What are Missouri's Massage Therapist Requirements

September 23, 2022

If your passion is helping people and pursuing your massage therapy certification is a goal, you’re off to a great start and satisfying career! Health, wellness, and massage therapists go hand-in-hand.

A satisfying career indeed! Massage therapy ranked among the best career paths by the 2021 U.S. New 100 Best Jobs Survey. A rising demand for massage therapists promotes its allure and flexibility within the job, makes it appealing for individuals needing to book appointments around a busy schedule.

Launching a career in massage therapy is relatively quick and should start with understanding the Missouri massage therapy requirements, including education, licensing, and what is expected legally to start practicing massage on your own.

We’ve broken it down into three easy parts.

Massage Therapist Education Requirements

Up first, is education. To become a licensed massage therapist, the Missouri Board of Massage requires certification in specific studies, courses, and practical experience.

While there are different types of massage and areas of specialization, many fall within the Missouri massage therapist education requirements, which are:

Completing a minimum of 500 hours from an approved massage therapy program
Passing a national massage licensing examination.

Schools and programs approved for massage therapy certification include a curriculum with:

300 hours devoted to massage theory and practice techniques
100 hours of anatomy and physiology
50 hours of business practice, ethics, massage law, and hygiene (combined)
50 hours of ancillary therapies; CPR and first aid

It is important to find a school or certification program that is not only approved by the state but also accommodates your needs and outlines a path ensuring all necessary steps are completed.

License Requirements for Massage Therapy

Once the education component is complete, a necessary second step is moving forward with the examination and licensing process. Obtaining a license is necessary because it is illegal for massage therapists to practice in Missouri without one.

The Board of Therapeutic Massage is the governing agency for massage therapist requirements in Missouri. Their defined massage therapist license requirements include:

Completing a fingerprint-based background check
Submitting official coursework transcripts
Passing an approved exam such as the nationally accepted Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (“MBLEx”)
Showing proof of liability insurance

Missouri issued massage therapy licenses are valid for two years. A formal renewal process is available through the Missouri Board of Massage and is required to keep your license in good standing.

Legal Requirements for Massage Business

After receiving your certifications and Missouri state license, you have choices! You can choose to work as an employee in a massage clinic or other massage-type establishment or open your own massage business. Perhaps you might prefer a hybrid environment, combing the best of both worlds.

If you decide to be your own boss, you’ll want to be familiar with the Board of Therapeutic Massage and their legal requirements for massage business, as defined by Missouri Laws 324.247.

The Board of Therapeutic Massage mandates that a business license must be obtained through a written request on a designated form. Payment of applicable fees is required as well.

The Path to Becoming a Licensed Massage Therapist

Committing to the studies required to earn massage therapy certification, is a life changing decision.

Here at Kansas City Massage Institute, we offer a massage therapy certification program that meets Missouri state requirements and is approved by The Board of Therapeutic Massage. Our six-month program combines online learning with onsite classes and practical application.

Our curriculum includes educating students on the “power of touch,” and improving the health, wellness, and lives of others. We believe in making our program affordable and offer generous scholarships to offset cost.

Upon completion of our Massage Therapy Certificate program, our graduates receive a certificate, are eligible to take the national Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (“MBLEx”) and can apply for state licensing.