Maryland Massage Therapist State Requirements

Massage Therapy Schools in Maryland

Choosing the right massage school for prospective massage therapists in Maryland is a critical step in their career journey. Here are reputable massage schools from different regions in Maryland:

• North Maryland: Central Maryland School of Massage in Frederick - Offers an integrative approach to massage therapy programs, blending traditional therapeutic massage techniques with modern holistic practices.

• South Maryland: Anne Arundel Community College in Arnold - Provides a full massage therapy program within a community college setting, allowing for a diverse educational experience with access to extensive college resources.

• East Maryland: Delaware Learning Institute of Cosmetology in Dagsboro - Though just over the border in Delaware, it serves the eastern Maryland community with a focus on spa and wellness services, preparing students for careers in luxury and resort settings.

• West Maryland: Allegany College of Maryland in Cumberland - Features a therapeutic massage program that emphasizes clinical massage skills, preparing students for healthcare-oriented massage therapy careers.

• Central Maryland: Baltimore School of Massage in Linthicum - Known for its rich history and reputation, this school offers specialized massage therapy education for aspiring therapists, with a strong focus on professional ethics and business practices.

Each school offers unique attributes, making them excellent choices for those looking to start their massage therapy education in Maryland.

Insurance Requirements

In Maryland, massage therapists must carry liability insurance. There are several forms of liability insurance, such as professional, general, product, etc. It is always recommended to have as much coverage as you never know what may occur.

A professional liability insurance policy with Massage Magazine Insurance Plus meets and exceeds these requirements, providing massage therapists $2 million in coverage per occurrence and an aggregate of $3 million.

For more detailed information, see our page about massage insurance in Maryland.

License Renewals

In Maryland, massage therapy licenses are renewed after meeting rigorous educational and examination criteria set by the state. Renewing your massage therapy license in Maryland is key to maintaining your professional status. Here's what to expect:

License Renewal Steps:

1. Continuing Education: Ensure completing 24 hours of continuing education in the two years before your license expires.

2. Renewal Application: Submit the renewal application, which is available on the Maryland Board of Massage Therapy Examiners website.

3. Renewal Fee: Pay the renewal fee. While the exact amount may vary, be prepared for this cost as part of the renewal process.

Licensed Massage Therapist LMT: $276 on Oct 31 of even-numbered years
Registered Massage Practitioner RMP: $250 on Oct 31 of even-numbered years

4. Documentation: Provide copies of CEU course certificates, CPR certification, and any other required documentation as part of your renewal packet.

5. Deadline: Keep track of the renewal deadline to avoid late fees or the risk of license expiration.

Continuing Education:

• Hours Required: 24 hours of continuing education every two years.

• Mandatory Courses:

3 hours in professional ethics or jurisprudence;

3 hours in communicable disease education, which includes AIDS/HIV;

1 hour in diversity or cultural competency;

17 hours in massage-related courses as approved by the Board; and

1 hour in Implicit Bias Training if this is your first renewal.




• Elective Courses: The remaining hours can be fulfilled through massage-related courses as approved by the Board

Following these steps guarantees a smooth renewal process, keeps your license up-to-date, and allows you to continue your professional massage therapy practice in Maryland.

These requirements keep massage therapists up-to-date with the latest techniques, ethical standards, and professional knowledge, enhancing client care quality. Check with the Maryland Department of Health regularly for any updates or changes in continuing education requirements.

MMIP offers over 60 hours of free online continuing education when you sign up for a policy.

Transfer of License and License Reciprocity

For massage therapists seeking to transfer their license to Maryland or understand the reciprocity policies put forward by the state board of massage therapy, here's what you need to know:

License Transfer Requirements:

• License from a Comparable State: Must have a license from a state with equal or greater requirements, including a minimum of 600 hours of massage therapy education.

• Criminal Background Check: Submit a completed check.

• Jurisprudence Exam: Pass Maryland's Massage Therapy Examiners Jurisprudence Examination with at least 75 percent.

• Approved Examination: The administering authority must send proof of passing a National Certification Commission exam directly to the Maryland board.

• Educational Transcripts: The educational institution must send official transcripts documenting the completion of a 600-hour program directly to the Board.

• Accreditation: The program must be approved or accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education.

• CPR Certification: Provide documentation of current CPR certification at the Basic Life Support (BLS) level.

• Verification of Status: If certified, licensed, or registered in another state, verification must be sent directly to the Maryland board by the issuing state.

Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact)

The state massage therapy boards, including Maryland's, play a crucial role in regulating the practice and maintaining high professional standards.

• 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.

• Maryland's Participation: Maryland has not yet enacted the IMpact. 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) and Registered Massage Practitioners (RMPs) in Maryland to regularly check for updates, especially the involvement of the Maryland Board of Massage Therapy Examiners in the Interstate Massage Compact.