New York Massage Therapist State Requirements
How To Become a Massage Therapist in New York
To become a licensed massage therapist in New York, you'll go through a thorough training and certification process. This helps make sure that everyone meets high professional standards.
Here’s a friendly step-by-step guide to help you on this journey:
To become a massage therapist in New York, it's important to complete at least 1,000 hours of training at a school approved by the New York State Education Department. This well-rounded massage therapy program covers all the key skills you will need.
200 hours of anatomy, physiology, and neurology, with at least 50 hours dedicated to neurology.
100 hours of general pathology.
150 hours each of myology and kinesiology.
150 hours covering general theory and techniques in both Western and oriental massage therapy.
75 hours of hygiene and first aid.
325 hours focused on specific massage therapy techniques, ensuring well-rounded clinical skills.
To become a massage therapist in New York, candidates are encouraged to pass the New York State Massage Therapy Exam. This exam covers different important topics, including the York New York state laws and regulations that guide the practice of massage therapy in New York. Preparing for this exam will help you understand the concepts and make sure you are ready for a successful career!
Age and Background Check: Applicants must be at least 18 years old and undergo a background check. While fingerprinting is not standard, it may be required under certain circumstances.
CPR Certification: To provide safety and emergency readiness in your practice, we encourage you to complete a CPR course within three years before applying for your license. This training is required and important for keeping everyone safe.
Application Process: We’re excited to help you get started! Please submit a completed application along with a non-refundable fee of $108 to the New York State Education Department. Make sure to include proof of your education, your examination scores, and any other important documents. We appreciate your attention to these details!
For more information on New York state massage therapy examination and therapist licensing, see the New York state massage therapy board's website.
Massage Therapy Schools in New York
For those eager to start or advance their career in massage therapy education, New York offers a vibrant landscape of esteemed institutions. Each school provides diverse programs that cater to a wide range of interests within the field, from traditional techniques to innovative holistic approaches.
New York City:
Swedish Institute, a College of Health Sciences: The Swedish Institute is proud to be the nation's oldest continuously operating massage therapy school. They offer a strong program that emphasizes a variety of techniques and hands-on practice. Their goal is to help students become skilled and well-rounded practitioners.
Albany:
Center for Natural Wellness School of Massage Therapy: Emphasizes the benefits of therapeutic massage and holistic health, helping students see massage as an important part of overall wellness.
Mildred Elley School—Albany Campus: Proudly offers AOS degrees in Massage Therapy. With small class sizes, you will receive the support you need to thrive. Plus, we provide lifetime job placement assistance to help you succeed in your career. Our program emphasizes practical skills, making sure you are well-prepared for the job market.
Buffalo Area:
Trocaire College: This Catholic college blends strong religious values with practical professional training. It offers a certificate program and an AAS degree in massage therapy. Plus, with a friendly student-to-teacher ratio of 10:1, students receive personalized attention and support.
Niagara County:
Niagara County Community College: Nestled in a peaceful rural area, this public college warmly welcomes students to explore degrees in therapeutic massage. Here, you will gain a strong understanding of both the theory and practical skills needed in this rewarding field.
North Country:
North Country Community College: Offers AAS degrees in massage therapy. Their program features a well-rounded curriculum that includes hands-on experience in a student-run clinic. This is a great opportunity for anyone wanting to gain practical skills in massage therapy.
Choosing the Right School:
Choosing the right school for your education is an exciting journey! Here are some friendly tips to help you make a great decision:
Accreditation and Program Content: Look for programs that are accredited and cover all the treatment skills in massage therapy. This makes sure you get a top-notch education.
Hands-On Experience: It's a good idea to find programs that provide plenty of hands-on practice. This will help you build your skills and gain confidence.
Admission Requirements and Financial Investment: Take a moment to review what you need to enroll and the costs involved. Being informed will help you plan better.
Flexibility: Think about your schedule. If you need part-time or evening classes, check if the school offers those options. Flexibility makes a big difference!
Remember, every massage school has its special strengths. Some may focus on certain massage techniques, while others offer great business and professional ethics training or flexible scheduling. Take your time to find the right fit for you!
Insurance Requirements
In New York, massage therapists are not required to carry liability insurance. However, it is a smart choice to get it to protect your business practice from potential risks. Having liability insurance gives you extra peace of mind against any claims or lawsuits that might arise. It's always better to be prepared!
Massage Magazine Insurance Plus offers excellent protection for massage therapists. With a generous coverage of $2 million for each occurrence and a total of $3 million, this policy goes beyond the state's minimum requirements. This extra coverage gives you added financial security and peace of mind. It not only safeguards your professional practice but also boosts your credibility and trust with clients.
For more information on massage licenses, and to make sure your practice is protected, consider exploring the options available on our New York massage insurance page.
How Much Does New York 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
New York Massage License Renewals for Massage Therapists
In New York, maintaining your massage therapy licensure is important and requires renewal every three years. Here’s a guide to help you stay on track with state regulations:
License Renewal Steps:
Renewal Deadline: License renewals occur every three years. The state sends reminders to help you stay on track.
Renewal Fee: The renewal fee is $55, which does not include any online processing fees that may apply.
Online Processing: For your convenience, renewals can be completed online, allowing for immediate processing and confirmation.
Late Renewal: To avoid late fees, it’s important to renew on time. If your registration has lapsed for more than four months, a Delayed Registration Application is necessary, potentially incurring additional fees.
Continuing Education (CE) Requirements:
CE Hours: You must complete 36 hours of CE credits within each three-year renewal period.
Hands-On Instruction: To create a well-rounded learning experience, it's important to include some hands-on instruction in these hours. Since the specific requirements can change, it's recommended to check the latest state regulations to stay updated.
Flexible CE Hours: You can complete the remaining CE hours by participating in different approved educational activities related to massage therapy. This is a great opportunity to expand your knowledge and skills!
Following these guidelines will help guarantee a smooth renewal process. This way, you'll keep your license and continue your professional practice in New York without any interruptions. We appreciate your cooperation!
Additional Benefits with MMIP: As an added benefit, MMIP policyholders receive access to over 60 hours of free online continuing education courses. This not only helps fulfill CE requirements but also improves professional development.
Transfer of License and License Reciprocity
For therapists looking to transfer their license to New York or understand reciprocity, education, and examination requirements here’s a streamlined guide:
Eligibility for Endorsement: To be eligible for a license by endorsement in New York, you must:
Hold a current license in another state that is in good standing.
Have practiced massage therapy for at least two years.
Be at least 21 years old.
Have a high school diploma or G.E.D.
Have passed the New York State massage therapy exam.
Be a United States citizen or a legal resident.
Be determined to have good moral character.
Have completed a CPR course within three years prior to applying for licensure in New York.
New York’s Position on the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact):
As New York mulls joining the Interstate Massage Compact, licensed therapists anticipate greater professional freedom. IMpact's goal: seamless practice across state lines. This revolutionary program could eliminate the need for multiple licenses, allowing therapists to work freely in all participating states. The potential benefits for New York's massage industry are significant, promising increased opportunities and easier relocation for practitioners.
About the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact):
The Interstate Massage Compact aims to streamline the professional mobility of licensed massage therapists by reducing bureaucratic barriers that typically hinder the ability to practice massage therapy in multiple states. For a state to participate, it must enact specific model legislation that aligns with the Compact's standards.
Staying Informed on IMpact in New York:
Legislative Developments: New York is actively considering participation in IMpact, with legislative bill S2216 currently introduced. This involvement could significantly alter how massage therapy is practiced across state lines.
Stay Updated: As a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) in New York, staying informed about developments related to IMpact is important. Regular updates will help you understand potential changes and prepare accordingly.
Consultation and Resources: Regular consultations with the New York State Board of Massage Therapy and relevant professional organizations are necessary. These entities provide the latest updates and insights on how new legislation may impact your practice.
For More Information, Visit the New York Legislature's official website for the latest news and updates on the Interstate Massage Compact. Staying updated on these changes will help you manage your career better and take advantage of new opportunities that come from the latest regulations.
Costs per day represents the cost of the total policy amount divided by policy days. Daily payments are not available.
