Massage Therapy License Requirements by State

California, Kansas, Minnesota, Vermont, and Wyoming do not require a state-issued license for massage therapists. However, certain cities or counties within those states have specific requirements for the practice of massage therapy such as a minimum of education hours or proof of passing scores on a national massage therapy exam.

The cost of obtaining a massage therapy license ranges from $50 to $500 and varies from state to state. For the most accurate information, check with your state board of massage therapy for the current fee schedule.

The education hours required to become a licensed massage therapist range from 500 to 1,000 hours of study at a board-approved massage therapy school (on top of minimal requirements like a high school diploma or GED). It varies from state to state, and most states also require licensed massage therapists to complete continuing education (CE) hours prior to renewal.

For the most accurate information, check with your state board of massage therapy for their education requirements, including a breakdown of in-class instruction, curriculum, and practical training.

Certain states require massage therapists to carry liability insurance in order to obtain a license. At the time of writing, these states are Alabama, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Jersey, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

However, in most if not all states, you’ll be required to have insurance to practice For example, employers, landlords, spaces you rent, and other third parties may require you to be insured and add them to your policy as an additional insured.

Regardless of your state requirements, carrying massage therapy liability insurance protects your practice and demonstrates your commitment to safety, professionalism, and care. Check with your state board of massage therapy for their most current requirements regarding liability insurance.

In addition to your massage therapy license, consider earning a certification to enhance your credentials. Here are some certifications you can pursue after becoming a licensed massage therapist:

• Board Certification for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (BCTMB): This industry-respected credential is offered by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) and demonstrates advanced skill and ability in massage therapy.
• Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Massage Therapy: This degree provides a comprehensive education in massage therapy, including subjects such as anatomy and physiology, massage techniques, pathology, and more to give graduates an edge in the industry.
• Certification Exam for Structural Integration (CESI): Offered by the Certification Board for Structural Integration (CBSI), this program offers an in-depth education on SI, a massage approach that systematically addresses the body as a whole to release tension.

Other areas of specialization include medical massage, sports massage, stone massage, and prenatal massage. These are just a few voluntary certifications that can increase your credibility as a massage therapist.