Massage Industry Regulations

UNITED STATES

Alabama

Alabama is a licensed state. Requirements include but not limited to a minimum of 650 hours from an accredited Massage Therapy School and must pass either the MBLEX or NCBTMB exam along with having a $1,000,000 insurance coverage. Licenses renew every two years.  For further details about this state, check out this link:  https://amtlb.alabama.gov/licensing/

Alaska

Alaska is a licensed state.  Requirements include but not limited to a minimum of 625 hours from a “supervised in-class instruction” from an approved school, pass the MBLEX exam, submit a background check, and be CPR certified.  For license renewal, Alaska requires 16 CE (continuing education) hours every two years.  For further information, check out this link:  

Arizona

Arizona is a licensed state.  Requirements include but not limited to a minimum of 700 hours from a massage school, pass the background check, pass either the MBLEX or NCBTMB exam. For license renewal, Arizona requires 24 hours of CE’s (continuing education) every two years.  For further information, check out this link: https://massagetherapy.az.gov/

Arkansas

Arkansas is a licensed state.  Requirements include but not limited to a minimum of 500 hours of classroom and clinical instruction with minimum hours of specific classes.  For ie, an approved school must include a minimum of 175 of anatomy, physiology, pathology, and contraindications to Massage Therapy.  Other requirements include passing of the MBLEX exam or the BCETMB, the certified exam offered by the NCBTMB, and pass the background check. License renewals require 18 hours of CE’s (continuing education) every two years.  For further information, check out this link:  

California

This state doesn’t make sense to me; smh.  According to The Network, www.thenetworkteam.org, California is the 2nd highest state affiliated with Human Trafficking in the Illicit Massage Industry and yet, they don’t require a Massage Therapy license.  Instead, the CAMTC (California Massage Therapy Counsel) can approve a Certificate in Massage Therapy if a person decides to go that route.  The CAMTC requirements for this voluntary program include but not limited to a minimum 500 hour program approved by the CAMTC, pass a written and practical exam, and complete a background check.  Quite embarrassing to the Massage Therapy profession.  For further information, check out this link: https://www.camtc.org/

Colorado

Colorado is a licensed state. Requirements include but not limited to a minimum 500 -hour Massage school that is approved and accredited, pass either the MBLEX or the NCBTMB.  And although renewal is every two years, no CE’s (continuing education) is required.  For further information, check out this link:  https://dpo.colorado.gov/MassageTherapy

Connecticut

Connecticut is a licensed state.  Requirements include but not limited to a minimum of 750 hours of a program and pass either the MBLEX or the NCBTMB. Renewals require 24 CE (continuing education) hours every four years.  For further information, check out this link:  

Delaware

Delaware provides both a license or a certificate in the Massage Profession.  If choosing to be licensed, one must complete 500 hours of education and training, passing the MBLEX exam.  If choosing the certificate, one only needs to complete 300 hours of training; no exam is required. Renewals of the licensure require 24 CE (continuing education) hours every two years.  For further information, check out this link: 

Florida

Florida is a licensed state.  Requirements include but not limited to completing a 500-hour massage school approved by the Florida Board of Massage Therapy (FBMT), pass the MBLEX exam, and pass the background check.  Renewal licensure requires 24 CE (continuing education) hours every two years.  For further information, check out this link:  https://floridasmassagetherapy.gov/

Georgia

Georgia is a licensed state.  Requirements include but not limited to completing a 500-hour massage school approved by the Georgia Board of Massage Therapy, pass the MBLEX exam, and pass the background check.  Renewal licensure requires 24 CE (continuing education) hours every two years.  For further information, check out this link: 

Hawaii

Hawaii is a licensed state.  Their requirements include but not limited to completing 800 hours of classroom instruction and 600 hours of clinical hands-on practice, passing the Hawaii Massage Therapy Exam (MBLEX is not accepted), and passing the state background check. Renewal licensure requires 20 CE (continuing education) hours every two years.  For further information, check out this link:  

Idaho

Idaho is a licensed state.  Their requirements include but not limited to completing a 625- hour approved Massage Therapy School, become certified in CPR and bloodborne pathogens, pass the MBLEX exam, and pass the background check.  Renewal licensure requires 6 CE (continuing education) hours, 1 in Ethics, every year.  For further information, check out this link:  

Illinois

Illinois is a licensed state.  Their requirements include but not limited to completing a 600-hour program, pass the MLEX exam, pass the background check, and maintain a CPR certificate. Renewal licensure requires 12 CE hours every two years.  For further information, check out this link:  

Indiana

Indiana is a licensed state.  Their requirements include but not limited to completing a 625 hour program from an approved school, pass the MBLEX exam, and pass the background check. Renewal licensure requires 24 CE (continuing education) hours every two years.  For further information, check out this link:  

Iowa

Iowa is a licensed state.  Their requirements include but not limited to completing a 600-hour Massage Therapy School who’s curriculum is approved by the Iowa Board of Massage Therapy, pass the MBLEX exam, submit proof of graduation.  Renewal licensure requires 16 CE (continuing education) hours every two years.  Up to eight hours allowed online and a portion must be in person or live media class.  They also require specific mandatory reporting during each renewal period.  For further information, check out this link: 

Kansas

Kansas is not a licensed state.  They do not require a license in Massage Therapy in order to work.  However, some cities might require a certificate and/or a local permit.

Kentucky

Kentucky is a licensed state.  Their requirements include but not limited to completing a 500-hour program of an approved Massage Therapy School.  In addition to anatomy and pathology, course requirements also include kinesiology, massage theory and practice, ethics, and hygiene. Other requirements include passing the MBLEX exam and being CPR certified.  Renewal licensure requires 20 hours of CE’s (continuing education) every two years.  For further information, check out this link:    

Louisiana

Louisiana is a licensed state.  Their requirements include but not limited to completing a 500-hour program from an approved Massage Therapy School, pass the MEBLEX the NCBTMB exam, hold a current certificate in CPR, and pass the background check.  Renewal licensure requires 12 hours of CE’s (continuing education) every two years.  For further information, check out this link: 

Maine

Maine is a licensed state.  Their requirements include but not limited to completing a 500-hour program from an approved Massage Therapy School including specific curriculum topics such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, kinesiology, ethics, and business practices, to name a few. Other requirements include passing the MBLEX exam, current CPR certified, and pass the background check.  Renewal licensure requires 12 hours of CE’s (continuing education) every two years.  For further information, check out this link: 

Maryland

Maryland provides two options, either a Registered Massage Practitioner (RMP) or a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT).  In order to be an RMP, requirements include but not limited to completing 600 hours of an accredited program.  In order to be an LMT, requirements include but not limited to 750 hours of an accredited program.  Both RMP and LMT require passing of the MBLEX exam, passing of the Maryland Jurisprudence exam, and hold a current CPR certificate.  Renewal licensure requires 24 hours of CE’s (continuing education) ever two years, with specific mandatory topics included.  For further information, check out this link: 

Massachusetts

Massachusetts is a licensed state. Their requirements include but not limited to completing a 500 hour program from an accredited school that supervises clinical practice, passing the MBLEX exam, and passing the criminal background check. Renewal license requires 30 hours of CE (continuing education) every two years.  For further information, check out this link: 

Michigan

Michigan is a licensed state.  Their requirements include but not limited to completing a 500 hour program from an accredited school with specific courses in anatomy, physiology, pathology, business, and massage techniques.  Other requirements include passing the MBLEX exam, the criminal background check, and currently certified in CPR.  Renewal licensure requires 18 hours of CE (continuing education) every two years.  For further information, check out this link: 

Minnesota

Minnesota is a licensed state.  Their requirements include but not limited to completing a 500-hour massage therapy program approved by the Minnesota Board of Massage Therapy (MBMT).  The program must include anatomy, physiology, massage techniques, ethics and law, and business practices.  Other requirements include passing the MBLEX exam and completing 100 hours of supervised internship.  Renewal licensure requires 30 hours of CE’s (continuing education) every two years.  For further information, check out this link: 

Mississippi

Mississippi is a licensed state.  However, the requirements are different.  Instead of being at the minimum age of 18 like other states, this state allows a minimum age of 16.5 years of age and a minimum of a 10th grade education.  Requirements also include completing a 500 -hour program and passing the MBLEX exam.  Renewal licensure requires a $65 fee due on your birthday every year. For further information, check out this link:  

Missouri

Missouri is a licensed state.  Their requirements include but not limited to completing a 500-hour massage therapy program from an approved school.  Topics must include anatomy, physiology, massage theory and practice, business practice, ethics, hygiene, CPR, and first aide.  Other requirements include passing the MBLEX exam and criminal background check.  Renewal licensure requires 12 hours of CE’s (continuing education) every two years.  For further information, check out this link: 

Montana

Montana is a licensed state.  Their requirements include but not limited to completing a 500-hour program, passing of the MBLEX exam, and passing the criminal background check.  Renewal license requirements include 12 hours of CE’s (continuing education) every two years. For further information, check out this link:  

Nebraska

Nebraska is a licensed state.  Their requirements include but not limited to being at least 19 years of age, register with the Federation of State Massage Therapy Board (FSMTB), pass the MBLEX exam, and pass the criminal background check.  Renewal licensure requires 16 hours of CE’s (continuing education) every two years.  For further information, check out this link:  

Nevada

Nevada is a licensed state.  Their requirements include but not limited to being at least 18 years of age, completing a 550- hour state approved Massage Therapy program, pass the MBLEX exam, and pass the criminal background check.  Renewal licensure requires 24 hours of CE’s (continuing education) every two years.  For further information, check out this link:  

New Hampshire

New Hampshire is a licensed state.  Their requirements include but not limited to completing a 750-hour Massage Therapy program, pass the MBLEX, and hold a current certificate in CPR and First Aid. Renewal licensure requires 12 hours of CE’s (continuing education) every two years.  For further information, check out this link: 

New Jersey

New Jersey is a licensed state.  Their requirements include but not limited to completing a 600-hour program approved by the New Jersey Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy (BMBT), 100 hours of supervised practice, pass the MBLEX exam, and pass the criminal background check.  Renewal licensure requires 24 hours of CE’s (continuing education) every two years.  For further information, check out this link:  

New Mexico

New Mexico is a licensed state.  Their requirements include but not limited to completing a 650-hour Massage Therapy program, with a minimum of certain hours in specific courses such as 165 hours of anatomy and physiology, 150 hours of massage therapy training, etc.  Other requirements include passing the MBLEX exam, passing the state jurisprudence exam, become CPR certified, and passing the criminal background check.  Renewal licensure requires 24 hours of CE’s (continuing education), at least three in ethics, every two years.  For further information, check out this link: 

New York

New York is a licensed state.  Their requirements include but not limited to completing 1,000-hours of an approved program, and passing New York’s version of the MBLEX.  New York is the only state that created their own exam for their own state’s Massage Therapy License.  In fact, this state doesn’t allow any other licensed Massage Therapist to transfer to it without starting all over again.  You have to attend  their “approved” program and take their exam in order to practice Massage Therapy regardless of an already licensed Massage Therapist’s education and experience.  Renewal licensure requires 36 hours of CE’s (continuing education) every three years. For further information, check out this link:  

North Carolina

North Carolina is a licensed state. Their requirements include but not limited to completing a 650-hour Massage Therapy program from an approved school, pass the MBLEX exam, pass the jurisprudence exam on the North Carolina Massage Bodywork and Therapy Practice Act, submit fingerprints, and hold a valid CPR and First Aid certificate.  Renewal licensure requires 24 hours of CE’s (continuing education), three of which must be in ethics.  For further information, check out this link: 

North Dakota

North Dakota is a licensed state.  Their requirements include but not limited to completing a minimum of 750-hour Massage Therapy program approved by the state with specific hours in certain courses, such as, 150 hours in anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology.  Other requirements include passing the MBLEX exam, passing the state jurisprudence exam, passing the criminal background check, and have a valid CPR certificate.  Renewal licensure requires 24 hours of CE’s (continuing education) every two years; 10 of those may be completed online.  For further information, check out this link:  

Ohio

Ohio is a licensed state.  Their requirements include but not limited to completing a 750- hour program approved by the Ohio State Medical Board, passing the MBLEX exam, passing the criminal background check, and a CPR course. Renewal licensure requires 24 hours of CE’s (continuing education) every two years.  For further information, check out this link:  

Oklahoma

Oklahoma is a licensed state.  Their requirements include but not limited to completing a minimum of 500 hours of supervised classroom and hands-on instruction from an approved Massage Therapy program, passing the MBLEX exam, and providing proof of liability insurance.  Renewal licensure requires 5 CE’s (continuing education) every year and a renewal fee every two years.  For further information, check out this link: 

Oregon

Oregon is a licensed state.  Their requirements include but not limited to completing a minimum 625 hours of an approved Massage Therapy program with certain hours in specific courses such as, a minimum of 200 hours of anatomy, pathology, physiology, and kinesiology.  Other requirements include passing the state jurisprudence exam, passing either the MBLEX, NCBTMB, or CESI exam, pass the criminal background check, and hold a current certificate in Basic Life Support (BLS).  Renewal licensure requires 25 CE’s (continuing education) every two years.  For further information, check out this link:  

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is a licensed state.  Their requirements include but not limited to completing a minimum of a 600-hour Massage Therapy program approved by Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs (BPOA), pass the MBLEX exam, and pass the criminal background check. Renewal licensure requires 12 hours of CE’s (continuing education) every two years.  For further information, check out this link:  

Rhode Island

Rhode Island is a licensed state.  Their requirements include but not limited to completing a minimum 800-hour on-site accredited Massage Therapy program, pass the MBLEX, and hold a current certificate in CPR.  Renewal licensure requires 24 hours of CE’s (continuing education) every two years.  For further information, check out this link:  

South Carolina

South Carolina is a licensed state.  Their requirements include but not limited to completing a 650-hour Massage Therapy Program, pass the MBLEX exam, pass the criminal background check, pass the state jurisprudence exam, have a current certificate in CPR and First Aid, and have a health certificate.  Renewal licensure requires 12 hours of CE’s (continuing education) every two years.  For further information, check out this link:  

South Dakota

South Dakota is a licensed state.  Their requirements include but not limited to completing a minimum of a 500-hour Massage Therapy program and pass the MBLEX exam.  Renewal licensure requires eight hours of CE’s (continuing education) every two years.  For further information, check out this link:  

Tennessee

Tennessee is a licensed state.  Their requirements include but not limited to completing a minimum of a 500-hour classroom instruction from an accredited Massage Therapy program with specific hours in certain courses such as 100 hours of anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology and 400 hours of Massage Therapy theory and Practice.  Other requirements include passing the MBLEX exam, passing the criminal background check, and hold a current certificate if CPR and First Aid.  Renewal licensure requires 24 hours of CE’s (continuing education) every two years.  For further information, check out this link:  

Texas

Texas is a licensed state.  Their requirements include but not limited to completing a 500- hour Massage Therapy program approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), pass the MBLEX exam, pass the Texas Massage Therapist Jurisprudence exam, and pass the criminal background check.  Renewal licensure requires 12 CE’s (continuing education) every two years.  For further information, check out this link:  

Utah

Utah is a licensed state.  Their requirements include but not limited to completing a minimum of 600 hours of training from an approved or accredited program, pass the MBLEX exam, pass the Utah Massage Law exam, and pass the criminal background check. License renewal requires 24 hours of CE’s (continuing education) every two years, expiring on the odd years.  Three of those hours must be in ethics, four must be in self-care.  For further information, check out this link:  

Vermont

Vermont is not a licensed sate, rather they are a certified state.  In order to practice Massage Therapy, they require a minimum of 500 hours of instruction, including 420 hours of practical Massage Therapy training.  Other requirements include obtain a national certificate from a recognized organization such as NCBMT (National Certification Board of Massage Therapy) or AMTA (American Massage Therapy Association), pass the criminal background check, obtain liability insurance, and hold a current certificate in CPR.  No continuing education is required.  For further information, check out this link: 

Virginia

Virginian is a licensed state.  Their requirements include but not limited to completing a minimum of 500 hours of training from a Massage Therapy program approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing (BON) and pass the MBLEX exam. Renewal licensure requires 24 hours of CE’s (continuing education) every two years, with a minimum of 1 hour in ethics.  For further information, check out this link:  

Washington

Washington is a licensed state.  Their requirements include but not limited to completing a minimum of 625 hours of a Massage Therapy program approved and accredited by the National Massage Therapy Education Council (NMTEC) or the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA).  Other requirements include passing a written and practical exam from the Washington State Department of Health (DOH), pass the MBLEX exam, and pass the criminal background check. Renewal licensure requires 24 hours of CE’s (continuing education) every two years.  For further information, check out this link:  

West Virginia

West Virginia is a licensed state.  Their requirements include but not limited to completing a minimum of 500 hours from an approved Massage Therapy program and pass the MBLEX exam. License renewal requires 25 hours of CE’s (continuing education) every two years.  For further information, check out this link:  

Wisconsin

Wisconsin is a licensed state.  Their requirements include but not limited to completing a minimum of 600 hours of Massage Therapy training from an approved program, pass the written and practical exam from the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS), pass the MLBEX exam, obtain specific liability insurance coverage, pass the criminal background check, and obtain a current CPR certificate.  Renewal licensure requires 24 hours of CE’s (continuing education) every two years.  For further information, check out this link: 

Wyoming

Wyoming is not a licensed state. However, some cites and counties may have their own rules.  For further information, check out this link: