| Much like physicians and nurses, most manner of | | | | requirement. Depending upon whether a new law |
| medical, clinical, and therapy providers are required | | | | is passed, some masseurs or masseuses can be |
| to hold some sort of state license or certification. | | | | "grandfathered" in instead. For those massage |
| It is no different for masseurs in most of the | | | | professionals which do need to hold certifications, |
| states. While the average individual is aware that | | | | much like doctors, continuing education is required |
| every doctor actively practicing in the U.S. needs | | | | to maintain their certification or re-taking the |
| to be licensed by the American Medical | | | | certification test every four years. Often times |
| Association or AMA, most individuals are not | | | | should a massage therapist move to another |
| familiar with the requirements and regulations | | | | state, completing the coursework needs to be |
| which masseurs and masseuses need to follow. | | | | accomplished again. |
| The National Certification Board for Therapeutic | | | | There are numerous types of massage therapy |
| Massage and Bodywork, or NCBTMB, currently | | | | and many considerations that a massage therapist |
| administers two certification exams which are | | | | must address when working with a client. |
| recognized by 37 states. In addition to passing | | | | Circulatory issues, nervous system issues, the |
| one of these tests, it is necessary for the | | | | lymphatic system, pregnancy, and many more |
| certified massage therapist to have at least 500 | | | | come into play. As a client, you would certainly |
| hours of coursework. The coursework covers a | | | | want someone who is qualified and certified as a |
| variety of topics and information such as | | | | therapist, rather than an inexperienced person |
| anatomy, physiology, ethics, pathology and more. | | | | who may endanger your health. |
| Even though 37 states require an individual to hold | | | | The purpose of passing the NCBTMB certification |
| a certification and pass a background check, | | | | requirements is to uphold the standards and |
| many local governments may have additional | | | | legitimize the professional of a massage therapist. |
| requirements above and beyond that of the | | | | By requiring continued education in the field of |
| state. Some states, however, do not as yet | | | | massage, a therapist shows that they are |
| require massage therapists to be certified by the | | | | dedicated to their clients' well-being and |
| NCBTMB. Again, even in those few states with no | | | | professional in their conduct. These standards are |
| requirements, local jurisdictions within those state | | | | set in place to help ensure that the client will |
| may require certification. | | | | receive the attention of a professional and |
| Many massage therapists who have been | | | | qualified massage therapist. |
| practicing for years may not need to fulfill every | | | | |