Browse Massage Therapy Schools & Programs By State

Massage therapy is practiced nationwide, but the requirements to practice vary by state. It’s important to understand your state’s requirements for licensure so you can plan your massage study accordingly.

In this section, you will discover cultural and career opportunities in your state as well as the credentials needed to practice massage therapy. You’ll find valuable contact information for each state’s massage therapy licensing board and a helpful breakdown of the requirements for licensure in your state, including education, licensing exams, and continuing education units (CEUs).

Massage Education Requirements

In the 43 states that regulate massage therapy, you will need to complete anywhere from 570 to 1,000 education hours to be eligible for licensure. In the 7 states that do not regulate massage therapy, you may have the option of enrolling in a 100-hour massage therapy program. But in the event that your state does begin to regulate the practice, you will need to complete more education hours, so it may be wise to enroll in a 500-hour-plus massage program from the start. Many states also require that you graduate from a massage therapy program that’s been approved by the state licensing board or accredited by a national agency like the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation.

Massage Exam Requirements

Most states require massage therapists to pass National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork certification exams for licensure: either the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage (NCETM) or the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB). However, more and more states are also accepting the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), which is governed by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards.

Massage License Maintenance

In order to maintain a professional massage therapy license, you must complete 6 to 18 continuing education units CEUs each year.