Michigan Massage License
Updated for 2024
The state of Michigan requires that all massage therapists have a massage license issued by the Michigan Board of Massage Therapy before starting to practice. The board was formed in 2008 and works to protect the public’s health, safety and welfare by establishing the standards of training and minimum competency levels of massage professionals in the state.
To become a licensed massage therapist (LMT) in the state of Michigan, you must first complete the requirements as described on the Michigan Board of Massage Therapy website. A summary of these requirements is listed below for a quick reference.
Industry research from ABMP in 2016 estimated that there was about 8,339 massage therapists in Michigan. That’s 1 therapist per every 1,189 people in the state.
Michigan Quick Look
Massage License Required? Yes
Designation: LMT
Education hours: 625
Exam: MBLEx or NCBTMB
CEUs / Renewals: 18 CEs/3 yrs
Massage Education Requirements in Michigan
Applicants for a Michigan massage license are required to complete a minimum of 500 hours of supervised classroom instruction from an approved school if enrolled before August 1, 2017, or at least 625 hours for applicants enrolled in massage school on or after August 1, 2017. The curriculum must contain at least:
- 125 hours of instruction of body systems including anatomy, physiology and kinesiology
- 40 hours of pathology
- 10 hours of business, professional practice and ethics (minimum of 6 hours of ethics)
- 200 hours of massage and bodywork assessments, theory and application
- 85 hours of massage-related instruction as determined by the school
- 40 hours of supervised clinical practice
Examination Requirements
The Michigan Board 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 credentialing exam offered by the NCBTMB if taken prior to November 1, 2014 (this exam is no longer offered)
Preparing for the MBLEx is a crucial step for aspiring massage therapists in Michigan. Utilizing resources like MBLEx practice tests can greatly assist in comprehending the exam structure and types of questions, thereby enhancing preparation and boosting confidence.
If you have not yet taken the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam and are planning to seek licensure in Michigan, simply select this state when registering for the MBLEx, and they will send your scores to the Michigan 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 Michigan has additional requirements including:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Good moral character
- Social Security Number
- English language proficiency
- Completion of training to identify victims of human trafficking
- Implicit Bias training (3 hours)
- Have a criminal background check with fingerprinting
Application Process
Massage therapists may receive a license through examination or endorsement. Full details of each process can be found in the General Rules. Applicants should review the massage therapy Licensing Guide on the board’s website. The Michigan Board of Massage Therapy no longer accepts paper applications for a massage license, and therapists must apply online.
Massage License Fees
Here is a summary of the fees charged by the Michigan Board of Massage Therapy:
- Nonrefundable application/license fee: $264.90
Renewal Process
Your initial Michigan massage license will be valid for anywhere between 4-12 months. After your first renewal, your license will be valid for 3 years. Renewals can be completed online during the 45-60 day window immediately prior to the license expiration date. The following must be done to complete your renewal application:
- Complete the online renewal
- Complete 18 hours of continuing education hours from an approved CE provider must be completed in the two years preceding the application for license renewal. This must include:
- 1 hour of pain and symptom management
- 2 hours of professional ethics and boundaries
- Send renewal fee: $243.30
Michigan Board of Massage Therapy
Contact Information
Address:
Bureau of professional Licensing
Board of Massage Therapy
PO Box 30670
Lansing, MI 48909
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.