Louisiana Massage License
Updated for 2024
Massage therapists interested in practicing in Louisiana must first get a license issued by the Louisiana Board of Massage Therapy (LBMT). To become a licensed massage therapist (LMT) in the state of Louisiana, applicants must complete the requirements as described on the Louisiana Board of Massage Therapy website. These requirements include completing a massage program of at least 500 hours that meets the curriculum guidelines.
Therapists must also pass a the MBLEx massage exam or have previously passed the NCBTMB credentialing exam. Find out how MBLExGuide can help you pass the massage exam here.
Industry research from ABMP in 2016 estimated that there was about 2,171 massage therapists in Louisiana (1 therapist per every 2,150 people in Louisiana).
Louisiana Quick Look
Massage License Required? Yes
Designation: LMT
Education hours: 500
Exam: MBLEx or NCBTMB
CEUs / Renewals: 12 CEUs/1yr
Massage Education Requirements in Louisiana
Applicants for a massage license in Louisiana are required to complete a minimum of 500 hours of in-class instruction from an approved school. At this time, there is not a list of approved massage schools or programs. An approved school curriculum will contain the following minimum coursework and clinical work:
- 325 hours dedicated to the study of massage therapy techniques and related clinical modalities
- 125 hours of anatomy and physiology
- 50 hours of discretionary related coursework which could include hydrotherapy, professional ethics, business practices, healthy, hygiene, CPR and first aid.
Applicants must contact their massage school and request that an official transcript be sent directly to the Louisiana Board.
Examination Requirements
The Louisiana Board of Massage Therapy has approved the following exams:
- Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx) which is currently offered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB)
- The NCETMB credentialing exam offered by the NCBTMB, is no longer offered. But massage therapists who passed it before the exam was retired in 2014 may use these results to satisfy the examination requirement.
The board also requires that the examination be taken within 2 years from the date this license application is filed. However if the massage therapist holds a current and valid license in another state that maintains similar licensing standards as Louisiana, then the Board may exempt this national examination requirement.
To ensure a strong preparation for the MBLEx, considering the use of MBLEx practice quizzes is an effective strategy. These practice tests mirror the real exam’s format and difficulty, providing insights into areas where additional study might be needed and helping to build exam-taking skills.
If you have not yet taken the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam and are planning to seek licensure in Louisiana, simply select this state when registering for the MBLEx, and they will send your scores to the Louisiana Board of Massage Therapy when you pass. Check out our About the MBLEx page to see how to apply and schedule your exam.
Additional License Requirements
Getting a license in Louisiana has additional requirements. The applicant must have a criminal background check.
Application Process
Massage therapists in Louisiana may apply for a massage license by downloading and completing the Application for License form. Applicants may download and view the full Title 46 Professional and Occupational Standards for official details on all aspects of massage therapist licensure and practice requirements. Massage therapists in Louisiana should also familiarize themselves with the Louisiana Massage Practice Act.
Massage License Fees
Below is a summary of the fees charged by the Louisiana Board of Massage Therapy.
- Nonrefundable application fee: $75
- License fee: $125
- Renewal fee: $125
Renewal Process
The renewal period for massage therapy licenses in Louisiana is January 1 through March 31 of each year. Renewal applications received after this deadline are subject to a late fee of $100. The following must be done to complete your renewal application:
- Download and complete the renewal application, or renew online.
- Complete 12 CEU credit hours (applicants are not required to take CEUs their first year). Any CEUs beyond the required 12 hours may be carried over for one renewal cycle.
- Send renewal fee of $125
Louisiana Board of Massage Therapy
Contact Information
Address:
Louisiana Board of Massage Therapy
9619 Interline Avenue
Suite B
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
Note: The information on this website is for informational purposes. Please inquire directly with your state and local boards to verify requirements and regulations, as this may have changed. Contact information is listed above.