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.
Massage License Required? Yes
Designation: LMT
Education hours: 650
Exam: MBLEx or NCBTMB
CEUs / Renewals: none /1 yr
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):
License applicants must request an official transcript from his/her massage school. Include this in the still-sealed envelope with your application.
The Massachusetts Board of Registration of Massage Therapy has approved the following exams:
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.
Getting a license in Massachusetts has additional requirements. The applicant must:
Massage license applicants can view licensing requirements on the Massachusetts Board website, and download the Instructions and Initial Massage Therapist License Application.
Massage therapists may apply for a Massachusetts massage license through the examination process or through reciprocity (endorsement). 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.
Here is a summary of the fees charged by the Massachusetts Board of Massage Therapy.
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:
