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The State of Kansas Massage Therapist Requirements

Throughout the 82,277 square miles of The Sunflower State, approximately 2,500 massage therapists work to help the more than 2.9 million people in their state find relief from pain, rehabilitation from injuries, and comfort in the midst of stress and anxiety.

With 382,368 people in Wichita, 173,372 people in Overland Park, and 145,786 people in Kansas City, massage therapists who work in Kansas can find an engaged environment to open, continue, or join a massage therapy business.

How Do I Become A Massage Therapist in Kansas?

If you’re ready to move into your career as a massage therapist in Kansas, you can work toward your practicing license by completing 500 hours of in-class instruction at an approved massage therapy program and pass one of the national exams for massage therapy. You may need to pay $75 to the Kansas State Board of Nursing.

Since there are no massage therapy boards in Kansas, there are no set requirements for licensing of a massage therapist. However, you should check with your city to ensure they have not incorporated regulations for their district. Bills are discussed each year, so keep up with the state as they may create a board or require licensure under the Board of Nursing in the recent future.

Where Can I Study?

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

  • Wellspring School of Allied Health: This school offers comprehensive programs to empower students with “the skills to pursue an exciting career in the growing field of health and wellness while developing a deep understanding of both yourself and others.” Ninety percent of their graduates become Certified Massage Therapists.
  • Pinnacle Career Institute: Classes at this school are set up to maximize students’ understanding of massage therapy and give them hands-on experience. The skills students learn in the classroom will be used in the on-campus clinic. Students will also learn the business side of massage therapy so students are ready to begin a successful career.

Other education options include Colby Community College and Body and Soul Massage Center and School.

How Much Will I Earn?

The average annual wage of a massage therapist in Kansas was $28,320 in 2014. This is on the lower side of state earnings, with the average national salary at $41,790. However, massage therapists who work in Kansas City have the opportunity to earn a higher salary, with the average for this city at $35,060 annually.

Educational Requirements in Kansas

Unlike most states, Kansas does not currently have statewide licensure or education requirements for massage therapy certificate programs. This means that individuals can practice massage therapy without completing a specific number of training hours or passing a state exam. However, local governments in Kansas may regulate massage therapy through permits, zoning restrictions, and education requirements.

For example, the City of Mission requires massage therapists to get a local permit, which includes:

  • 500 hours of education from a National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB)-approved school OR
  • Passing the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx)
  • CPR and First Aid certification
  • Continuing education credits in a massage program to maintain licensure

Several cities across Kansas have similar local regulations, and most employers prefer certified massage therapists. Kansas has at least seven massage therapy programs offered at community colleges and private institutions. These programs typically last 12 to 24 months and prepare students for certification exams like the MBLEx, which is required for licensure in many states.

Future Licensing Requirements

While there is no current statewide licensure, Kansas lawmakers have introduced multiple bills to regulate the profession. The Massage Therapist Licensure Act (SB 111 & SB 305) has been proposed to require:

  • 625 hours of education
  • Passing a national competency exam
  • State and national criminal background checks
  • Professional liability insurance

If passed, these laws would take effect on September 1, 2025, and provide standardized licensing under the Kansas Board of Healing Arts.

What This Means for You

If you plan to work as a massage therapist in the Kansas city area, check with local city or county authorities to understand specific regulations in your area. While statewide licensure is not yet required, getting a post secondary education and professional training and certification will help you build credibility, comply with local laws, additional requirements, and prepare for potential future statewide regulations.

What is the MBLEx?

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

The MBLEx is administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB). The national certification commission evaluates the competency of entry-level massage therapists and makes sure they have the necessary skills and knowledge to practice safely and effectively.

Unlike many states, Kansas does not currently require the MBLEx for massage therapists to practice, as there is no statewide licensure. However, some Kansas municipalities, such as the City of Mission, require you to have successfully completed the MBLEx or equivalent education (500+ hours) for permitting. Passing the MBLEx increases your credibility as a professional and allows you to practice in other states that require it.

Out-of-State License Transfer

If you have a license from another state and want to work in Kansas as a massage therapist, there is no formal state-level process for license transfer, as Kansas does not have a statewide licensure requirement for massage therapists.

However, some local governments regulate massage therapy and may require proof of licensure from another state, education transcripts, or MBLEx certification to get a local permit. For example, the City of Mission requires massage therapists to have at least 500 hours of massage education from an approved school or a passing score on the MBLEx, along with CPR certification and First Aid certification.

Since Kansas does not currently regulate massage therapy at the state level, it is important to check with the specific city or county where you plan to work to make sure you meet their requirements.

Application Process for Massage Therapy in Kansas

Unlike many states, Kansas does not have a statewide licensure requirement for massage therapists. However, some local governments regulate massage therapy, meaning you may need to get a local permit to practice legally. The process typically includes:

  • Submitting Proof of Education: Some cities, like Mission, KS, require a minimum of 500 hours of massage therapy education from an accredited school or proof of passing the MBLEx.
  • MBLEx Scores: If required by your local jurisdiction, you may need to provide official MBLEx scores.
  • Application Form: Complete the permit application for the specific city or county where you plan to practice.
  • Application Fees: Fees vary by location, so check with the local government for the most up-to-date requirements.

Background Check and Fingerprinting

Kansas does not require a state-level background check for massage therapists since there is no statewide licensure. However, some cities and counties may require background checks as part of the permitting process. This may include:

  • Fingerprinting: Some jurisdictions may require fingerprinting for local permits.
  • Background Check: Certain municipalities conduct background checks to ensure applicants meet local eligibility standards.
  • Fees and Processing: Costs for fingerprinting and background checks depend on the city or county where you apply.

Continuing Education Requirements

Because Kansas does not regulate massage therapy at the state level, there are no mandatory continuing education (CE) requirements statewide. However, some cities and counties require massage therapists to maintain CE credits to renew local permits.

  • Hours Required: If required by your city or county, CE requirements typically align with NCBTMB or AMTA standards.
  • Approved Courses: Courses must meet the requirements set by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) or another recognized organization.
  • Renewal Process: If your local jurisdiction requires a permit, you may need to submit proof of CE credits during renewal.

Future Licensing Considerations

The Massage Therapist Licensure Act (SB 111 & SB 305) was introduced to create a statewide licensing process under the Kansas Board of Healing Arts. If enacted, the process would include:

  • 625 hours of education
  • MBLEx certification
  • Background checks & fingerprinting
  • Professional liability insurance
  • Continuing education for license renewal

However, as of now, these bills have not passed, meaning there is still no statewide licensure requirement for massage professionals in Kansas. Until a statewide system is enacted, massage therapists should check with local city and county authorities for specific application and renewal requirements.

Kansas Massage Insurance Requirements

Since Kansas does not have a statewide licensure requirement, massage insurance is not legally mandated at the state level. However, acquiring professional liability insurance is strongly recommended to protect yourself, your clients, and your practice from potential risks.

Here’s an in-depth look at why insurance is important, the types of Kansas massage liability insurance available, and how local regulations may impact your insurance needs in Kansas.

Importance of Insurance

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

  • Professional Liability: Covers legal expenses and damages if a client sues you for malpractice or negligence. This is important 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 Kansas, 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.
  • Kansas Legislative Research Department (KLRD) – Tracks proposed bills like the Massage Therapist Licensure Act (SB 111 & SB 305), which could introduce statewide licensure in the future.
  • MBLEx Guide: Dependable, educational platform for completing the MBLEx.

Employment and Career Opportunities in Kansas

Since Kansas does not require statewide licensure for massage therapists, your career path may vary based on local regulations and employer preferences. However, massage therapy remains a thriving field, with many opportunities available in both urban and rural areas across the state.

Workplaces

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

  • Spas and Wellness Centers: Luxury spas in Kansas City, Wichita, and Overland Park frequently hire massage therapists to provide relaxation and therapeutic treatments.
  • Chiropractic Offices & Physical Therapy Clinics: Many chiropractors and rehab centers in Kansas integrate massage therapy into their treatment plans to support pain relief and recovery.
  • Medical Facilities: Some hospitals and integrative health centers offer massage therapy for pain management, rehabilitation, and stress relief.
  • Private Practice: Many therapists choose to run their own businesses, offering in-home services or renting space in wellness clinics. This is especially popular in areas like Lawrence and Manhattan, where demand for holistic health services is growing.
  • Fitness Centers and Sports Facilities: Kansas has a strong athletic culture, with therapists working with college teams, gyms, and athletic recovery centers to help prevent injuries and improve performance.

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 Kansas, the average annual salary for massage therapists is approximately $56,246, with variations depending on the specific metropolitan area. For example, in the Kansas City metropolitan area, the average annual salary is about $57,831. (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 or pursue a job as a massage therapist in Kansas, consider the following strategies:

  • Networking: Connect with other professionals through local wellness events, massage therapy meetups, and online forums. Attending industry events in cities like Kansas City, Wichita, and Topeka can help you find job opportunities and build relationships with potential employers.
  • Job Search Platforms: Use job search websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and specialized platforms for wellness professionals to find open positions in Kansas. Some local chiropractic offices, spas, and wellness centers post job openings directly on their websites.
  • Continuing Education: Stay updated with the latest massage therapy techniques and industry trends by attending workshops and advanced training courses. Even though Kansas does not require state-mandated continuing education, staying informed on best practices can make you more competitive in the 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 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:

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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 networking opportunities that can propel your career forward.

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