiology, Hawaiian Lomilomi, and Sports Massage, preparing students for professional practice.
- Quantum School of Massage & Holistic Health, Honolulu, HI: Offers a comprehensive Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) program with over 600 hours of coursework, including Reiki, Shiatsu, Lymphatic Drainage, and more.
- Hawaii Healing Arts College, Kailua, HI: Provides a 600-hour Professional Massage Therapy Certification Program that focuses on both the scientific and intuitive aspects of massage therapy and is approved by both state and national boards.
- Maui Academy of Healing Arts, Maui, HI: Offers a unique 625-hour curriculum that integrates Eastern, contemporary, and traditional Hawaiian massage methodologies, preparing students for diverse professional environments.
The specialized programs offered by these schools cater to diverse aspects of massage therapy, making them ideal choices for individuals who wish to initiate their education and pursue a career in this field in Hawaii.
Insurance Requirements
In Hawaii, massage therapists are not required by law to have liability insurance, but it is strongly recommended for protection in their practice.
The key insurance coverages include:
- Malpractice or Professional Liability Insurance
- General Liability Protection
Following these insurance tips is important for massage therapists practicing in Hawaii. They are key to ensuring a secure environment for clients and effectively managing any potential risks that may be linked to the profession.
For more detailed information, see our page about massage insurance in Hawaii.
How Much Does Hawaii 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
Renewing your massage therapy license in Hawaii is important for maintaining your professional status. Here's what you need to know:
Here's what to expect:
License Renewal Steps:
- Renewal Notice: You will receive a renewal notice from the Hawaii Board of Massage Therapy before your license expires. All licenses are due for renewal by June 30 of every even-numbered year.
- Complete CEUs: You must complete the required Continuing Education Units (CEUs) before renewal. Hawaii requires massage therapists to complete 12 CEUs every two years, including two hours in first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or other emergency-related training with a hands-on component.
- Application Submission: Submit your renewal application online and pay the associated fees. The fee for active massage therapists is $164.00.
- Verification and Confirmation: After submitting your renewal application and fees, check the status of your license to ensure everything is processed correctly.
Continuing Education (CE) Requirements:
Continuing education is necessary for staying current in your practice. Here’s what you can expect:
- Approved Courses: Select from a variety of courses approved by the Hawaii Board of Massage Therapy. Distance learning courses are acceptable, but firstaid and emergency-related courses must include a hands-on component.
- CEUs Requirement: Complete 12 hours of CE every two years, with specific requirements for emergency training.
- Record-Keeping: Keep detailed records of your completed CEUs. These are necessary for verification during the renewal process.
This structured approach ensures you remain compliant with the regulations, keeping your skills up-to-date and allowing continued practice in Hawaii.
Transfer of License and License Reciprocity
For massage therapists looking to transfer their license to Hawaii or understand the state's reciprocity policies, here's what you need to know:
License Transfer Methods:
- Credential Review: Hawaii does not have a reciprocity agreement with other states but offers a credential review process. Applicants must provide proof of passing the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) or another approved national exam.
- Licensure by Endorsement: If you hold a current massage therapy license in good standing from another state, you can apply for licensure in Hawaii through endorsement. This method requires that you meet or exceed the educational and examination standards that were in place in Hawaii at the time your license was issued in the other state.
Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact)
- About IMpact: The Interstate Massage Compact, known as IMpact, allows licensed massage therapists to practice in all states that join the compact. This initiative simplifies practicing in multiple states, requiring only one multistate license.
- New Hampshire’s Participation: Hawaii currently 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.
Given the evolving nature of interstate compacts and licensure requirements, it's advisable for Licensed Massage Therapists (LMTs) in Hawaii to regularly check for updates, especially regarding the state's involvement in the Interstate Massage Compact.
This participation could alter licensure requirements and practice opportunities in multiple states. For the most current information, it would be beneficial to consult the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), or the official Interstate Massage Compact website.
Costs per day represents the cost of the total policy amount divided by policy days. Daily payments are not available.
