North Carolina Massage Therapist State Requirements
Starting a massage therapy career in North Carolina comes with both opportunities and specific regulatory steps. Many aspiring massage therapists feel uncertain about the licensure process—but understanding each requirement can make the path clearer and less intimidating.
The North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy (NCBMBT) oversees licensing and sets education and training standards. To become a licensed massage therapist in North Carolina, you’ll need to meet specific education hours, pass a recognized exam, and complete an application with the state board.
Beyond initial licensure, North Carolina massage therapists must also stay current with continuing education (CE) requirements to maintain their active license status.
This guide will walk you through each step—from education prerequisites to license verification—so you can feel confident and prepared as you start your career.
How to Become a Massage Therapist
in North Carolina
Education and Training Requirements:
To become a licensed massage therapist in North Carolina, you’ll need to meet several key requirements:
- Education: Complete at least 500 hours of massage therapy education from a state-approved school.
- Exam: Pass the MBLEx (Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination) or another exam recognized by the North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy (NCBMBT).
- Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
- Background Check: A state and federal background check is required as part of the licensure process.
- Application and Fees: Submit a completed application form along with a $150 application fee to the board.
While liability insurance is not legally required for licensure, it’s strongly recommended to protect yourself and your practice from potential claims.
For a detailed walkthrough of the application process and additional licensing tips, continue reading below.
License Requirements:
- Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years old.
- Background Check: A background check, including fingerprint records, is successfully passed by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
- Application Process: Submit a fully completed application form along with a $150 fee.
With a valid North Carolina license, professionals can practice massage therapy within the state, adhering to regulations and ensuring client safety. The North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy website offers additional information on licensing. It is important to consult the most current guidelines the North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy provides, as requirements may be updated.
Massage Therapy Schools in North Carolina
Choosing the right massage school in North Carolina is important for your career in massage therapy. Here's an overview of reputable schools across the state, tailored to match the structure you requested:
- Western North Carolina - Western North Carolina School of Massage (Asheville, NC): A sanctuary for personal and professional growth, offering a 625-hour diploma program and continuing education for licensed therapists. Small class sizes ensure individual attention and a close-knit learning environment.
- Central North Carolina - NC Massage School (Cornelius, NC): Established in 2002, this school offers a 650-hour diploma program focusing on neuromuscular certification and a holistic approach to massage therapy. Day and evening classes are available, catering to various schedules.
- Eastern North Carolina - Wake Tech (Raleigh, NC): Prepares graduates for the MBLEx with a 625-hour program at the Perry Health Sciences Campus. The program emphasizes the importance of therapeutic massage in health and wellness across the lifespan.
- North-Central North Carolina - Forsyth Tech Community College (Winston-Salem, NC): Offers an Associate Degree in Applied Science and certificate programs in Therapeutic Massage. These comprehensive programs focus on techniques to promote relaxation, stress relief, and well-being.
- Greater Raleigh Area - The Healing Arts and Massage School (Raleigh, NC): Provides a 625-hour Licensing Program in Holistic Massage and Bodywork Therapy, preparing students for the licensing exam with evening and daytime class schedules. Continuing education opportunities are also available.
- Johnston County - Johnston Community College (Smithfield, NC): Features both curriculum and continuing education options in Therapeutic Massage, aiming to prepare graduates for various healthcare settings. The program emphasizes ethical/legal issues, business practices, and psychology in massage therapy.
Each of these schools offers unique programs and specializations, making them excellent choices for starting or furthering your education in massage therapy in North Carolina.
Consider your specific interests, schedule, and career goals when choosing the right program for you
Insurance Requirements
While it's not legally mandated, massage therapists are strongly encouraged to maintain liability insurance in North Carolina. While the state does not specify the required proof of coverage amounts for application and licensure, comprehensive coverage benefits professional protection.
A policy from Massage Magazine Insurance Plus can offer protection for massage therapists in North Carolina, including $2 million in coverage per occurrence with a total aggregate coverage of $3 million. This level of coverage provides a substantial safety net, surpassing what many professionals might deem necessary given the lack of simpapecific state mandates.
For more information, read our North Carolina massage insurance page.
How Much Does North Carolina 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 North Carolina, the renewal of a massage therapy license is contingent upon satisfying certain educational and examination requirements determined by the state. Maintaining an active massage therapy license in North Carolina is important for upholding your professional credibility. Here is what you need to know:
License Renewal Steps:
Renewal Deadline: License renewals must be submitted by December 31, every two years, to avoid late fees.
Renewal Fee: A two-year license renewal costs $100 (non-refundable), which can be completed online.
Online Processing Fee: A nominal online processing charge is incurred during renewal.
Late Renewal: A late renewal costs $200.00.
Background Check: Renewal applicants may be subject to a criminal background check, including fingerprinting, with all associated fees payable by the applicant.
Continuing Education (CE) Requirements:
CE Hours: 24 hours of continuing education are required for renewal every two years.
Hands-On Instruction: A minimum of 12 CE hours must be in direct, hands-on participation in a live workshop setting.
Flexible CE Hours: The remaining 12 CE hours can be obtained through a mix of hands-on workshops and other approved educational activities relevant to massage therapy.
These criteria are designed to keep therapists informed of the latest practices, ethical norms, and knowledge in the field, ultimately benefiting client care. It's advised to regularly consult the North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy for any updates or changes to the continuing education requirements.
MMIP offers 50 hours of free online continuing education when you sign up for a policy.
Transfer of License and License Reciprocity
For massage therapists looking to transfer their license to North Carolina or to understand the state's reciprocity agreements, here are the details:
License Transfer Requirements:
The applicant must hold a current license in another state, territory, or D.C. with requirements that are substantially equivalent to or exceed those of North Carolina.
Completion of a minimum of 500 hours in a massage therapy program is required. The program must be approved by the state, territory, D.C., or Canadian province's regulatory board where the school is located.
The original license must have been obtained after passing an examination recognized by the North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy, which includes:
The Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB).
National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage (NCETM) or National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB) offered by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB), prior to their discontinuation.
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.
North Carolina’s Participation: North Carolina 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 North Carolina to regularly check for updates, especially regarding the state's involvement 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.
