What Can I Do Without a Massage License? Learn the Laws

Summary

Training for the career of your dreams can be an investment, but in some cases, it’s completely necessary – and worth it. What you can do without a massage license will vary by state, though most states in the U.S. require a license to practice massage therapy. However, that doesn’t mean you have to wait until you’re done with schooling to get your business going. Though you may face several limitations on what you can legally practice without a license, there are a few services you can provide to get a jump on your professional journey. This article will explore why getting your massage license is necessary and what you can do without a license, plus the penalties for working unlicensed, and which states do and do not require licensure. 

Why Licensing Matters in Massage 

Getting licensed in massage serves a number of important purposes, such as: 

Licensing protects clients

Getting your massage license helps protect your clients by ensuring you have the knowledge and skills to practice safely and with the lowest risk of injury.

Licensing promotes regulation

A massage license establishes the baseline in terms of education, ethics, and competency in the field. This makes it easier for states to regulate massage therapy practices and reduce or prevent illegitimate businesses from operating. It also provides authorities with the proper channels to discipline businesses that do not meet state requirements, keeping the community free of poor or potentially harmful practices. 

Improves your reputation

Earning your massage license shows your clients you have put in the hours and training necessary to deliver the highest quality services and care. Those working as unlicensed massage therapists can face penalties and criminal charges under the law, which can negatively impact your reputation. It may also impact your ability to secure business loans or building leases in the future. 

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States That Do and Do Not License Massage Therapists

Most states require massage therapists to have their license, but there are a few exceptions. Below, we review some example requirements for different states across the U.S.

States that require a license for massage therapists

New York

New York requires massage therapists to be at least 18 years of age and complete at least 1,000 hours of training with a program registered by the New York State Education Department. All students must be trained and certified in CPR, pass a state-issued exam, and demonstrate good moral character (determined by the Education Department). 

Florida

Aspiring massage therapists in Florida must be 18 years of age with a completed high school education or GED, and have at least 500 massage therapy training hours from a board-approved massage school. Florida is one of the many states that perform background checks, and will also require trainees to pass an examination, such as the MBLEx, the National Certification Examination in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB), the National Certification Examination in Therapeutic Massage (NCETM), or the National Exam for State Licensure (NESL). Massage therapists will also need to take a 10-hour Florida Laws and Rules course. 

Texas

In Texas, massage therapists must complete at least 500 hours of coursework from an accredited school and successfully pass a criminal history background check. For examinations, students must pass the MBLEx (or the exam issued by the state of their training), along with a jurisprudence exam. However, massage therapists who opt to take the Texas Massage Exam do not have to pass any additional exams. 

Virginia

Massage therapists in Virginia are also required to complete a minimum of 500 training hours through a program certified by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (or other valid state agency). Licensure also depends on successfully passing the MBLEx, as well as a background check and board-approved English language proficiency exam (for foreign applicants). 

States that don’t require a license for massage therapists

California

California does not require state licensure, but they do mandate a minimum of 500 training hours and offer voluntary certification through the California Massage Therapy Council. Should you choose not to get certified, you legally cannot use words like “licensed” or “certified” in your professional title. 

Kansas

Kansas does not require massage therapists to obtain a state license, though certain cities and counties may mandate therapists obtain a city-issued permit and complete a minimum of 500 training hours. 

Minnesota

A state license is not mandatory in Minnesota, though massage therapists will still need a business license to operate (the requirements of which will vary based on their municipality). 

Vermont

Vermont does not have exams or a minimum number of training hours for massage therapists, only a registration process through the state’s Professional Regulation platform. 

3 Practices You Can Do as an Unlicensed Massage Therapist

As you study your way through massage therapy school, you may be wondering what you can do in the meantime without a massage license. Here, we list a few options to pursue if you’re eager to get your business started. 

1. Energy-based modalities

Practices like Reiki and Therapeutic Touch involve minimal physical contact with the patient, instead using hand movements to move and influence their energy fields to promote healing and clarity. These modalities typically do not require licensure as there is little to no risk of injury, though you may still need to obtain a business license to offer services for profit. 

2. Providing holistic guidance 

Without a license, you can work as a mental wellness guide, advising patients on natural methods for stress management, relaxation techniques (like breathwork), and other general wellness practices that don’t involve bodily manipulation or other types of physical touch. 

3. Reflexology

Reflexology is an alternative healing method based on the idea that certain points on the hands and feet are connected to various parts of the body, and that applying pressure to these specific points can influence and/or treat certain symptoms in their corresponding parts. 

Reflexology is generally unregulated across all 50 states, though places like North Dakota, Tennessee, Washington, and New Hampshire require practitioners to register through the state health department or apply for separate permits and bodyworker licenses.

Is There a Penalty for Practicing Massage Without a License?

So what happens if you do massage without a license? Well, if certification is a state requirement, you may face consequences working as an unlicensed massage therapist. 

Monetary fines

These fines can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on which state laws your business has violated and the severity of the offense. Additionally, you may face client lawsuits and/or be forced to refund customers, resulting in further loss of income. 

Criminal charges

In states like Utah, even advertising massage services as an unlicensed massage therapist is a misdemeanor offense. In New York, practicing without a license is a felony. Should you violate laws in states like these, you could face steep criminal charges and even jail time in addition to financial penalties.

Cease and desist orders

A cease and desist can cause serious disruptions to your business, as they require the unlicensed recipient to immediately stop offering massage services. This can be a huge headache, especially if you’ve already racked up business expenses or have office rent to pay. 

Loss of business

In some cases, you may be forced to close your business entirely until you have met your state’s legal requirements, forcing your clients to look elsewhere for their massage services. Shutting down your business can be costly, especially if you have to break a lease, transfer equipment, or pay for secure storage while you resolve any issues. 

Tarnished reputation

Clients won’t appreciate your business skirting around the rules – especially when their health and safety is on the line – which can seriously harm your reputation in the industry. Future customers may not want to pay a massage therapist with a history of felonies or criminal charges, and other businesses may not feel comfortable promoting or sponsoring your services. 

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Legal Requirements to Get a Massage License

Depending on the issuing state, there are a few steps you may have to complete before you can finally earn your massage license: 

Complete a massage therapy program at an accredited school

Enrolling at an accredited school, such as the National Holistic Institution or the Swedish Institute College of Health Sciences, is only the first step in bolstering your education and knowledge. All students must complete a minimum number of program hours, typically between 500-1000. Curriculums vary by program, but they typically cover topics like anatomy and physiology, neurology, kinesiology, and hygiene. 

Take the MBLEx exam

Administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB), the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination, commonly known as the MBLEx, is a nationwide exam many states require as a final step before licensure (with the exception of states like Hawaii and New York, which have their own state-issued exams). 

Pass a background check

Not every state will mandate a background check, but in states like Nevada and Florida, you may be required to submit personal information and undergo fingerprinting before you can officially receive your license. 

Obtain your CPR/First Aid certification

In some states, obtaining your CPR and/or First Aid certification is a mandatory step to get licensed. Some massage programs offer these classes in their curriculum, but others may require you to seek outside training courses approved by the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Red Cross. 

Start Your Massage Business with GlossGenius

Having your massage therapy license isn’t just a good look for your business. In many states, it’s the law. To avoid professional, financial, and reputational damages, it’s a good idea to thoroughly check all the rules and regulations of where you do (or plan on doing) business to ensure you’re in full compliance with the law. 

GlossGenius is the ultimate partner for massage therapists looking to scale their business. Our Online Booking features make it simple to get clients in the books, fast. With Loans, you can get the funding you need in as little as two business days, with no personal background checks required. And with the GlossGenius Custom Website Builder, you can have a professional-looking hub up and running in no time, giving clients all the information they need about your services, pricing, and location. 

FAQs

Do I need a license to open a massage business?

Most states in the U.S. require a license or certification to legally operate a massage business, though some may allow you to own a business or franchise (like a spa) without one if you’re not directly practicing. In this case, massage therapists who work at your business will still need their own licenses to provide services. Even if the state does not mandate a specific massage therapy license, most locations will still require some type of general business license, permit, or registration. 

Is it legal to do massage at home?

Some states allow massage therapists to operate their businesses from their home. However, even if your state allows it, certain counties and municipalities may have their own zoning or permit requirements to officially establish your home massage business. 

Try GlossGenius today and get a 14-day free trial! 

This information is provided for general educational purposes only. For legal, cybersecurity or compliance advice specific to your business or situation, please consult a professional.

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