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The State of California Massage Therapist Requirements

Throughout the 163,696 square miles of The Golden State, approximately 52,931 massage therapists work to help the more than 39.5 million people in their state find relief from pain, rehabilitation from injuries, and comfort in the midst of stress and anxiety.

With 3,928,864 people in Los Angeles, 1,381,069 people in San Diego, and 1,021,795 people in San Jose, massage therapists who work in California can find an engaged environment to open, continue, or join a massage therapy business.

How Do I Become A Massage Therapist in California?

If you’re ready to move into your career as a massage therapist in California, you must register with the California Massage Therapy Council. The registration fee is $200. Once you are registered, you must receive licensure by the Board. If you do not register, you will need to get a permit from each of the cities in which you practice massage.

In order to receive this license, you must complete a minimum of 500 hours from an accredited massage therapy school and be certified by the Board.

You can find application request forms on their website.

Where Can I Study?

The California Massage Therapy Council provides information on CMTC school approval to help future LMTs choose the right school to complete their 500 required hours.

To help you get started, below are a couple of popular schools for massage therapy in California.

  • National Holistic Institute: Living their mission statement to “help people have work they love,” this school takes time to get to know each student so they can better understand how to help them through their journey as a professional massage therapist. As a respected and nationally accredited massage therapy school, students will receive hands-on experience and quality feedback from clients.
  • Alhambra Medical University: Believing in working together to better community, the world, and themselves, this school provides rigorous training for students. Because of the high demand for those skilled in Asian Body Work therapy, students will be provided with job opportunities for licensed massage and bodywork practitioners.

Other education options include Everest College and Esalen Institute.

How Much Will I Earn?

The average annual wage of a massage therapist in California was $59,449 in 2014. This is on the higher side of state earnings, with the average national salary at $53,222. Massage therapists who work in San Francisco have the opportunity to earn a higher salary, with the average for this city at $66,528 annually.

“The body is precious. It is our vehicle for awakening. Treat it with care.” – Buddha

California, known for its liberal and free-spirited culture, has long been a haven for holistic wellness and alternative therapies. From the bohemian enclaves of San Francisco to the wellness retreats of Los Angeles, the Golden State embraces a diverse and dynamic approach to health and well-being. This progressive mindset has made California a hotspot for massage therapy, with over 53,000 massage therapists currently practicing in the state. Despite this large number, the demand for skilled massage therapists continues to grow as more people seek the benefits of massage for stress relief, pain management, and overall wellness.

Unlock a rewarding career in this thriving industry by becoming a certified massage therapist in California. This guide will walk you through each step of the process, emphasizing the unique requirements and responsibilities specific to California.

California’s Unique Approach to Massage Therapy Certification

California’s approach to massage therapy is distinct from many other states, as it does not require a state license to practice. Instead, the state has a voluntary certification program administered by the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC). However, many cities and counties within California have their own regulations and may require CAMTC certification. It’s crucial for aspiring massage therapists to check with local authorities to understand specific requirements in their area.

Key Points of Responsibility for Prospective Therapists

  1. Local Regulations: Prospective massage therapists must verify local regulations. Some cities and counties may require CAMTC certification, while others may not.
  2. CAMTC Certification: Even though state licensure is not mandatory, obtaining CAMTC certification can demonstrate professionalism and commitment to industry standards, which is beneficial for career advancement, insurance eligibility, and client trust.

Educational Requirements

To become a certified massage therapist in California, you must complete a minimum of 500 hours of education from a CAMTC-approved massage therapy program. These programs provide comprehensive training to prepare you for a successful career in massage therapy.

Curriculum Requirements

At least 100 hours of your education must cover:

  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Contraindications
  • Health and Hygiene
  • Business and Ethics

Certification Requirements

To obtain CAMTC certification, you must meet several requirements:

  • Be 18 years of age or older.
  • Pay the $300 certification fee.
  • Submit fingerprints for a Live Scan background check and pass the check.
  • Have official transcripts from all massage schools you attended sent directly to CAMTC.
  • Submit a photocopy of your driver’s license or state ID.
  • Include a recent passport photo meeting specific requirements.
  • Not have violated any provisions of the California Massage Therapy Act or CAMTC regulations.

Application Process for Certification

After completing your education, you need to apply for certification in California. The process includes:

  • Submitting Proof of Education: Documentation from your massage therapy program.
  • Background Check: Submit fingerprints for a Live Scan background check.
  • Application Form: Complete the application available on the CAMTC website.
  • Application Fees: Pay the required fees as listed on the application form.

What is the MBLEx?

The Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) is a standardized test that assesses your knowledge and understanding of key concepts and practices in the field of massage therapy.

Although there are no requirements for a massage therapist in California to pass the MBLEx, nevertheless we highly recommend that you seriously consider taking it to enhance your knowledge, competence, credibility and professionalism in an already very competitive industry.

The MBLEx is administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB). It is designed to evaluate the competency of entry-level massage therapists and ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge to practice safely and effectively. Passing the MBLEx is a requirement for licensure in most states.

Insurance Requirements

California does not mandate licensed massage therapists to carry liability insurance. However, it is highly recommended. A typical recommendation is $1 million per occurrence and $3 million aggregate. Specialist massage therapy liability insurance covers professional and general liability, ensuring you’re protected in cases of professional errors and premises-related incidents.

Insurance Cost Breakdown

  • Professional Rate: $169/year.
  • Part-Time Professional Rate: $159/year for those practicing less than 10 hands-on hours a week.
  • Two-Year Policy Option: $299 for extended coverage with savings.

Importance of Insurance

Massage insurance provides 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 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.

Fortunately for you, Massage Magazine Insurance Plus (MMIP) has all of this in a very easy policy that takes just minutes to complete online. Protect yourself in 5 minutes with us!

License Renewals

Renewing your massage therapy certification in California is key to maintaining your professional status. Here’s what to expect:

  • Recertification Period: Massage therapists must recertify every two years.
  • Recertification Fee: The fee for a two-year recertification is $300.
  • Late Fees:
    • $25 for recertification submitted 1 to 10 days after expiration.
    • $55 for recertification submitted 11 to 29 days after expiration.
    • $120 for recertification submitted 30 days or more after expiration.

Continuing Education Requirements

Currently, the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) does not mandate continuing education for recertification. However, CAMTC strongly encourages massage therapists to pursue ongoing education voluntarily. Engaging in continuing education helps deepen your understanding of the field, refine your skills, and stay abreast of evolving industry standards.

A policy with MMIP will give you access to over 60 hours of Massage Continuing Education.

Transfer of License and License Reciprocity

For massage therapists seeking to transfer their license to California or understand the state’s reciprocity policies, here’s what you need to know:

  • Licensing Requirement: Hold a license from a state with requirements equal to or greater than California’s minimum requirement of 500 hours of training.
  • CAMTC Voluntary Certification: CAMTC offers voluntary certification to massage professionals who meet the state law requirement of 500 training hours.
  • Voluntary Nature of Certification: CAMTC certification is not mandatory under state law for practicing massage professionals in California.
  • Local Requirements: Some cities and counties may mandate CAMTC certification locally. Prospective practitioners should contact the specific city or county where they intend to practice for clarification on local regulations.

Employment and Career Opportunities

Once you become a licensed massage therapist in California, numerous employment opportunities await you with the right attitude and determination to beat the competition. Here’s an overview of potential workplaces, salary expectations, and job search tips to help you start your career.

Workplaces

Massage therapists can find employment in a variety of settings, including:

  • Spas and Wellness Centers: These are common employers for massage therapists, providing relaxation and therapeutic services.
  • Clinics and Hospitals: Medical settings where massage therapists may work alongside other healthcare professionals to assist in patient recovery and rehabilitation.
  • Chiropractic Offices: Offering complementary care to chiropractic treatments.
  • Private Practice: Many massage therapists choose to run their own businesses, providing services directly to clients either in a home office or by traveling to clients’ locations.
  • Fitness Centers and Sports Facilities: Working with athletes to prevent injuries and enhance performance.

Salary Expectations

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

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​ (Bureau of Labor Statistics)​. 

As of May 2023, California ranked top for the highest level of employment for massage therapists. Although this number does not reflect self-employed, it certainly shows the current and probably future demand that Californians have for the wellness industry.

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.
  • Professional Associations: Join organizations like the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC). These associations provide valuable resources and networking opportunities.
  • Job Search Platforms: Use job search websites such as Indeed, Glassdoor, and specialized platforms for healthcare professionals to find job openings.