The State of New Jersey Massage Therapist Requirements
Throughout the 8,729 square miles of the Garden State, approximately 7,775 massage therapists work to help the more than 8.9 million people in their state find relief from pain, rehabilitation from injuries, and comfort in the midst of stress and anxiety.
With 281,054 people in Newark, 261,940 people in Jersey City, and 145,710 people in Paterson, massage therapists who work in New Jersey can find an engaged environment to open, continue, or join a massage therapy business.
How Do I Become A Massage Therapist in New Jersey?
If you’re ready to move into your career as a massage therapist in New Jersey, you must register with the New Jersey Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy. The registration fee is $60 or $120, depending on when you are eligible. 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 from an approved massage therapy program or be certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.
You can find application request forms on their website.
Where Can I Study?
The New Jersey Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy allows students to complete their 500 required hours at schools approved by the NJ Department of Education, the NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development, the NJ Commission of higher education, or an agency of another state that meets the same requirements.
Below are two approved schools in New Jersey to help you get started on what you may be looking for in a massage therapy education.
- Gentle Healing School of Massage and Education Center: Awarded the “School of Excellence” award from the ACCSC, this school has been creating talented massage therapists since 1996. Their mission is to “instruct students in the art and science of massage therapy in a relevant, current and conducive manner.”
- Academy of Massage Therapy: With small class sizes and personal learning environments, this school has a teaching philosophy based on “hands-on” learning with the theory to support the practical applications. This is the oldest massage therapy school in New Jersey, and many graduates are now employers themselves.
Other education options include Institute for Therapeutic Massage and JSG School of Massage Therapy.
How Much Will I Earn?
The average annual wage of a massage therapist in New Jersey was $58,843 in 2021. This is on the higher side of state earnings, with the average national salary at $53,222. Massage therapists who work in New York-White Plains have the opportunity to earn a higher salary, with the average for this city at $61,229 annually.
“The mind and body are like parallel universes. Anything that happens in the mental universe must leave tracks in the physical one.” – Deepak Chopra, The Healing Self.
Unlock a rewarding career in the booming massage therapy industry by becoming a licensed massage therapist in New Jersey. This thorough guide will walk you through each step of the process, from educational requirements to passing the MBLEx. It will make sure you’re well-prepared to succeed in this rewarding profession.
Educational Requirements
To become a licensed massage therapist in New Jersey, you must complete at least 500 hours of education from a state-approved massage therapy program if you don’t already hold a license from another state. These programs are designed to provide the skills and knowledge needed for a successful career in massage therapy, with thorough training that covers anatomy, physiology, and therapeutic techniques.
New Jersey also stresses professional development, requiring therapists to complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain their licenses. This assures therapists stay updated on the latest industry practices and standards, helping them provide high-quality care.
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 therapy.
The MBLEx is administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB). It tests entry-level massage therapists, making sure they practice safely and effectively. Passing the MBLEx is a requirement for licensure in most states, including New Jersey.
Out-of-State License Transfer
If you hold a valid massage therapy license from another state with similar or higher requirements, you can apply for licensure in New Jersey. You must submit a written application and the necessary fee to the New Jersey Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy. The Board will issue a New Jersey license if your out-of-state license meets or exceeds its 500-hour requirement.
Application Process for Licensure
After completing your education and passing the MBLEx, you need to apply for licensure in New Jersey. The process includes:
- Submitting Proof of Education: Provide official documentation from your massage therapy program showing you’ve met the required 500 hours of training.
- MBLEx Scores: Have your official MBLEx test scores sent directly to the New Jersey Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy.
- Application Form: Complete the application through the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs website.
- Application Fees: Pay the required fees as listed on the application form.
Background Check and Fingerprinting
New Jersey requires all massage therapy applicants to undergo a background check as part of the licensing process. This involves:
- Fingerprinting: Applicants must visit an approved vendor, such as IDEMIA, to have their fingerprints digitally recorded.
- Background Check: The state conducts a comprehensive background check to verify the applicant’s moral character and eligibility for licensure.
- Fees and Processing: Applicants must pay the associated fees directly to the fingerprinting service and allow time for processing before their results are submitted to the New Jersey Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy.
Continuing Education Requirements
To maintain your license, New Jersey requires massage therapists to complete continuing education:
- Hours Required: A minimum of 20 hours of continuing education is required every two years.
- Approved Courses: Courses must be approved by recognized organizations such as the NCBTMB or those accepted by the New Jersey Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy.
- Renewal Process: Submit proof of completed continuing education along with your license renewal application and fees.
New Jersey Massage Insurance Requirements
In New Jersey, carrying liability insurance is not just advisable for massage therapists—it’s a legal requirement. This insurance serves as a necessary shield, protecting your practice and securing your financial stability. It is fundamental to defend against claims that may occur from injuries or accidents that happen during therapy sessions. This section highlights the importance of liability insurance, details the specific types of New Jersey massage liability insurance coverage available for massage therapists in New Jersey, and offers additional resources to make sure you are well-informed and protected within the state.
Importance of Insurance
Massage insurance provides essential protection against different risks associated with the profession. The main reasons to consider getting insurance include the following:
- 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 protects 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 New Jersey, consider the following resources:
- New Jersey Massage State Requirements: This page provides specific information about insurance requirements in New Jersey.
- 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.
- New Jersey Consumer Affairs: Regularly visit the state website for any updates on regulations and state laws.
- MBLEx Guide: This is a dependent educational platform for completing the MBLEx.
Employment and Career Opportunities
Once you become a licensed massage therapist in New Jersey, many 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 New Jersey can find employment in a wide range of settings:
- Spas and Wellness Centers: Popular along the Jersey Shore, these offer relaxation and therapeutic services.
- Clinics and Hospitals: Therapists work with healthcare teams to aid in patient rehabilitation.
- Chiropractic Offices: Supporting chiropractic treatments with complimentary massage care.
- Private Practice: Many therapists choose to serve clients in cities like Hoboken and Princeton, either at home or on the go.
- Fitness Centers and Sports Facilities: Working with athletes, particularly in areas like Atlantic City, to prevent injuries and boost performance.
Salary Expectations
- The median annual wage for massage therapists in the United States was $55,310 as of May 2023 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
- In New Jersey, the average annual salary for massage therapists is around $64,029, with variations depending on the specific area. For example, cities like Jersey City and Newark tend to offer higher wages than more rural areas in the state. Overall, New Jersey is considered one of the better-paying states for massage therapists (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 create about 22,000 new jobs each year. This is due to a greater awareness of massage therapy’s health benefits 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: Consider joining the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB). This organization offers essential resources for massage therapists, including continuing education opportunities, industry updates, and networking.
- 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, taking care of yourself and your practice is extremely important. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, having liability insurance is necessary. Massage Magazine Insurance Plus offers great insurance policies designed specifically for therapists like you, giving you the protection you deserve. It’s a requirement in our state for massage therapists to have professional liability insurance with coverage of $1,000,000 per incident and $3,000,000 each year. This important coverage helps you feel secure and confident in your work. Here are some reasons why getting this vital insurance is a smart choice:
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.
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NJ Massage Therapists License Requirements FAQs
In New Jersey, massage therapists will need to have completed an approved course of study that’s accredited or approved by one of the following agencies: the NJ Department of Education, the NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development, or the NJ Commission on Higher Education. An applicant will need at least 500 hours completed by an accredited program and then pass the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) offered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB). The State of New Jersey also requires proof of massage therapy liability insurance coverage.
The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs maintains all of the regulation information concerning the New Jersey Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy. You can find general information about the board, meetings, disciplinary action, applications and forms, tips for license applicants, the laws and regulations, license verification, and additional information all online from this site. If you don’t see the information you’re looking for, it’s a good idea to reach out to the board directly. You can email MassageTherapy@dca.lps.state.nj.us or call 973-504-6520. In the event you want to write, they have a P.O. Box listed as P.O. Box 45048, Newark, NJ, 07101.
The length of time it takes to get your NJ massage license will vary on how long it takes you to meet all of the requirements. First, you will need 500 hours completed from an accredited massage education program. Within these, you’ll need at least 90 hours of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, ethics, law, electives, theory and practice as well as at least 100 hours in clinical practice. After that, you’ll need to pass the MBLEx and get insured. Once you have all of this, you can pay the application fees and start the process. Depending on the program, you should expect at least six months to get it all done.
In order to apply for a massage license in NJ, you have to complete a course of study that’s approved by one of the following state agencies: the New Jersey Department of Education, the New Jersey Department Labor and Workforce Development, or the New Jersey Commission on Higher Education. There’s also the possibility of meeting this requirement through an agency from a different state that has certification requirements similar to those of the three agencies listed above. So, finding the best massage therapy school in NJ should always start with looking at accredited programs.
There isn’t a “fast pass'' option for massage therapy licensing in NJ unless you already are licensed in a different state and can get approved for reciprocity. Otherwise, all applicants will still need to complete the 500 hours of education from an approved education provider, pass the MBLEx and be able to provide proof of massage therapy insurance before applying. Now, many massage education programs today are set up with self-paced online sections which means you could put in more work and get through these faster, but you’ll still need to be sure you’re meeting all the requirements, such as 100 hours of clinical experience.
Looking for the best massage therapy training for initial licensing needs to start with the New Jersey Department of Education, the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, or the New Jersey Commission on Higher Education. Each of these agencies maintains a list of approved education providers. If you need approved massage therapy continuing education providers in New Jersey, the NJ Massage Board maintains a list of these providers on their site and presently includes the NCBTMB, the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), the Association of Bodywork and Massage Professionals, and about a dozen others.
The NJ Massage Board is granted authority under New Jersey Statutes to set and maintain the requirements concerning massage therapy licensing in the state. These requirements do change based on the present conditions in the industry so you should always be sure to check in with the New Jersey Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy website listed through the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.
In general, an applicant wanting to apply for an initial massage license in the State of New Jersey is going to need 500 hours of education from an approved provider, proof of having liability insurance, and proof they’ve passed either the MBLEx or the NCBTMB massage exam. When you go to apply for an NJ massage license, you’ll need a notary for your signature, the correct filing fees, transcripts, a passport-style photograph, and other requirements depending on your background. As far as continuing education, massage therapists will need to pay the renewal fee and complete at least 20 hours every two years from an approved massage education provider.
There are many different parts of the New Jersey Statutes that apply to the New Jersey Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapies regulations. For a really in-depth read, you can search the statutes that pertain to these regulations yourself as the State readily publishes them online. Chapter 45, Section 11 covers a multitude of different massage and bodywork laws present in the State of New Jersey. In general, these define the duties and responsibilities of the board, the application process, eligibility for licensure, continuing education requirements, advertising, background checks, and more.
The tricky part here is you could have the absolute best massage therapy classes in New Jersey but if the education provider isn’t approved by a qualifying state agency, then the investment in time and money in these classes might not count toward your license. That’s why you should always check to make sure the program is approved by one of three New Jersey state agencies listed by the New Jersey Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy.
The NJ Board of Massage Therapy and Bodywork Therapy is responsible for setting the requirements for licensing, holding meetings, taking on disciplinary and other actions, providing current information for applicants and current license holders, keeping up with the changing laws and regulations, processing change of address, and other forms, maintaining lists of approved education providers, verifying licensing, and other administrative duties.
Absolutely. There are many great programs out there that are all approved by the state agencies the NJ Board uses to verify minimum education requirements. By searching for an accredited program, you can be sure that all the hard work you put into your classes will actually count towards the 500 hours of education you will need in order to apply for a license. A crucial part of these 500 hours is 100 hours of clinical time. You have a choice with how these are earned so you should seek out a highly rated clinic that’s approved to provide these hours, as well as look to earn hours in an area of massage and bodywork that interests you.
The NJ state massage license isn’t necessarily difficult to earn, but it does take some work and you will need to stay on top of all the requirements set forth. If you are diligent in your studies with an approved massage education provider, you will find you can complete the program in around six months. From there, you just have to pass the MBLEx. With proof of insurance, you will then have everything you need to sit down and actually apply for the license. Once you get your license, make sure to stay on top of continuing education requirements of earning at least 20 hours every two years and paying the renewal fees on time. This will ensure you don't ever have an unexpected lapse.
Currently, the New Jersey Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy requires 20 hours of massage continuing education from an approved provider. These entities include the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB), National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), the American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia (AOBTA), the Association of Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP), the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), and several others.
License Requirements for Massage Therapists by State
We want to make finding the information you need easy. That's why we've put together this easy guide to the requirements of all 50 states.