Texas Massage Therapist State Requirements
Starting a career as a massage therapist in Texas is exciting but challenging. If you're feeling lost or stressed about how to become a licensed massage therapist in Texas, know that you're not alone.
Understanding the specifics mandated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, figuring out how to get your massage therapist license, and keeping up with required ongoing education might seem tough at first.
We're here to help you understand all the rules, how to check your license status, and what you need to learn. We want to give you the knowledge and confidence you need to prepare for a great career in massage therapy.
How to Become a Massage Therapist in Texas
Starting a career as a massage therapist in Texas means following a few key steps regulated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. 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 Texas laws for massage therapy.
There's also a fingerprinting step to check your background. The initial application fee is $100. 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 licensed by the TDLR. This training includes both classroom education and hands-on clinical experience.
200 hours of massage therapy techniques, with at least 125 hours of Swedish massage techniques
50 hours of anatomy
25 hours of physiology
50 hours of kinesiology
40 hours of pathology
20 hours of hydrotherapy
45 hours of massage therapy laws and rules, business practices, and professional ethics
20 hours of health and hygiene, first aid, universal precautions, and CPR
50 hours of internship
Examination: You must pass the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) offered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) or a TDLR-approved equivalent exam. Applicants must also pass the Texas Massage Therapy Jurisprudence Exam to demonstrate knowledge of Texas laws and rules relating to massage therapy.
License Requirements:
Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years old 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 $100. The application must include proof of completed education, examination scores, and other required documentation.
For more information, see the Texas board of massage therapy's website.
Massage Therapy Schools in Texas
For those looking to start or further their career in massage therapy in Texas, 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 Texas, each offering unique programs and specializations:
Austin: Avenue Five Institute is known for its comprehensive programs that include a range of massage techniques and clinical practice through internships, preparing students for diverse skills in massage therapy.
McAllen and Brownsville: South Texas Vocational Technical Institute offers a detailed program focusing on different massage modalities, including sports massage, spa therapies, and essential soft skills training.
El Paso: Western Technical College offers a certificate program endorsed by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation. The program offers deep tissue, sports, and chair massage, among other specialties.
Dallas: Parker University stands out for its extensive curriculum, which covers both a certificate and an Associate's degree in Applied Science. The program focuses on various massage techniques and general education classes.
Corsicana: Navarro College, a part of the Texas community college system, offers a massage therapy certificate program that matches state requirements and includes a balanced curriculum.
Houston: The Lauterstein-Conway Massage School in Austin is renowned for its high-quality massage therapy training. It offers licensure programs and continuing education for experienced therapists.
Various Locations Across Texas: Vocational Training HQ lists several schools, including the Academy for Massage in San Antonio, Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute, and more. Each provides the required 500-hour program and covers essential topics like anatomy, kinesiology, and various massage techniques.
Houston Specific Options: Texas Health School offers a full curriculum and practical experience. Another option is the Houston School of Massage Therapy, which provides courses in English and Spanish and focuses on Swedish massage, among other practices.
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
In Texas, the state does not require massage therapists to carry liability insurance. However, given the potential risks involved in the profession, obtaining liability insurance is prudent for protecting your practice. 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.
For more detailed information, check out our Texas massage liability insurance page
How Much Does Texas 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
Maintaining your professional status as a massage therapist in Texas requires timely license renewal. Here's a concise guide based on Texas regulations:
License Renewal Steps:
Renewal Deadline: Licenses must be renewed before they expire; Texas licenses are valid for two years from the date of issuance.
Renewal Fee: The renewal fee is $75, 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 it's important to renew on time to avoid extra charges.
Background Check: Renewal includes a one-time fingerprinting requirement for a national criminal history check, with applicants responsible for the associated fees.
Continuing Education (CE) Requirements:
CE Hours: 12 CE hours are required every two years.
Hands-On Instruction: A portion of these hours must be in hands-on coursework; however, Texas regulations are subject to change, so it's important to verify the current requirements.
Flexible CE Hours: The balance of CE hours can be obtained through various approved educational activities related to massage therapy.
These requirements keep massage therapists current with the newest techniques, ethical standards, and professional knowledge, thus improving the quality of client care. Visit the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) website regularly for updates or changes in continuing education requirements.
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 Texas 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).
The Texas Massage Therapist Jurisprudence Exam must also be completed, which covers Texas-specific rules and laws.
Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact)
The Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact) allows LMTs to practice across multiple states with one license.
Texas's Position: Texas 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.
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.
Costs per day represents the cost of the total policy amount divided by policy days. Daily payments are not available.
