How to Become a Massage Therapist in Nevada

The State of Nevada Massage Therapist Requirements

Throughout the 110,567 square miles of the Silver State, approximately 4,624 massage therapists work to help the more than 3 million people in their state find relief from pain, rehabilitation from injuries, and comfort in the midst of stress and anxiety.

With 634,773 people in Las Vegas, 300,116 people in Henderson, and 235,087 people in Paradise, massage therapists who work in Nevada can find an engaged environment to open, continue, or join a massage therapy business.

How Do I Become A Massage Therapist in Nevada?

If you’re ready to move into your career as a massage therapist in Nevada, you must register with the Nevada Board of Massage Therapy. The application fee is $480. 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 550 hours from an approved massage therapy program and have passed a written exam accredited by the NCCA.

You can find application request forms on their website.

Where Can I Study?

The Nevada Board of Massage Therapy provides a list of schools that are NOT approved in Nevada. Make sure the school in which you would like to complete your 550 required hours is not on this list.

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

• Nevada School of Massage Therapy: Accredited by the ACCET, this school allows students to perform more than 200,000 massages per year in the weekend student clinic. Many graduates work at top industry employers and experience career assistance throughout their careers.
• The Bodhi Tree Center for Healing Arts: Designed to allow graduates to be licensed in Nevada, California, and Arizona, this school’s 600 hour massage program offers students a unique blend of basic and advanced skills to help them with their professional careers. For five years, 100 percent of their graduates have passed the licensing exam on the first try.

Other education options include Ralston School of Massage and Nevada Career Institute.

How Much Will I Earn?

The average annual wage of a massage therapist in Nevada was $54,270 in 2021. This is on the lower side of state earnings, with the average national salary at $53,222. However, massage therapists who work in Las Vegas-Paradise have the opportunity to earn a slightly higher salary, with the average for this city at $54,367 annually.

Educational Requirements

To become a licensed massage therapist in Nevada, you must complete a minimum of 625 hours of education from an approved massage therapy program. These massage therapy courses provide comprehensive training that prepares you for a successful career in Nevada’s thriving wellness and hospitality industries. Whether you want to offer sports massage, deep tissue massage or Swedish massage, learning the correct massage techniques is necessary.

There are no separate Nevada laws and rules regarding massage therapy school or course requirements. However, if you complete your educational training at a board-approved massage school, Nevada regulations and ethics are typically included in the curriculum.

To meet the state’s licensing requirements, you must submit your official transcripts directly from your school or in a sealed envelope with the school’s seal when applying for your license.

What is the MBLEx?

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

The MBLEx is a national certification board administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is designed to evaluate the competency of entry-level massage therapists. It ensures that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to practice safely and effectively.

Passing the MBLEx is a requirement for licensure in Nevada, as well as many other states.

Out-of-State License Transfer

If you hold a massage therapy license from another state and wish to practice in Nevada, the Nevada State Board of Massage Therapy will review your transcripts and determine if your education and experience meet or exceed Nevada’s licensing requirements.

You must submit a Certified Statement of Verification from the licensing agency in each state where you currently hold or have previously held a license. This statement should confirm your license status (e.g., “in good standing”) and include details of any disciplinary actions if applicable.

Application Process for Licensure

After completing your education and passing the MBLEx, you must apply for licensure through the Nevada State Board of Massage Therapy. The process includes:

• Submitting Proof of Education: Provide official transcripts directly from your massage therapy program or in a sealed envelope with the school’s seal.
• MBLEx Scores: Have your official test scores sent directly from the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) to the Nevada State Board of Massage Therapy.
• Application Form: Complete the application, which is available on the Nevada State Board of Massage Therapy website.
• Application Fees: Pay the required non-refundable fees, including the license fee, application fee, background check fee, and processing fee.

Background Check and Fingerprinting

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

• Fingerprinting: After submitting your application, the Nevada State Board of Massage Therapy will send you fingerprint cards or a live scan voucher, which includes a list of approved fingerprinting locations. You may choose to submit your fingerprints via live scan or traditional fingerprint cards.
• Background Check: The state conducts a thorough background investigation to verify your eligibility for licensure. Results may take up to 30 days or longer to process.
• Fees and Processing: The background check fee is included in your total application fees. Processing times for the entire application, including background results, can range from 1 to 3 months, depending on completeness and any issues found during the investigation.

Continuing Education Requirements

To maintain your massage therapy license in Nevada, you must meet the state’s continuing education (CE) requirements:

• Hours Required: Complete a minimum of 24hours of continuing education annually.
• Approved Courses: Courses must be from board-approved providers and cover relevant topics such as ethics, technique enhancement, or professional development.
• Renewal Process: Submit proof of your completed continuing education courses when renewing your license through the Nevada State Board of Massage Therapy.

Nevada Massage Insurance Requirements

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

Importance of Insurance

Massage insurance provides fundamental 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 Nevada, consider the following resources:

• Interstate Massage Compact: The Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact) is a multistate license option for massage therapists who wish to practice across state lines without needing separate licenses. As of now, Nevada and Ohio are the only states with enacted legislation supporting the compact. This initiative simplifies the licensure process for therapists who work in multiple states, which is especially beneficial in a tourist-driven state like Nevada, where many professionals may serve clients traveling from across the country.
• The Nevada State Board of Massage Therapy: 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 Nevada, a wide range of employment opportunities becomes available. Nevada’s booming tourism industry, luxury resorts, and wellness-focused culture create a high demand for skilled massage therapists. Here’s an overview of potential workplaces and career paths to help you get started.

Workplaces

Massage therapists in Nevada can find employment in diverse settings, including:

• Luxury Spas and Wellness Centers: With Nevada’s world-renowned destinations like the Las Vegas Strip and Lake Tahoe resorts, spas are a prime employer, offering relaxation and therapeutic services to tourists and locals alike.
• Medical Clinics and Hospitals: Work alongside healthcare professionals in rehabilitation and pain management settings, providing therapeutic massage to aid in patient recovery.
• Chiropractic Offices: Offer complementary care to chiropractic treatments, helping patients manage pain and improve mobility.
• Private Practice: Build your own business, providing services from a home office or offering mobile massage to private clients—especially popular with Nevada’s bustling convention attendees and high-profile events.
• Fitness Centers and Sports Facilities: Collaborate with athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and sports teams, such as those training at UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas, to prevent injuries and improve performance.

Nevada’s unique blend of tourism, wellness, and sports industries offers exciting opportunities for massage therapists to thrive.

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 Nevada, massage therapists make an average of $72,991 per year or $35 per hour. The top 25% of earners make around $47,900 per year, while the top earners make around $113,031 per year (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, 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 Nevada State Board of Massage Therapy. These associations provide valuable resources, networking opportunities, and job listings.
• 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 networking opportunities 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!