Massachusetts Massage License
Updated for 2024
The state of Massachusetts requires all massage therapists to be licensed by the Board of Registration of Massage Therapy before practicing. Regulation of the massage therapy profession has been in effect in Massachusetts since 2006. The Massachusetts Board of Registration of Massage Therapy works to protect the public’s health, safety and welfare by maintaining the educational standards for professionals in the state. This includes creating curriculum guidelines, licensing massage schools, and establishing continuing education requirements.
To become a licensed massage therapist (LMT) in the state of Massachusetts, you must first complete the requirements as described on the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Massage Therapy website. We’ve provided a summary of these requirements below for a quick reference. MBLExGuide also provides practice tests and quizzes to help you pass the massage exam.
Industry research from ABMP in 2016 estimated that there was about 7,844 massage therapists in Massachusetts. That’s 1 therapist per every 866 people in the state.
Massachusetts Quick Look
Massage License Required? Yes
Designation: LMT
Education hours: 650
Exam: MBLEx or NCBTMB
CEUs / Renewals: none /1 yr
Massage Education Requirements in Massachusetts
Applicants for a massage license in Massachusetts are required to complete a minimum of 650 hours of supervised classroom and clinical instruction from an approved school. The massage education curriculum should contain (at a minimum):
- 100 hours of human Anatomy and Physiology
- 45 hours of Pathology
- 45 hours of Kinesiology
- 60 hours of Ethics, Professionalism and Business Practices
- 300 hours of supervised in classroom Massage Theory and Technique
- 100 hours of unpaid supervised clinical internship or externship experience
Examination Requirements
The Massachusetts Board of Registration of Massage Therapy has approved the following exams:
- Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx) offered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB)
- NCETMB/NCETM credentialing exam previously offered by the NCBTMB (this exam is no longer offered)
Preparing for the MBLEx test is crucial for aspiring massage therapists in Massachusetts. Engaging in MBLEx practice exams offers a beneficial way to familiarize yourself with the exam format and types of questions you might encounter. These practice tests can be a key part of your study plan, enhancing your understanding and boosting your confidence for the actual test.
If you’re planning to seek licensure in Massachusetts and haven’t taken the MBLEx yet, just pick Massachusetts when you register for the exam. Your scores will be automatically forwarded to the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Massage Therapy upon passing. For detailed guidance on applying and scheduling the MBLEx, visit our About the MBLEx page.
Additional License Requirements
Getting a license in Massachusetts has additional requirements. The applicant must:
- Be 18 years of age and of good moral character
- Possess a high school diploma or equivalent
- Provide 2 letters of reference
- Have Professional Liability Insurance of at least $1M per occurrence and $1M aggregate coverage
Application Process
Massage therapists may apply for a Massachusetts massage license through the examination process or possibly through reciprocity (endorsement). However, there is currently conflicting information about this on their website.
A message on their licensing page states: “The State of Massachusetts does not currently have a process in place for reciprocity (transfer) of out-of-state massage licenses. A new massage therapy license application must be submitted.” However, according to section 230 of the General Laws, the board may issue reciprocal licensure for any applicant who currently holds an active license, certification or registration in good standing from another state or jurisdiction. The other state must have licensing standards that are reasonably equivalent to those in Massachusetts.
You can also read about reciprocal licensure on page 2 of this document: https://www.mass.gov/doc/269-cmr-3-individual-licensure/download.
Massage License Fees
Here is a summary of the fees charged by the Massachusetts Board of Massage Therapy.
- Nonrefundable application and license fee: $225
- Renewal fee: $150
Renewal Process
The Massachusetts massage therapy license will expire annually on the 28th day of the licensee’s birth month. The following must be done to complete your renewal application:
- Complete the online renewal application
- Verify current Professional Liability Insurance coverage
- Send renewal fee of $150
Massachusetts Board of Registration
of Massage Therapy
Contact Information
Address:
Board of Registration of Massage Therapy
1000 Washington Street, Suite 710
Boston, MA 02118
Email: massagetherapy@mass.gov
Phone: (617) 701-8630 individual licensure
Phone: (617) 727-3084 establishment licensure
Fax: (617) 727-0139
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.