Massachusetts Massage Therapist State Requirements
How to Become a Massage Therapist in Massachusetts
Education and Training Requirements:
- Minimum Hours Required: 650 hours of supervised classroom and clinical instruction from an approved school.
- Curriculum Includes:
- 100 hours of Human Anatomy and Physiology
- 45 hours of Pathology
- 45 hours of Kinesiology
- 300 hours of massage theory and techniques
- 60 hours of business practices and ethics
- 100 hours of clinical or internship experience
License Requirements:
- Complete the Required Education: As outlined above, ensure your program meets the 650-hour minimum and covers all specified topics.
- Pass an Examination: Successfully pass either the MBLEx (Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam) or another national certification examination approved by the Massachusetts Massage Board.
- Criminal Background Check: Submit a background check as part of your application.
- Application Submission: Fill out and submit your license application and any required documents, such as proof of education, exam results, and a background check.
- Insurance Requirements: Minimum of $1 million per occurrence liability insurance and $1 million in aggregate coverage (MMIP offers exceptional insurance coverage for massage therapists)
- Fees: Pay the application and licensing fees: $225
- Proof of Good Moral Character: Often required as part of the application, typically through affidavits or other background information.
With a valid license, professionals can practice massage therapy in Massachusetts, ensuring compliance with state regulations and client safety.
The Massachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure website provides further details on licensing. Verifying this information with the latest guidelines provided by the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Massage Therapy is vital.
Massage Therapy Schools in Massachusetts
Choosing the right massage school for prospective massage therapists in Massachusetts is a critical step in their career journey. Here are reputable schools from different regions in Massachusetts:
North Massachusetts: Elizabeth Grady School of Esthetics and Massage Therapy, Medford - Offers a blend of esthetics and massage therapy education. They provide students with a broad skill set in wellness and beauty services, making it a top choice for those interested in a dual-focus career.
South Massachusetts: Cape Cod Community College, West Barnstable - As part of its Health Sciences department, it offers an affordable massage therapy program that integrates well with other health disciplines. It is ideal for those looking to explore comprehensive patient care.
East Massachusetts: Cortiva Institute, Boston - Located in the heart of Boston, this school is known for its intensive curriculum that emphasizes massage techniques and business practices. They prepare graduates for successful careers in various settings.
West Massachusetts: Berkshire Community College, Pittsfield - Offers a massage therapy certificate program focusing on therapeutic massage, emphasizing anatomy and physiology. Set against the serene backdrop of the Berkshires, which enhances the learning and self-care experience.
Central Massachusetts: Mount Wachusett Community College, Gardner - Provides a comprehensive massage therapy program with a strong focus on public health and wellness.
Each school offers unique attributes, making them excellent choices for those looking to start their clinical massage therapy education in Massachusetts.
Insurance Requirements
In Massachusetts, massage therapists must have a minimum of $1 million per occurrence liability insurance and $1 million in aggregate coverage.
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.
See our page on Massachusetts Massage Therapist Liability Insurance for more information.
How Much Does Massachusetts 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
In Massachusetts, massage therapy licenses are renewed after meeting rigorous educational and examination criteria set by the state. Renewing your massage therapy license in Massachusetts is key to maintaining your professional status. Here's what to expect:
License Renewal Steps for Massachusetts:
Annual Renewal: Licenses expire annually on the licensee's 28th day of birth month.
Online Renewal Application: Complete and submit the renewal application online through the ePlace portal. If you don't have an account, you must create one to proceed.
Renewal Fee: A fee of $150 is required for license renewal.
Professional Liability Insurance: Verify current Professional Liability Insurance coverage as part of the renewal process.
Documentation: Ensure all necessary documents, including proof of continuing education, are updated and submitted as needed.
Continuing Education:
Requirements: As of April 29, 2022, the Board issued regulations requiring licensees to complete continuing competence activities before renewal. However, specific hour requirements are determined according to your renewal date. Licensees must review the new regulations directly from the Board of Allied Health Professions for detailed requirements.
Approved Courses: Only continuing education courses approved by the Board count toward renewal requirements.
Record Keeping: Maintain records of all continuing education courses completed, as these may be required for verification during renewal.
The regulations in Massachusetts are somewhat different from most other states, and there is a broader understanding of new rules, especially regarding continuing education requirements. It is highly recommended to contact the Board of Allied Health Professions directly.
Following these steps should guarantee a smooth renewal process, keep your license up-to-date, and allow you to continue your professional massage therapy practice in Massachusetts.
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 Massachusetts or understand the reciprocity policies put forward by the state board of massage therapy, here's what you need to know:
License Transfer Requirements:
Licensing Standards: Must be licensed in a state with equal or greater requirements (minimum 650 hours).
Reciprocal Licensing: Massachusetts may issue a license without examination if the applicant's current license, certification, or registration from another state meets or exceeds Massachusetts standards.
Education: Must have completed a board-approved course with:
At least 650 classroom hours at a licensed massage school.
300 hours in massage theory and technique.
150 of those hours, specifically in massage.
100 hours in unpaid, supervised clinical or externship experience.
Criminal Background: No convictions for sexually related crimes or crimes involving moral turpitude within the last ten years.
Professional Liability Insurance: Proof of coverage by an individual policy with at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and $1,000,000 aggregate.
Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact)
The state massage therapy boards, including Massachusetts'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.
Massachusetts' Participation: Massachusetts 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) in Massachusetts to regularly check for updates, especially the involvement of the Massachusetts State Board in the Interstate Massage Compact.
Costs per day represents the cost of the total policy amount divided by policy days. Daily payments are not available.
