Obtaining a Massage Therapy License and Degree

As of 2009, 42 states regulate the practice of massage therapy by requiring massage therapists to complete education courses and pass a national or state certification exam.  Massage therapy programs are offered at community colleges, vocational schools, and online institutions.  Many of these programs offer courses that cover anatomy and kinesiology, as well as business and ethics courses.  It is important that students check their state regulations, as some states require completion from an accredited school in order to practice massage therapy.  After education requirements are complete, students may apply for their Massage Therapy License.

State Requirements

State boards usually require students to complete anywhere from 330 – 1000 training and education hours to become licensed or certified.  In order for some massage therapists to practice massage, many states require certification from specific organizations such as National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB).  Some states require that massage therapist continue their education by participating in training sessions.  Some individuals may have to complete a certain amount of training hours each year in a certain amount of time, to keep their license.  Also, individuals who obtain their NCTMB certification will be required to continue their education by attending training courses on a yearly basis.