How to Become a Massage Therapist in Delaware

The State of Delaware Massage Therapist Requirements

Throughout the 2,491 square miles of The Diamond State, approximately 1,360 massage therapists work to help the more than 973,000 people in their state find relief from pain, rehabilitation from injuries, and comfort in the midst of stress and anxiety.

With 70,644 people in Wilmington, 37,523 people in Dover, and 33,448 people in Newark, massage therapists who work in Delaware can find an engaged environment to open, continue, or join a massage therapy business.

How Do I Become A Massage Therapist in Delaware?

If you’re ready to move into your career as a massage therapist in Delaware, you must register with the Delaware Board of Massage and Bodywork. The registration fee is $159. 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.

In order to receive this license, you must complete a minimum of 500 hours of supervised in-class study from an approved massage therapy program.

You can find application request forms on their website.

Learn what experts say on how to become a Massage Therapist

Where Can I Study?

The Delaware Board of Massage and Bodywork approves schools that educate future LMTs with the following criteria:

• 100 hours of anatomy and physiology
• 300 hours of technique and theory
• 75 hours of elective courses in the massage therapy field
• 25 hours of ethics, law and contraindications

Below are two approved schools in Delaware to help you get started on what you may be looking for in a massage therapy education.

• Academy of Massage and Bodywork: Accredited by the Commission of Career Schools and Colleges and the Delaware Department of Education, this school has a mission to “educate students in the highest quality of knowledge in the field of massage therapy and aesthetics with impeccable technical skills.” Students will learn how to bridge the gap between holistic health care and traditional western medicine, and will be nationally certified and licensed to prepare them for higher levels of career opportunities.
• Dawn Career Institute: With an invitation to become part of the “Dawn Career Institute family,” this school provides each student with holster for lotions, Biotone brand lotions, and an aromatherapy kit to help them with their hands-on experience. The intensive training will include subjects required by the state of Delaware, as well as hydrotherapy, business opportunities, and pharmacology for massage therapists.

Other education options include Massage and Reflexology of Delaware, and Harris School of Business.

How Much Will I Earn?

The average annual wage of a massage therapist in Delaware was $55,883 in 2021. This is on the higher side of state earnings, with the average national salary at $53,222. Massage therapists who work in Wilmington have the opportunity to earn a slightly higher salary, with the average for this city at $56,735 annually.

Learn types of Massage Therapy Insurance

“Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.” —Thomas Jefferson
We like to think he was talking about massage.

Launch a fulfilling career in the hands-on world of therapeutic massage by becoming a licensed massage therapist in Delaware. Whether you’re working with clients in Wilmington’s wellness clinics, Newark’s athletic recovery centers, or offering deep tissue massage at a spa near Dover’s historic Green, this guide will walk you through each step, from education to massage therapist licensure.

Delaware offers both Certified Massage Technician (CMT) and LMT paths, so understanding the process is essential for every aspiring massage therapy professional. Let’s get you started on your path to helping others feel their best through massage and bodywork.

Educational Requirements

To become a licensed massage therapist (LMT) in Delaware, you must complete a minimum of 500 hours of education from a state-approved program if you do not already hold a license from another state. These massage therapy education programs are approved by the Delaware Department of Professional Regulation and are designed to prepare students for a safe, skilled, and compassionate massage therapy practice across a range of settings.

The program must include instruction in anatomy and physiology, massage therapy techniques and theory, ethics, contraindications, and Delaware law, along with elective coursework related to massage and bodywork. Completing this curriculum through an approved school helps confirm that massage professionals are fully equipped to meet licensure requirements and confidently provide therapeutic massage in clinics, spas, and wellness centers throughout the state.

There is no additional standalone Delaware laws and rules course required outside of the approved curriculum. However, if you attended a board-approved massage therapy school in Delaware, these topics will have been covered as part of your education.

What is the MBLEx?

In Delaware, passing the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx) is required for full massage therapist licensure. The MBLEx is administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and evaluates a candidate’s competency in areas like bodywork therapy, client assessment, ethics, and anatomy.

Although the certified massage technician (CMT) path does not require the MBLEx, anyone pursuing full licensure as an LMT in Delaware must pass this massage exam to practice legally and effectively. Preparation through an approved school is required for passing the national certification examination and launching your professional journey.

Out-of-State License Transfer

If you hold a massage therapy license in another state and wish to practice in Delaware, the Delaware Board of Massage and Bodywork will review your transcripts and licensure history to determine if your qualifications meet or exceed Delaware’s licensing standards. If approved, you may be eligible for licensure without having to complete additional training in-state. However, you must still submit an initial application, pay the required fee, and pass a criminal background check. The Board may also require documentation that your current license is in good standing with your home state’s board of massage.

Application Process for Licensure

After completing your education and passing the MBLEx, you must apply for Delaware’s licensure. The process includes:

• Submitting Proof of Education: Documentation from your Delaware Board-approved massage therapy program.
• MBLEx Scores: Official exam scores sent directly to the Delaware Board of Massage and Bodywork.
• Application Form: Complete the initial application, which is available on the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation website.
• Application Fees: Pay the required fee as outlined on the instruction sheet that accompanies your application.

Background Check and Fingerprinting

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

• Fingerprinting: Schedule an appointment with a state-approved vendor to have your fingerprints taken.
• Background Check: The Delaware State Police and the FBI conduct a comprehensive background check to verify applicant eligibility.
• Fees and Processing: Pay the required fee and allow time for processing before your application can be reviewed. Additional documentation or additional requirements may be requested depending on your background or training.

Continuing Education Requirements

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

• Hours Required: A minimum of 24 hours of continuing education every two years.
• Approved Courses: Courses must be relevant to massage and bodywork and approved by the Delaware Board of Massage and Bodywork.
• Renewal Process: Submit proof of completed continuing education with your renewal application and pay the required renewal fee.

Delaware Massage Insurance Requirements

While not legally required, having massage insurance is highly recommended for massage therapists in Delaware to protect their practice and provide financial security. Here’s an in-depth look at why insurance is important, the types of Delaware massage liability insurance available, and additional resources for massage therapists practicing in the First State.

Importance of Insurance

Massage insurance provides necessary protection against risks associated with the profession. The main reasons to consider getting insurance include:

• Professional Liability: Covers legal expenses 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 compromised.
• 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 Delaware, 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.
• Delaware Board of Massage and Bodywork: 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 Delaware, a wide range of employment opportunities becomes available to you. Here’s an overview of potential workplaces, salary expectations, and job search tips to help you begin your career in therapeutic massage and bodywork.

Workplaces

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

• Spas and Wellness Centers: These are popular employers across Delaware, from the coastal retreats of Rehoboth Beach to boutique spas in Wilmington, providing both relaxation and therapeutic massage services.
• Clinics and Hospitals: Massage professionals may work alongside physicians and physical therapists in clinical environments to support patient recovery and rehabilitation.
• Chiropractic Offices: Many licensed massage therapists collaborate with chiropractors to offer deep tissue massage and other complementary care techniques.
• Private Practice: Running an independent business is a popular option in Delaware. Massage therapists may serve clients from a home-based studio or provide mobile services in areas like Dover, Newark, or along the Delaware coastline.
• Fitness Centers and Sports Facilities: Opportunities also exist in gyms and athletic facilities where sports massage and injury prevention techniques are in high demand, especially near college campuses like the University of Delaware.

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 Delaware, the average annual salary for massage therapists is approximately $50,160, depending on the city and level of experience. For example, massage therapists working in areas like Middletown, Odessa, and Hockessin may earn slightly more, with average annual salaries exceeding $51,000 (Salary.com).

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 in Delaware, consider the following strategies:

• Networking: Connect with other professionals in the field by attending local wellness events, joining Delaware-based massage therapy groups, or engaging with peers from massage schools in Delaware. Many prospective massage therapists build early connections during training in a student clinic or through internships.
• Professional Associations: Consider joining national or regional organizations such as the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) or Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP). These groups support continuing massage education, offer networking opportunities, and provide helpful job resources.
• Job Search Platforms: Use job search websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and platforms tailored to healthcare and wellness professionals to find openings across Delaware, from private practices in Newark to spas near the coast.
• Continuing Education: Stay current with the latest massage techniques, elective courses, and state requirements by attending approved workshops and CEU programs. Improving your resume with advanced skills and certifications, including online CPR courses, will help set you apart in a competitive job market.
• 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 offers a comprehensive policy that caters 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, you gain access to numerous member benefits such as: Free & Discounted Online NCBTMB CEs, 30 Days of Free Professional Online Therapy, Over $1,800 in Industry Discounts and an Identity Protection Plan

 

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 and enjoy unparalleled protection and benefits.