Tennessee Massage License
Updated for 2024
Massage therapists in Tennessee are required to have a massage therapy license in order to practice in this state. The massage profession is regulated by the Tennessee Massage Licensure Board which was created in 1995. The purpose of the board is to safeguard the public health, safety and welfare by creating and enforcing standards of practice as well as to ensure therapist competency. The Tennessee Massage Licensure Board is within the Department of Health.
To become a licensed massage therapist (LMT) in the state of Tennessee, applicants must first complete the requirements as described on the Tennessee Massage Licensure Board website. Requirements include completing a 500-hour massage education program and passing a recognized exam such as the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx). We’ve provided a summary of these requirements below for a quick reference. Industry research from ABMP in 2016 estimated that there was about 4,020 massage therapists in Tennessee.
Tennessee Quick Look
Massage License Required? Yes
Designation: LMT or MT
Education hours: 500
Exam: MBLEx or NCBTMB
CEUs / Renewals: 24 CEUs/2yrs
Massage Education Requirements in Tennessee
- 200 hours of anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, pathology, hygiene, standards of practice, and related sciences
- 200 hours of basic massage theory and practice, history, benefits, indications and contraindications, demonstration and supervised practice, client assessment, and specific massage techniques
- 85 hours of business standards for massage practice, communication, CPR/First Aid, ADA, referral methods, special populations and adjunct therapies including hydrotherapy
- 10 hours of ethics
- 5 hours of instruction on Tennessee massage statutes and regulations
Examination Requirements
The Tennessee Massage Licensure Board 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 offered by the NCBTMB
As part of your journey to become a licensed massage therapist in Tennessee, reviewing with MBLEx practice test can provide an excellent opportunity to deepen your understanding of the subject matter. This kind of preparatory tool allows you to get a feel for the types of questions and the format of the MBLEx, making it a useful step in your preparation process.
If you have not yet taken the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam and are planning to seek licensure in Tennessee, simply select this state when registering for the MBLEx, and they will send your scores to the Tennessee Massage Licensure Board when you pass. Check out our About the MBLEx page to see how to apply and schedule your exam.
Additional License Requirements
Getting a Tennessee massage license has additional requirements. The applicant must:
- Be at least 18 years of age and of good moral character
- Complete a Criminal Background check with fingerprinting
- Verify licensure from each and every state where any license has been or is currently held
- Complete the Mandatory Practitioner Profile Questionnaire for Licensed Health Care Providers
Application Process
Applicants may print the license application with instructions and checklist. Once all documentation is received, the average processing time is around 6 weeks.
Massage License Fees
The following is a summary of the fees charged by the Tennessee Massage Licensure Board. All fees are non-refundable. The total amount due upon submission of the application packet is $280.
- Application fee: $85
- Initial licensure fee: $185
- State regulatory fee: $10 (also due with every renewal)
- Biennial renewal fee: $200
- Late renewal fee: $100
Renewal Process
Renewal notices are mailed to the licensee’s address on record approximately 45 days prior to expiration. The following must be done to complete your renewal application:
- Complete the online renewal
- Complete 24 CEU credit hours. 2 of these hours must pertain to Tennessee statutes and rules concerning massage therapists and establishments. These courses must be approved by the board. 2 hours must pertain to the management of a massage therapy practice, professional ethics or substance abuse. See the General Rules 0870-01.12 for additional details on CEU requirements.
- Send renewal fee of $200
Tennessee Massage Licensure Board
Contact Information
Mailing Address:
Massage Licensure Board
665 Mainstream Drive
Nashville, TN 37234
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.