How to Become a Massage Therapist in Alaska

The State of Alaska Massage Therapist Requirements

Throughout the 663,300 square miles of the Last Frontier, approximately 737 massage therapists work to help the more than 700,000 people in their state find relief from pain, rehabilitation from injuries, and comfort in the midst of stress and anxiety.

With 293,531 people in Anchorage, 31,551 people in Fairbanks, and 32,227 people in Juneau, massage therapists who work in Alaska can find an engaged environment to open, continue, or join a massage therapy business.

How Do I Become A Massage Therapist in Alaska?

If you’re ready to move into your career as a massage therapist in Alaska, you must register with the Board of Massage Therapists. The application fee is $200. You will also need $290 for a massage therapist license fee and $60 for a fingerprint processing fee.

Once you are registered, you must receive licensure by the Board. If you do not register, you will be working illegally and can receive a fine. This regulatory process went into effect July 1, 2015.

In order to receive this license, you must complete a minimum of 625 hours of in-class supervised instruction and clinical work from a board-approved school and pass the national exam (MBLEX). You will also need a current CPR certification and have been fingerprinted and passed a national criminal history record check.

You can find application request forms on their website.

Where Can I Study?

Though the Board of Massage Therapists has not yet decided on a list of approved schools, it did approve that the following accrediting agencies be included in proposed regulations being put out for public comment: American Massage Therapy Association, Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals, National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, and Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation. Keep this in mind when choosing a massage therapy school in Alaska.

Most students will attend school in Fairbanks and Anchorage. These two leading schools can help you get a start on what you may be looking for.

• Kindred Spirits School of Massage: Approved by the NCBTMB, this school has many different modalities students can learn, including canine sports massage professional training. The school provides small classes, one on one time with the instructor, and all the supplies needed for the technique being taught.
• Alaska Institute of Oriental Medicine, Acupuncture and Massage Therapy: The number one reason students choose this school is because they want to “help people and be a healer” and they heard this school was “the best.” Students will receive instruction with both a western and eastern point of view. They boast that many local businesses love their graduates.

Other education options include Alaska Career College and CB Healing Institute in Anchorage.

How Much Will I Earn?

The average annual wage of a massage therapist in Alaska was $59,662 in 2021. This is on the higher side of state earnings, with the average national salary at $53,222. Massage therapists who work in Anchorage have the opportunity to earn roughly the same salary, with the average for this city at $59,194 annually.

“The greatest gift you can give yourself is a little bit of your own attention.” — Anthony J. D’Angelo

If you’ve ever dreamed of a career in massage therapy, Alaska offers a unique and rewarding landscape for massage professionals. Whether you picture yourself helping clients recover from the physical demands of Alaskan adventures—like glacier hiking, dog sledding, or deep-sea fishing—or working in a cozy wellness clinic in Anchorage, becoming a licensed massage therapist in Alaska is your first step toward a fulfilling career.

This guide will walk you through everything prospective massage therapists need to know about licensure requirements, from attending an approved massage school to passing a national exam and submitting your application to the Alaska Board of Massage. We’ll also cover continuing education, CPR certification, and the renewal process, making sure you have all the tools to start your career in therapeutic massage in the Last Frontier.

Educational Requirements

To become a licensed massage therapist in Alaska, you must complete a minimum of 625 hours of education from an approved massage school. This training assures that prospective massage therapists receive the necessary skills and knowledge to provide safe and effective therapeutic massage.

Applicants must complete 2 hours of safety education covering bloodborne pathogens and universal precautions as part of their curriculum.

If you haven’t met the 625-hour requirement, you will need to enroll in an accredited or state-approved massage therapy school before applying for licensure. Schools such as Kindred Spirits School of Massage in Anchorage provide hands-on clinical work and in-class supervised instruction that meet Alaska’s educational requirements.

By completing the required coursework at a board-approved massage school, including CPR certification and safety education, Alaska massage therapists set themselves up for success in this rewarding field.

What is the MBLEx?

The Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) is a national exam that assesses the fundamental knowledge and skills required to practice massage therapy safely and effectively. Administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB), this exam is an important step in getting a massage therapy license in the state of Alaska.

The MBLEx is designed to evaluate prospective massage therapists on topics such as anatomy and physiology, therapeutic massage techniques, professional ethics, and client safety. Passing this exam demonstrates that you meet the minimum competency standards set by the Alaska Board of Massage and ensures you are prepared to work in a professional setting.

If you’re planning to launch your massage therapy career in Alaska’s wellness industry—whether in Anchorage, Juneau, or a luxury resort in Denali—passing the MBLEx is essential.

Out-of-State License Transfer

If you are a licensed massage therapist in another state and wish to practice in Alaska, you may apply for licensure by credentials. The Alaska Board of Massage allows applicants from select states to transfer their licenses, provided they meet the state’s licensure requirements.

To qualify for licensure by credentials, you must hold a current massage therapy license in one of the following states:

• Alabama
• Connecticut
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Kentucky
• Minnesota
• New Hampshire
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Dakota
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Washington

If your state is not listed, you must apply for licensure by examination and complete all standard massage therapy accreditation and testing requirements.

Additionally, all Alaska massage therapists must submit:

• Proof of current CPR certification from an approved provider
• A fingerprint card for a background check (submitted to the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing)
• Verification of your license in good standing from your current state board

If you’re looking to take your massage therapy career to the Last Frontier, transferring your license could be the perfect way to work in Alaska’s unique wellness industry, from urban clinics in Anchorage to resort spas in remote wilderness lodges.

Application Process for Licensure

After completing 625 hours of massage therapy education from an approved massage school and passing the MBLEx or NCBTMB exam, you need to apply for licensure in Alaska. The process includes:

• Submitting Proof of Education: Your massage therapy school must send official transcripts directly to the Alaska Board of Massage to verify that you meet the minimum education requirements.
• MBLEx or NCBTMB Exam Scores: Your official test scores must be sent directly to the Alaska Board of Massage by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) or the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB).
• Application Form: Complete the Application for Massage Therapist License, which can be found on the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing website.
• Application Fees: Pay the required nonrefundable application fee, which includes the licensure fee and fingerprint processing fee, as listed on the application form.

Background Check and Fingerprinting

Alaska requires all massage therapy applicants to undergo a background check. This process includes:

• Fingerprinting: Submit an FD-258 fingerprint card through an approved fingerprinting service. The completed fingerprint card must be sent directly to the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing for processing.
• Background Check: The state conducts a criminal history review to assure applicant eligibility and compliance with public safety standards.
• Fees and Processing: Pay the nonrefundable fingerprint processing fee along with your massage therapy license application. Processing times may vary, so it’s recommended to submit your fingerprints early to avoid delays.

Continuing Education Requirements

To maintain your massage therapy license, Alaska requires massage therapists to complete continuing education:

• Hours Required: A minimum of 16 hours of continuing education every two years. Of these, at least 2 hours must be in ethics.
• Approved Courses: Courses must be completed through a local, state, or national professional organization that serves the massage therapy profession, such as:
  • The Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB)
  • The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB)
• Renewal Process: Submit proof of completed continuing education credits with your license renewal application. Up to 2 hours of CPR certification training can be applied toward your continuing education requirements.

Alaska Massage Insurance Requirements

While Alaska does not legally require massage therapists to carry liability insurance, having massage insurance is highly recommended to protect your practice and provide financial security. 

Importance of Insurance

Massage insurance provides necessary protection against various risks associated with the profession. Key reasons to consider obtaining insurance include:

• Professional Liability: Covers legal expenses and damages if a client sues you for malpractice or negligence. This is crucial as it protects you from claims related to injuries or dissatisfaction with your services.
• General Liability: Protects against accidents and injuries that may occur on your business premises. For instance, if a client slips and falls in your office, general liability insurance covers medical costs and potential legal fees.
• Identity Protection Coverage: Provides protection against identity theft and threat incidents that would put personal information at risk. Typically, it includes credit monitoring, dark web scans, and recovery services if your information is jeopardized.
• Personal and Advertising Injury Coverage: This coverage can help protect you if you’re accused of libel, slander, or false advertising.

Resources

For more detailed information on insurance requirements and recommendations for massage therapists in Alaska, consider the following resources:

• Interstate Massage Compact: The Interstate Massage Compact, or IMpact, is a multistate license option for massage therapists who work in more than one state. Currently, only Nevada and Ohio have legislation enacted, but therapists should keep a sharp eye on this for licensure reasons.
• Alaska Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing: Regularly visit the state website for any updates on regulations and state laws.
• MBLEx Guide: Dependable, educational platform for completing the MBLEx.

Employment and Career Opportunities

Once you become a licensed massage therapist in Alaska, numerous employment opportunities await you. Here’s an overview of potential workplaces, salary expectations, and job search tips to help you start your career.

Workplaces

Massage therapists in Alaska have diverse employment opportunities, ranging from wellness-focused environments to medical and athletic settings. Here are some of the most common workplaces for Alaska massage therapists:

• Spas and Wellness Retreats – Many therapists find work in luxury spas, hot spring resorts, and wellness centers, offering relaxation and therapeutic massage to both locals and tourists. Locations like Chena Hot Springs Resort and wellness centers in Anchorage and Juneau provide opportunities to work in holistic healing environments.
• Medical Clinics and Hospitals – Massage therapy is often integrated into pain management programs and rehabilitation plans in Alaska’s medical community. Therapists may work alongside chiropractors, physical therapists, and doctors to assist patients recovering from injuries, surgeries, or chronic pain.
• Chiropractic and Physical Therapy Offices – Many chiropractic clinics and rehabilitation centers hire massage therapists to provide soft tissue therapy that complements chiropractic adjustments and physical therapy treatments.
• Private Practice and Mobile Services – Some Alaska massage therapists choose to operate independently, either running a home-based studio or offering mobile massage services, traveling to clients’ homes, hotels, or remote locations. This flexibility allows therapists to tailor their services to individual needs.
• Sports and Fitness Facilities – With Alaska’s active lifestyle, massage therapists frequently work with athletes, skiers, mountaineers, and outdoor enthusiasts to prevent injuries and improve recovery. Gyms, yoga studios, and sports rehabilitation centers often employ massage therapists to support performance enhancement and recovery.

Salary Expectations

The salary for massage therapists varies based on location, experience, and place of employment. According to recent data:

• The median annual wage for massage therapists in the United States was $55,310 as of May 2023 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
• In Alaska, the average annual salary for massage therapists is around $67,018 per year. Keep in mind that actual salaries may vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and specific work setting (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Job Outlook

The demand for massage therapists is projected to grow significantly. Employment of massage therapists is expected to increase by 18% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth will result in approximately 22,000 new job openings each year, driven by increasing awareness of the health benefits of massage therapy and the need to replace retiring workers.

Job Search Tips

To successfully land a job as a massage therapist, consider the following strategies:

• Networking: Connect with other professionals in the field through industry events, local massage therapy associations, and online platforms.
• Job Search Platforms: Use job search websites such as Indeed, Glassdoor, and specialized platforms for healthcare professionals to find job openings.
• Continuing Education: Stay updated with the latest techniques and trends in massage therapy by attending workshops and courses. This not only increases your skills but also makes you more attractive to potential employers.
• Marketing: If you are starting a private practice, invest in marketing efforts such as creating a professional website, using social media, and establishing partnerships with local businesses to attract clients.

Ensure Your Peace of Mind with Liability Insurance

As a massage therapist, protecting yourself and your practice is crucial. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a student starting your journey, liability insurance is an essential safeguard. Massage Magazine Insurance Plus offers comprehensive policies that cater to your specific needs, providing unmatched peace of mind. Here’s why you should consider this vital coverage:

Access to Continuing Education: Stay ahead in your field with access to a wide range of continuing education resources. Our policyholders enjoy exclusive benefits that help them keep their skills sharp and up-to-date.

Comprehensive Member Benefits: Join a community that offers more than just insurance. With Massage Magazine Insurance Plus, you gain access to numerous member benefits, including industry news, resources, and industry-exclusive discounts that can propel your career forward.

Why Wait? Protect Your Practice Today! Investing in liability insurance is a proactive step towards ensuring a successful and worry-free career. Don’t leave your practice vulnerable—choose Massage Magazine Insurance Plus and enjoy unparalleled protection and benefits. Visit Massage Magazine Insurance Plus to learn more and secure your policy. Your future self will thank you!