Licensing & Certification - Massage Therapy

New York State Massage Regulations

In the state of New York, licensure is a requirement for the practice of any form of massage therapy. The New York College of Health Professions offers a New York State approved licensure-qualifying program in therapeutic massage. Successful completion of Massage Therapy course of study offered by the school qualifies graduates who meet all other state requirements to sit for the licensing examination in massage therapy.

Currently, the New York State licensing examination is administered twice annually, in January and August.

To qualify for a Massage Therapy license in the State of New York, an applicant must meet the following requirements:

• Complete and file an application with the New York State Education Department
  
• Possess a high school diploma or the legal equivalent of a high school diploma (GED) or have completed a minimum of 24 credit hours at an accredited college or university.
• Be a graduate of a New York State registered massage program or have equivalent education
• Pass a written examination satisfactory to the Board and in accordance with the Commissioners regulations
• Be either a U.S. citizen or alien lawfully admitted to permanent residence in the U.S.
• Be of good moral character
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Hold current Red Cross Certification in CPR and First Aid

To receive further information about licensing in New York State, contact the office of the State Board forMassage, New York State Education Department at (518) 474-3817, ext. 150 or write to the State Board for Massage Therapy, The State Education Department, State Education Building, 2nd floor, 89 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12234-1000; or e-mail: masthbd@mail.nysed.gov.

Note that some states do not qualify graduates to practice massage therapy and/or differ in their licensing requirements. Check the individual requirements of the state(s) in which you plan to practice, or contact the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, an independent, not-for-profit organization at 8201 Greenboro Drive, Suite 300, McLean, VA 22102. 1-800-296-0664. E-mail: info@ncbtmb.com