* Completion of a massage therapy program: This is the core requirement. These programs typically take 500-1000 hours to complete and cover topics such as:
* Anatomy and physiology
* Kinesiology (the study of body movement)
* Pathology (the study of disease)
* Massage techniques (Swedish, deep tissue, sports massage, etc.)
* Business practices (for running a practice)
* Ethics and professionalism
* Client communication and assessment
* Hygiene and safety
* Licensing or Certification: After completing the program, you'll need to pass a licensing exam and obtain a license to practice legally in your area. The specific requirements for licensing vary by state (in the US) or province/territory (in Canada) and country. Some jurisdictions may also require continuing education credits to maintain licensure.
In short, while there's no specific degree required (like a bachelor's degree), you need to complete a state-approved or nationally accredited massage therapy program and pass a licensing exam. The program itself provides the necessary education and training.