Missouri Massage Therapist State Requirements
This page is your roadmap to becoming a licensed massage therapist in Missouri. We'll break down the essential steps and point you toward valuable resources. Remember, adhering to these requirements isn't just about paperwork; it's about upholding professionalism and ensuring the safety and well-being of your future clients.
How to Become a Massage Therapist in Missouri
Becoming a licensed massage therapist in Missouri requires dedication and knowledge. You'll need to complete at least 500 hours of training at an accredited school, covering massage techniques, anatomy, business practices, and more. Passing a national exam and undergoing a background check are also crucial steps. Thankfully, Missouri offers an efficient online application process for licensure once you meet the requirements. Keep reading for more details.
Education Requirements:
Complete a minimum of 500 hours of supervised classroom and clinical instruction from a program approved by the Missouri State Board of Massage Therapy. The curriculum must include, at a minimum:
300 hours devoted to massage theory and practice techniques
100 hours of human anatomy and physiology
50 hours covering business practice, professional ethics, hygiene, and Missouri massage law (combined)
50 hours of secondary therapies, including but not limited to CPR and first aid.
Licensure Requirements:
Be at least 18 years old.
Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
Pass the Massage Therapy National Certification Exam (MBLEx) administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB).
Submit to a criminal background check with fingerprinting ($43.05), conducted by the Missouri State Highway Patrol or its approved vendors.
Include verification of massage therapy licenses from any other state you have been licensed in (if applicable).
Pay the required $125 licensure fee.
Massage Therapy Schools in Missouri
Choosing the right massage school for prospective massage therapists in Missouri is a critical step in their career journey. Here are reputable schools from different regions in Missouri:
North Missouri: Midwest Institute
Located in Earth City, just outside St. Louis, Midwest Institute offers a comprehensive program with more than 846 contact hours, taking less than seven months to complete. This program is distinguished by its wide range of courses, including Healthcare Communications; HIV, Safety, CPR, and First Aid; Kinesiology; Medical Terminology; and Career Development.
South Missouri: City Pointe Beauty Academy in Webb City
This Redken beauty school offers a 600-clock-hour program over 26 weeks of full-time study, covering techniques like Swedish, deep tissue, athletic and sports, side-lying, and seated chair massage. Additionally, it introduces students to Cranio-Sacral, Trigger Point Therapy, Myofascial Release, Lymphatic Drainage, and Wellness, preparing them with practical skills in a salon setting.
East Missouri: Healing Arts Center in St. Louis
As the oldest and largest massage training school in the St. Louis area, Healing Arts Center offers a 600-clock-hour MT program that can be completed in a year full-time, with part-time options available. The program is unique for its comprehensive training in traditional therapeutic massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, deep tissue massage, energy medicine, athletic recovery therapy, Reiki, and stress and anxiety relief.
West Missouri: Pinnacle Career Institute in South Kansas City
This for-profit school offers a 750-clock-hour curriculum over seven months, blending classroom learning, labs, and "outside preparation" with practical experience in a public clinic. The program stands out for its courses in Kinesiology & Restorative Therapies and Supplemental Methods, Special Populations & Business Practices.
Central Missouri: Metro Business College in Jefferson City
Offering a program that spans three 11-week terms, Metro Business College provides a curriculum that includes anatomy and physiology, massage therapy with labs, and courses in Personal Development, Career Management Skills, Word Processing Applications, English Fundamentals, Medical Terminology, Kinesiology, and Professional Business Development.
Each of these schools offers a unique approach to massage therapy education, catering to various interests and career goals in massage therapy.
Whether you're interested in a comprehensive curriculum, specialized techniques, or practical experience in a clinical setting, these institutions provide a strong foundation for aspiring massage therapists in Missouri.
Insurance Requirements
In Missouri, licensed massage therapists are required to carry liability insurance. The state stipulates minimum coverage levels for this insurance:
- $25,000 per person for bodily injury.
- $50,000 per accident for bodily injury.
- $25,000 per accident for property damage.
Massage therapists in Missouri must have a $1 million general liability insurance policy. They must also maintain current general liability insurance and provide proof of coverage upon request. This insurance provides critical financial protection against unforeseen incidents during massage sessions.
For more detailed information, check out our Missouri massage liability insurance page.
License Renewals & Continued Education
Renewing your massage therapy license in Missouri is key to maintaining your professional status. Here's what to expect:
Renewal Process
All licenses expire every 2 years.
The renewal fee for a massage therapy license in Missouri is $100.
Renewals must be done using a paper form.
Licensees must contact the board to request a renewal/reinstatement form.
Complete the renewal/reinstatement form.
Submit the completed form along with the renewal fee.
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 Missouri.
Continuing education
Continuing education is crucial to maintaining a massage therapy license in Missouri. Here's what you can anticipate:
Massage therapists must complete 12 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) by January 31st of every odd year.
it's important to note that the courses must be from providers approved by the NCBTMB (National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork) or other recognized organizations to be accepted for credit by the Missouri Board of Massage.
Transfer of License and License Reciprocity
For massage therapists seeking to transfer their license to Missouri or understand the state's reciprocity policies, here's what you need to know:
- Check if Your License Qualifies: Make sure your current massage therapy license meets the new state's rules. Usually, you need 500 hours of training.
- Application:
- Fill in the application form and get it officially stamped by a notary public.
- Pay the fee that the new state requires.
- Background Check:
- Give two sets of your fingerprints for a check to make sure you haven't done anything that would stop you from being a massage therapist.
- Prove Your License:
- Ask the place where you got your license to send proof to the new state. They need to include when your license starts and ends, plus any problems or investigations linked to your license.
- Training and Test:
- You should have finished 500 hours learning about massage therapy.
- Pass a test approved by the new state to show you know your stuff.
Interstate Massage Compact (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.
Missouri 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.
For in-depth information and to get started with the Interstate Massage Compact, please visit our Interstate Massage Compact Page.
Given the evolving nature of interstate compacts and licensure requirements, it's advisable for Licensed Massage Therapists (LMTs) in Missouri to regularly check for updates, especially regarding the state's involvement in the Interstate Massage Compact.
This participation could significantly alter licensure requirements and practice opportunities in multiple states. For the most current information, it would be beneficial to consult the Missouri Division of Professional Registration, and 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.