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How do I get a Massage Therapy License?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

Choosing to become a massage therapist can be a rewarding career. Competent therapists may choose to work for others or establish their own business. In either case, many jurisdictions do require all massage therapists to hold a current license in order to pursue business within the area. If you need to obtain a massage therapy license, here is some information you should keep in mind.

The fact is that not all cities and towns require that massage therapists have any special type of credentials. This means that if you want to work for an established massage parlor, health spa, or gym, you will not need any type of marriage therapy licensing from the local jurisdiction. When this is the case, all you really will need is your own business license if you plan on setting up your own business. In most cities and towns, this can be obtained for a small fee at the local city hall.

Typically, business licenses and related permits are granted at city hall.
Typically, business licenses and related permits are granted at city hall.

However, if your local jurisdiction does require that you have a current and valid massage therapy license, you will probably have to do a little more than pay a small fee to get your license for massage therapy. There is a good chance you will need to provide proof of successful completion of coursework through a recognized training program. In addition, some jurisdictions may have short exams that help to establish that you understand at least the rudiments of the profession and are capable of providing an effective and relaxing massage.

Some people learn a number of different massage techniques, while others specialize in a single type.
Some people learn a number of different massage techniques, while others specialize in a single type.

The best way to determine what you must do in order to obtain your massage therapy license is to find out which local agency will issue the document. Contact the agency and obtain any information you can regarding guidelines for application, any exams that must be completed successfully, and what type of training is required before the license can be granted. Since there is not any national procedures that govern the creation of massage therapy license requirements in most countries, the qualifications imposed by local authorities may be very broad in nature, or be highly specific in terms of training and proof of proficiency.

Most places require a massage therapist to hold a license.
Most places require a massage therapist to hold a license.

Once you know what is required to obtain the massage therapy license, and are certain that you meet all the required criteria, make your formal application. Depending on local regulations, you may need to submit photocopies of supporting documents such as transcripts from your training or a certificate of completion. Once your application is completed and reviewed, you are either scheduled for an upcoming exam date or you are issued your license upon paying the required fee.

Massage therapy may be used to help soothe shoulder pain.
Massage therapy may be used to help soothe shoulder pain.

Keep in mind that if you have a valid massage therapy license from another jurisdiction, it may be possible to forego the usual requirements and obtain a new license immediately. However, there are jurisdictions that require everyone to follow the same procedures, even if the individual holds a valid massage therapy license from another city or town.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

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Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

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Discussion Comments

Planch

One thing I've never understood is how you can get a massage therapy diploma online. I see all these advertisements for online massage therapy colleges or distance massage continuing education courses, but I really thought that massage was really hands on. How can you possibly have the practical training needed to be a good massage therapist through a distance course?

galen84basc

Even after you get your basic licensing, there are also many courses for continuing education for massage therapists.

For instance, many massage therapists choose to specialize in one discipline, like Esalen massage or infant massage.

And let me tell you, like anything else, the more certifications and training you have, the better your job prospects are going to be.

So bear in mind that you probably won't want to completely stop your education when you get your massage therapy diploma.

More specialization will invariably lead to more clients.

CopperPipe

When choosing a license school or massage therapy college, it really is important to choose a good, reputable one.

Many spas won't even hire you if your massage therapy continuing education is from one that hasn't dotted all the "i"s and crossed all the "t"s.n

Of course you can still work on your own, but if you really want to spend all that time and money on your massage therapist education, you might as well get the most out of it as you possibly can.

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    • Typically, business licenses and related permits are granted at city hall.
      By: rxr3rxr3
      Typically, business licenses and related permits are granted at city hall.
    • Some people learn a number of different massage techniques, while others specialize in a single type.
      By: Micky75
      Some people learn a number of different massage techniques, while others specialize in a single type.
    • Most places require a massage therapist to hold a license.
      By: Tandem
      Most places require a massage therapist to hold a license.
    • Massage therapy may be used to help soothe shoulder pain.
      By: Sandor Kacso
      Massage therapy may be used to help soothe shoulder pain.