Wherever a license is required, there will be an education requirement. For example, New Mexico requires 650 hours of education from an accredited school. Prospective students should check to see the minimum educational requirements in their areas. Then check each of the possible schools to ensure they offer at least the required number of hours.
Prospective students should also know whether there are minimum hour requirements for specific areas of study. Oregon requires each student receive at least 200 hours of anatomy, physiology, pathology and kinesiology education.
After graduation comes the testing process. This typically requires application and a fee. In some cases, the test will be written or practical, and in a few cases both. There will be a waiting period between when you apply and when the test is scheduled. During this time, you should continue to study the areas being tested. Study guides may be available.
Testing is part of the licensing process. Also included are an application and background check. Fingerprinting and a photo may also be necessary. Testing may be conducted by the state board, but in many cases the written exams are proctored by an outside agency. The practical exam is usually conducted by the state board.
You may be granted a temporary license, allowing you to work on clients while awaiting testing and your permanent license. You are encouraged to schedule your exam with enough time to retest if necessary before your temporary license expires.
For licensed massage therapists, school does not end at graduation. Continuing education is often a requirement for license renewal. In Oregon, you need 25 hours of continuing education during each licensing period. It is also important to know if a certain number of continuing education hours must be in a specific area, such as ethics or sanitation.
If massage is regulated by individual cities or counties, make sure you apply for and receive a license for each area. If you plan to move to a new state, check the minimum requirements for licensure. In some cases, a state will issue a license if you are already licensed in another state.