Washington Massage Therapist State Requirements

How to Become a Massage Therapist in Washington
Education and Training Requirements:
Completion of Training: In Washington State, applicants must complete a board-approved education program consisting of a minimum of 625 hours to qualify for a massage therapy license. 260 hours of massage theory principles and practice of massage90 hours of anatomy and physiology70 hours of pathology60 hours of kinesiology55 hours of business and clinical practices50 hours of student clinic40 hours of professional ethics
Examination: Candidates must pass the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) or an equivalent exam.
License Requirements
Age Requirement: Applicants must be 18 to qualify for a license.
Background Check: Washington State requires fingerprint-based background checks for licensing purposes. If you have lived out of state or have a criminal record in Washington State, these checks involve the Washington State Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This process is at the applicant's expense and costs $34.25.
Application Process: Applicants must complete an application form and submit it with a non-refundable fee of $226. The application must include proof of completed education, examination scores, and other required documentation such as CPR and first aid certifications. Washington also requires a jurisprudence exam, or test of laws and rules, which must be completed online with a score of 100%.
Massage Therapy Schools in Washington
- Elite Cosmetology, Barber & Spa Academy: Offers extensive programs in Yakima that exceed state-required hours and focus on various massage techniques.
- Inland Massage Institute: This is the oldest school in the region. It is located in Spokane and offers a comprehensive 750-hour program with various
- techniques.
- Victoria’s Academy of Cosmetology: Kennewick's 750-hour program covers various massage techniques.
- Cortiva Institute-Seattle: Offers flexible MT certificate programs and a variety of specialized massage courses.
- Carrington College-Spokane: Features a detailed program including various massage techniques and additional health studies.
- Whatcom Community College: Provides a focused massage therapy certificate program in Bellingham with practical experience components.
- Clover Park Technical College: Located near Lakewood, offering several massage therapy program options with comprehensive coursework.
- Renton Technical College: Offers certificate and associate degree programs in Renton, incorporating a wide range of massage modalities.
Insurance Requirements
License Renewals for Massage Therapists in Washington
- Renewal Deadline: Licenses must be renewed annually. They expire on the therapist's birthday and may be renewed within 90 days before the expiration date.
- Renewal Fee: The renewal fee is $166 and is subject to change, so it is wise to check the latest fee schedule.
- Online Processing: Renewals can be conveniently completed online, streamlining the process and ensuring immediate processing.
- Late Renewal: Late renewals are subject to an additional fee of $75; renewing on time avoids these extra charges.
- Background Check: Washington State law does not specifically require massage therapists to undergo a new background check with each license renewal.
- CE Hours: 24 CE hours are required every two years.
- Hands-On Instruction: There are specific requirements regarding hands-on coursework. While the state mandates continuing education, confirming the latest stipulations directly from Washington's regulations is crucial.
- Flexible CE Hours: CE hours can be achieved through various approved educational activities pertinent to massage therapy. Up to 16 hours can be completed via online or distance learning. Out of the 24 hours, 4 must be in ethics, and 2 must focus on Roles and Boundaries.
These requirements make sure that massage therapists in Washington stay updated with the latest techniques, ethical standards, and professional knowledge. This helps to improve client care quality. Regularly visit the Washington State Department of Health website for the latest updates or changes in continuing education requirements.
Transfer of License and License Reciprocity
For massage therapists seeking to transfer their license to Washington or understand the state's reciprocity policies, here's what you need to know:
License Transfer Requirements:
Obtain official transcripts demonstrating at least 625 hours of massage therapy education from a program approved by the Washington State Board of Massage.
You must have passed a recognized massage therapy examination, such as the MBLEx, conducted by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB).
Complete the Washington State Massage Therapist Jurisprudence Exam, which covers specific rules and laws pertaining to massage therapy in Washington.
Costs per day represents the cost of the total policy amount divided by policy days. Daily payments are not available.