New Jersey Massage Therapist State Requirements
Whether you aspire to become a massage therapist in the Garden State or want to ensure your credentials remain up to date, understanding the specific regulations and requirements set by New Jersey is crucial.
This page is your one-stop resource for all the information regarding the educational prerequisites, examination criteria, license application process, and continuing education requirements to practice massage therapy within New Jersey.
New Jersey has its own set of unique standards and practices in massage therapy designed to uphold the professionalism and quality of therapeutic massage services offered to its residents. From the hours of training needed to qualify for licensure to maintaining that license through ongoing education, every aspect of becoming and remaining a qualified massage therapist in New Jersey is covered here.
How to Become a Massage Therapist in New Jersey
The minimum requirements to qualify as a licensed massage therapist in New Jersey are to complete a 500-hour accredited program covering anatomy, physiology, ethics, law, theory, practice, and 100 hours of clinical practice. You must also pass the NCBTMB or MBLEx exam. The license application costs $195, and the mandated background check costs $78.
Massage Therapy Schools in New Jersey
Choosing the right massage school for prospective massage therapists in New Jersey is a critical step in their career journey. Here are reputable schools from different regions in New Jersey:
North Jersey: The Institute for Therapeutic Massage is recognized for its comprehensive programs, including specializations like oncology massage.
South Jersey: Rizzieri Institute in Voorhees is known for its holistic wellness approach and spa treatments.
East Jersey: The American Institute of Alternative Medicine in East Brunswick offers a curriculum that exceeds state requirements with various massage techniques.
West Jersey: Harris School of Business in Cherry Hill provides a broad curriculum that includes special populations and spa techniques.
Central Jersey: Camden County College offers the lowest tuition, with a choice between a certificate and an associate degree in massage therapy.
Each school offers unique attributes, making them excellent choices for those looking to start their clinical massage therapy education in New Jersey.
Insurance Requirements
In New Jersey, carrying Professional Liability Insurance is mandatory for licensed massage therapists, safeguarding against claims and legal matters related to their services. The state board requires a minimum professional liability coverage of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $3,000,000 per year.
For more information, check out our New Jersey Massage Insurance page.
How Much Does New Jersey 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 New Jersey is key to maintaining your professional status. Here's what to expect:
Renewal Process:
In New Jersey, massage and bodywork therapy licenses must be renewed every two years by November 30th of even-numbered years. The renewal fee is $120. For those not currently practicing, licenses can be placed on inactive status for a $60 fee, which prohibits practice in the state.
Continuing Education:
Continuing education is crucial to maintaining a massage therapy license in New Jersey. Here's what you can anticipate:
Renew every 2 years by November 30th of even years.
Complete 20 hours of continuing education within each renewal period, including at least 2 hours in ethics and 1 CE hour in laws & rules
If licensed in the first year of the biennial period, complete 20 hours; if licensed in the second year, complete 10 hours, with 2 in ethics.
Keep your continuing education certificates unless audited.
Up to 6 hours can be online or DVD courses.
Excess credits up to 18 can be carried over, with a minimum of 2 hours in ethics still required.
Approved courses must be related to massage and bodywork therapy and offered by recognized providers like NCBTMB, NCCAOM, AMTA, and others.
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 New Jersey or understand the state's reciprocity policies, here's what you need to know:
- Must hold a valid license from a state with similar or higher requirements (500 hours of education and experience).
- Submit a written application and fee to the board.
- The board will issue a license if the out-of-state license or certification meets or exceeds the local 500-hour requirement.
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 Jersey's Participation: New Jersey 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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs 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.
