Massage Therapists
Pennsylvania Licensure Requirements
High School diploma or the Equivalent
1 Examination
Completion of 600-Hour Program
24 Hours of Continuing Education
100.00 Initial Fee
150.00 Renewal Fee
Massage therapists apply a system of structured touch, pressure, movement, holding and treatment of the soft tissue manifestations of the human body in which the primary intent is to enhance the health and well-being of the client.
Degree Requirement:
High School diploma or the Equivalent - Applicant must complete a massage therapy program of at least 600 hours of in-class postsecondary education instruction approved by the Board.
Examination Requirement:
1 Examination - The Board adopts the Massage and Bodywork Licensure Examination (MBLEx) as the approved examination for initial licensure.
Experience:
600 Hours - To qualify for licensure, an applicant must have completed:
- 175 hours of anatomy/physiology/kinesiology/pathology;
- 250 hours of massage therapy including hygiene;
- 25 hours of professional ethics;- 150 hours in related courses.
Continuing Education:
24 Hours - Licensees shall complete a minimum of 24 hours of continuing education in the field of massage therapy
Initial Licensing Fee:
$100.00
Licensure Renewal Fee:
$150.00 - Biennial renewal fee for biennial period February 1, 2021—January 31, 2023
$175.00 - Biennial renewal fee for biennial period February 1, 2023—January 31, 2025, and each biennial renewal period thereafter
Licensure by Act 41:
Act 41 allows for portability of out-of-state professional licensees coming to work in Pennsylvania. Act 41 does this by granting all boards and commissions within the Commonwealth the authority to endorse licensees from other states, territories or jurisdictions (with substantially equivalent licensing requirements) who are active, in good standing and without discipline against their license or criminal conviction.