New York Massage License
Updated for 2024
Massage therapists in New York must have a license and be registered by the New York State Board of Massage Therapy in order to practice. The State Board is within the Office of the Professions in the NY Education Department. Once a professional massage therapy license is issued in New York, it is valid for life unless suspended, revoked or annulled. Registration must be renewed every 3 years.
To become a licensed massage therapist (LMT) in the state of New York, applicants must first complete the requirements as described on the New York Office of Professions website. Requirements include completing 1000 hours of massage therapy education and training. Applicants must also pass the New York State Massage Therapy Examination. We’ve provided a summary of these requirements below for a quick reference.
License statistics indicate that there are 13,625 licensed massage therapists in New York state.
New York Quick Look
Massage License Required? Yes
Designation: LMT
Education hours: 1000
Exam: NYSMTE
CEUs / Renewals: 36 CEUs/3yrs
Massage Education Requirements in New York
Applicants for a New York massage therapy license are required to complete a minimum of 1,000 hours of classroom instruction from an approved school. The curriculum must include the following minimum hours:
- 200 hours of anatomy, physiology, and neurology (minimum 50 hours of neurology)
- 150 hours of myology and/or kinesiology
- 100 hours of general pathology, including instruction related to the integumentary and neuromuscular systems, and soft tissue pathologies
- 75 clock hours of hygiene, first aid and other areas related to the practice of massage therapy
- 150 hours of general theory and technique in the fundamentals of western and oriental massage therapy, with a minimum of 50 hours of instruction in each type of therapy
- 325 hours of additional instruction and practice in massage therapy techniques. 150 of these hours must be supervised practice of massage technique application
New York State Massage Therapy Examination Requirements
The New York Office of Professions has developed their own state exam that all applicants must pass before getting a massage license. While the state-specific examination is a requirement, many applicants also choose to prepare for broader industry standards. For example, studying with an MBLEx practice test can offer additional preparation, enhancing understanding of massage therapy concepts that are universally applicable, even though New York has its distinct examination.
The New York State Massage Therapy Examination is offered twice per year (January and August). There is an examination blueprint available on the NY state website, and the main content areas are as follows:
- Assessment and Evaluation (14% or 20 questions)
- Intake Interview
- Physical Examination
- Definition of scope of treatment
- Development of a Treatment Plan (29% or 40 questions)
- Establishment of treatment goals
- Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology
- Selecting appropriate approach and technique
- Application of Treatment Skills (51% or 72 questions)
- Preparation of treatment area, including positioning and draping
- Application of massage therapy techniques
- Application of accessory therapy techniques – including heat, cold and other modalities
- Treating clients with specific conditions
- Patient education
- Professional Responsibilities, Business Practice and Professional Ethics (6% or 8 questions)
- Scope of Practice – includes knowledge of New York massage laws and regulations
- Client record keeping
- Safety and first aid
Applicants must have met all other licensure requirements (except citizenship) before they will be admitted to take the examination. The total number of questions on the New York State Massage Therapy Examination is 140. There are 20 questions that require knowledge of Eastern Massage methods.
Additional License Requirements
- Be at least 18 years of age and of good moral character
- Complete all education and examination requirements
- Complete a CPR course within 3 years prior to licensure
Application Process
Applicants for a New York massage therapy license may apply through examination or endorsement process. You must meet all application requirements before being eligible to sit for the New York State Massage Therapy Examination, which is only offered in January and August. The endorsement method of application has education requirements that vary based on amount of massage practice experience that the applicant has. Those who plan on applying through the endorsement method should view the requirements directly on the NY website.
There is also an option for a Limited Permit to practice massage. This is available to massage license applicants who have completed all licensure requirements except the New York State Massage Therapy Examination. The permit is valid for no more than 1 year. Permit holders may be employed and practice massage therapy where there is on-site supervision from a licensed massage therapist. However a permit holder may not engage in private practice. You may apply for a Limited Permit at the same time or after completing the license application.
Massage License Fees
The following is a summary of the fees charged by the New York Office of the Professions.
- Licensure and first registration fee: $108
- Limited permit fee: $35
Renewal Process
All massage therapy licenses expire on the licensee’s birth month. CEUs must be from an approved provider and cannot be carried forward to the next registration period. The following must be done to complete your renewal application:
- Complete 36 CEU credit hours (or pro-rated to 1 hour/month during your first registration period)
- Complete online registration renewal
- Send renewal fee
New York State Board of Massage Therapy
Contact Information
Mailing Address:
New York State Board of Massage Therapy
PO Box 22063
Albany, NY 12201
Physical Address:
New York State Board of Massage Therapy
89 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12234-1000
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.