Massage License Requirements
Did you know that massage licensing requirements vary from state to state? Some states require only 250-500 hours of massage therapy training, and a few don’t even require a license in order to practice! Here in Arizona, as of January 1, 2008, students must complete a minimum 700-hour massage therapy training program from a board-approved massage school before applying to become a licensed massage therapist (LMT).
List of Requirements for Massage Licensing in Arizona:
1. Proof of U.S. citizenship or official green card.
2. High school diploma or GED equivalent.
3. 700 transcript hours of massage therapy training from an accredited massage school. You must have completed a full program, such as our MT-750 or MT-1000.
4. National certification from NCBTMB (National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork).
NOTE: In Arizona, USDE accredited school (including SWIHA) graduates are exempt from this exam.
5. A complete and notarized licensing application from the Arizona State Board of Massage Therapy, along with a $219 money order or cashier’s check for the 2-year licensing fee ($195) and fingerprint background check ($24).
6. Passport-sized color photo, taken within 60 days of applying for license.
Just Moved to Arizona with an Out-of-State License?
No Problem! If you aren’t sure how to go about becoming licensed in the state of Arizona (reciprocity), our friendly staff here at SWIHA will assist you in making a smooth transition. Whether you earned less than Arizona’s 700 transcript hours of massage therapy training, or simply need to catch up on your continuing education (CE or CEU) requirements, we will walk you through the process of bridging that gap. With our expansive variety of classes, you’re sure to feel excited about completing your hours at SWIHA.
Other than supplying a copy of your current out-of-state license, the requirements for reciprocity are the same as listed above.
Keep Your Massage License Active!
Your initial massage therapy license is valid for a period of two years. You should receive a renewal reminder postcard in the mail approximately 65 days before your license will expire. Keep in mind Arizona’s massage licensing renewal fee is $95 and allow about 4 weeks for the state to process your renewal application.
In order to keep your massage license active, the state of Arizona requires a minimum of 25 hours of continuing education classes (CEs or CEUs) every two years – 12 hours of which can be distance or online courses. Here at SWIHA, we offer a wide variety of CEU classes, including additional massage modalities, reflexology, aromatherapy, acupressure, polarity, business, marketing and so much more. View our latest class schedule and choose the classes that ignite your passion!
Contact List for Massage Therapists in Arizona:
Arizona State Board of Massage Therapy
Phone: 602-542-8604
Website: www.massageboard.az.gov
National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB)
Phone: 800-296-0664
Website: www.ncbtmb.org
