Tennessee Massage Therapist State Requirements
How to Become a Massage Therapist in Tennessee
Starting a career as a massage therapist in Tennessee means following a few key steps regulated by the Tennessee Board of Massage Licensure. First, you must be 18 and finish 500 hours of massage therapy training. Then, you must pass two exams: one on massage therapy skills (like the MBLEx) and another on Tennessee laws for massage therapy. There's also a fingerprinting step to check your background. The initial application fee is $280. Getting insurance is also a smart move to protect yourself while you work.
Keep reading to learn more:
Education and Training Requirements
Completion of Training: Prospective massage therapists must complete 500 hours of instruction from a massage therapy school and must be approved by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission or its equivalent in another state or by the Tennessee Board of Regents. This training includes both classroom education and hands-on clinical experience.
200 hours of sciences
200 hours of massage theory
85 hours of allied modalities
10 hours of ethics
5 hours of Tennessee massage statutes and regulations.
Examination: Candidates must clear the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) conducted by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) or an equivalent exam recognized by the Tennessee Board. Additionally, relevant examinations assess knowledge of Tennessee-specific laws and rules relating to massage therapy.
License Requirements:
Age Requirement: Applicants must be 18 to qualify for a license.
Background Check: A background check is mandatory, involving fingerprinting for a national criminal history check. Background check ensures the safety and trustworthiness of licensed massage therapists.
Application Process: Complete the application form and submit it along with the non-refundable application fee of $280. The application must include proof of completed education, examination scores, and other required documentation.
Massage Therapy Schools in Tennessee
For those looking to start or further their career in massage therapy in Tennessee, the state offers a variety of reputable schools with diverse programs catering to different interests and specialties within the field of massage therapy. Here are some well-established schools from different regions across Tennessee, each offering unique programs and specializations:
Tennessee Career Institute: Offers a 750-hour massage therapy certificate program covering various techniques including Swedish, deep tissue, and Thai massage. The program can be completed in about a year of full-time study.
Mind Body Institute: This Nashville-based institute focuses solely on massage therapy education, offering a 700-hour certificate program that takes nine months to complete with day and evening class options.
Hussian College-Daymar College Nashville: This school provides a comprehensive 900-clock-hour medical massage therapy certificate program with no part-time option. It includes training in Swedish, therapeutic, sports, prenatal, and hot stone massage.
Genesis Career College-Cookeville: Located in Cookeville, TN, Genesis Career College offers a massage therapy certificate program as part of its School of Beauty & Wellness, with classes starting every month and a focus on various massage techniques.
Platt College-Miller-Motte Technical-Chattanooga: Catering to students from the Chattanooga area, Platt College offers programs in massage therapy, among other disciplines.
Appalachian Training Center for Healing Arts: Known for its holistic approach to massage therapy education.
Georgia Career Institute: Offers programs in massage therapy along with other health and beauty courses.
Reflections of Health School of Massage: This school aims to train well-rounded, highly professional massage therapists using classical and advanced techniques.
Choosing the right school involves considering curriculum, accreditation, hands-on training opportunities, enrollment requirements, costs, and schedules. Each school offers something unique: a specific focus on certain massage techniques, a comprehensive program that includes business and ethics training, or flexible scheduling to accommodate students' needs.
Insurance Requirements
The state of Tennessee does not require massage therapists to carry liability insurance. However, given the potential risks involved in the profession, obtaining liability insurance is so important. Professional liability insurance offers additional protection against potential claims and lawsuits.
A policy from Massage Magazine Insurance Plus offers comprehensive protection for massage therapists, providing $2 million in coverage per occurrence and a total aggregate coverage of $3 million.
How Much Does Tennessee 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 Tennessee, massage therapists must renew their licenses on time and inform the Board of any current information changes. Renewal notices are sent 45 days before the license expires to the address on file. Here's a concise guide based on Tennessee regulations:
License Renewal Steps:
- Renewal Deadline: Licenses must be renewed before they expire; Tennessee licenses are valid for two years from the date of issuance.
- Renewal Fee: The renewal fee is $200, plus any applicable online processing fees.
- Online Processing: Renewals can be completed online, ensuring convenience and immediate processing.
- Late Renewal: Additional fees apply for late renewals, so renewing on time is important to avoid extra charges.
Continuing Education (CE) Requirements:
- CE Hours: Licensees must complete 24 hours of Board-approved continuing education every two years. New licensees' hours are prorated based on when they get licensed within the cycle. Two of these hours must cover Tennessee statutes and rules, and other specific areas are also required.
- Hands-On Instruction: Tennessee requires massage therapists to complete at least 24 hours of continuing education (CEUs) every two years to renew their licenses.
- Flexible CE Hours: Two of these hours must cover Tennessee statutes and rules, and two hours must be completed related to the management of practicing massage therapy, professional ethics, or substance abuse. Providers of these courses must be Board-approved, including recognized organizations and accredited educational institutions.
These guidelines ensure Tennessee massage therapists stay updated on the latest methods, adhere to ethical standards, and possess comprehensive professional knowledge, leading to enhanced client care quality. For the most current information on continuing education requirements, it's advisable to regularly check the Tennessee Department of Health's website.
Transfer of License and License Reciprocity
For massage therapists seeking to transfer their license to Tennessee or understand the state's reciprocity policies, here's what you need to know:
License Transfer Requirements:
Obtain official transcripts showcasing at least 500 hours of massage therapy education from an accredited school.
You must have passed the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) conducted by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB).
Proof of passing an approved competency exam and completing Tennessee-specific legal and ethics education is required.
A background check is required.
Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact)
Tennessee's Position: Tennessee has not yet enacted the Interstate Massage Compact (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.
About IMpact: The Compact aims to allow licensed massage therapists to practice in member states without additional licensing, promoting mobility within the profession. However, each state needs to enact specific model legislation to join.
Read about the Interstate Massage Compact and its potential changes to the industry.
If you're a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) in Tennessee, it's important to stay updated on the state's participation status and any developments regarding the IMpact. Regularly checking with the Tennessee Board of Massage Licensure and professional organizations can provide the latest information and help you understand how it might affect your practice.
Costs per day represents the cost of the total policy amount divided by policy days. Daily payments are not available.
