The State of Rhode Island Massage Therapist Requirements
Throughout the 1,214 square miles of the Ocean State, approximately 1,138 massage therapists work to help the more than 1 million people in their state find relief from pain, rehabilitation from injuries, and comfort in the midst of stress and anxiety.
With 179,494 people in Providence, 80,993 people in Warwick, and 81,254 people in Cranston, massage therapists who work in Rhode Island can find an engaged environment to open, continue, or join a massage therapy business.
How Do I Become A Massage Therapist in Rhode Island?
If you’re ready to move into your career as a massage therapist in Rhode Island, you must register with the Rhode Island Board of Massage Therapy. The registration fee is $65. 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 accredited massage therapy school by COMTA and pass a national massage licensing examination.
You can find application request forms on their website.
Where Can I Study?
Below are two approved schools in Rhode Island to help you get started on what you may be looking for in a massage therapy education.
- Community College of Rhode Island: With a 100 percent pass rate for first time test takers on the National Certification Examination since 2004, this school has a respected on-site clinic and experienced instructors to help students create their path to their massage therapy careers.
- Newport Massage School (S.A.M.A): The traditional school allows graduates to become LMTs as well as a Registered Ayurvedic Health Counselor. One of the only private massage schools in RI recognized by the RI Board of Governors for Higher Education, this school provides students with a comprehensive and diverse education that will help them fulfill their dream careers.
How Much Will I Earn?
The average annual wage of a massage therapist in Rhode Island was $56,096 in 2021. This is on the lower side of state earnings, with the average national salary at $53,222. Massage therapists who work in Providence-Fall River have the opportunity to earn a higher salary as well, with the average for this city at $55,882 annually.