State licensing boards may require massage therapists complete national certification for licensure.
States may require licensing for massage therapists, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. A massage therapist provides treatment for stress and sore muscles and can relieve the pain of injured muscles. The training program required for licensure varies from state to state. Students learn a variety of massage therapy techniques or modalities to treat patients.
Training Hours
State boards of massage therapy require candidates for licensure complete a training program that has a minimum number of hours. National certification organizations such as the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork require candidates complete a 500-hour course approved by the National Certification Board. The training course allows massage therapist candidates sit for the certification examination.
Classroom Training
The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork requires candidates complete a program that includes a minimum of 300 hours in classroom training. The 300 hours must include 125 hours in the body systems including anatomy, kinesiology and physiology. Students must also complete 10 hours of business training, which includes a minimum of six hours in ethics, 40 hours of pathology instruction and 125 hours in a massage therapy specialty to complete the 300-hour requirement.
Practical Training
Certification training for massage therapists must also include hands-on instruction in therapeutic techniques. The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork requires candidates complete a minimum of 200 hours in practical training to qualify for the examination.
Written Examination
The certification examination tests the massage therapist's knowledge of the human body, massage techniques and business practices. The National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage tests candidates in the body systems, anatomy, physiology, kinesiology and pathology. The test consists of 160 multiple choice questions and candidates have two hours and 40 minutes to take the examination.
Continuing Education
National certification as a massage therapist is valid for four years. Candidates must continue to pursue professional education to maintain certification. A recertification program keeps the massage therapist up to date on the latest techniques and information. To renew the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork credential, candidates must complete 48 hours of continuing education and have 200 hours of work experience.
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