As professional massage therapy and bodywork are becoming increasingly popular, the demand for licensed massage therapists is also increasing. Massage salons and spa centers always look for professional massage and bodywork therapists to join their team. So, if you wonder How to Become a Licensed Massage Therapist, then you are not alone.
To become a professional massage therapist in Philadelphia, you can either join a full-time certification course or pursue an educational degree with massage therapy and bodywork as a specialized subject. Most people prefer to join a certification course after their formal education to start their career as a professional massage therapist.
Massage Therapy Program
You can enroll in an accredited massage therapy program accredited by Pennsylvania’s Board of Massage Therapy in a trade school, community college, or licensed massage therapy school of your choice. You can pursue an associate degree, advanced degree, or a diploma and certificate program in massage therapy based on what kind of massage and bodywork practitioner you want to become.
Like any other professional career, you must go through the proper education, examination, and background screening to become a Massage Therapist in Philadelphia.
Eligibility criteria to enroll in the program
- A high school diploma with CGPA over 2.0
- Official transcripts for any college coursework
- Pass a criminal background check
After your training, you have to pass the MBLEx licensing exam in Pennsylvania. It is a two-hour exam to test the knowledge of the subject matter. You must pass this exam to get your license to become a massage therapist.
No matter which school or program you have enrolled in, a student must also complete the complete 600 program hours (175 hours on subject training, 250 hours of massage theory and practice, 25 hours of business ethics, and additional 150 hours of coursework on massage therapy) in order to apply and receive the license in the state of Pennsylvania:
What after completing your certification?
After completing your certification course and passing the exam, you are ready to apply for the license by registering with the State Board of Massage Therapy before you can start practicing. You can submit your application online at the Pennsylvania Department of State’s website. You have to pay the processing fee of $65 with your application. You also need to send your official transcripts from the massage therapy and current CPR certification directly to the Pennsylvania Board.
It is also necessary to go through a police background check and submit the report to the Pennsylvania Board with your application. A valid ID proof such as a driving license and your high school graduation certificate will also be required to support your application.
The State Board of Massage Therapy in Pennsylvania will review your application and approve it to issue the license. You are now a Licensed Massage Therapist accredited by the State Board of Massage Therapy. You now can join any spa center as a professional massage therapist or open your own business in Philadelphia as per the massage therapy act and rules in the state.