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Credentials help inform a consumer about the qualifications and
competency of a massage therapist. Massage therapy credentials include
the following:
Licensing
Most states regulate the massage therapy profession. Depending on
the state, this could be in the form of a license, registration or
certification. Cities, counties or other local governments also may
regulate massage.
Licensing is the strictest form of professional regulation, making it
illegal for anyone to work as a massage therapist unless he or she has a
license.
National Certification
Many massage
therapists choose to become nationally certified in massage therapy,
while others are required by their states to pass a national
certification exam. These exams are administered by the
National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB).
Individuals who meet standards of education, training and/or experience
and pass the examination are entitled to use the designation Nationally
Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork and its initials, NCTMB.
National certification indicates that these massage therapists possess
core skills, abilities, knowledge and attributes to practice safely and
competently, as determined by the National Certification Board.
Education and Training with an Accredited School
Standards for
education and training can assist the consumer to know whether a massage
therapist has adequate preparation to practice. AMTA recommends a
minimum of 500 hours of supervised, in-class initial massage therapy
training, which must include the study of anatomy and physiology, the
theory and practice of massage therapy, and elective subjects.
States that license
massage therapists define the minimum initial massage therapy training
required. Most require a minimum of 500 hours of training, but some
require 1,000 hours (e.g. New York).
One way of knowing
whether a training program or massage school provides a
nationally-recognized standard level of education is to see if it is
accredited by a credible agency, i.e., one that follows the guidelines
of the U.S. Department of Education.
Membership in a Professional Association
Membership in a credible professional association indicates professional
preparation and accountability. AMTA is the largest non-profit,
professional association representing massage therapy and was founded in
1943. AMTA requires members to meet minimum education requirements,
pursue continuing education and uphold its Code of Ethics.
There are a number of credible associations that represent
individuals who practice a specific modality. Some examples:
Learn more about the
differences between certification, licensing, and accreditation.
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American Massage Therapy Association®
