Arizona Massage Licensing

Arizona Massage Licensing is regulated by the AZ Board of Massage therapy.

ARIZONA Board of Massage Therapy 1400 West Washington, #230Phoenix, AZ 85007Tel: 602-542-8604Fax: 602-542-3093 Arizona State Board of Massage Therapy Website

Arizona has approximately 8,000 licensed massage therapists.They require 500 hours of education and the National Certification Exam

Massage therapy as defined by the State of Arizona Massage Therapy Board means the following that are undertaken to increase wellness, relaxation, stress reduction, pain relief and postural improvement or provide general or specific therapeutic benefits:

(a) The manual application of compression, stretch, vibration or mobilization of the organs and tissues beneath the dermis, including the components of the musculoskeletal system, peripheral vessels of the circulatory system and fascia, when applied primarily to parts of the body other than the hands, feet and head.

(b) The manual application of compression, stretch, vibration or mobilization using the forearms, elbows, knees or feet or hand held mechanical or electrical devices.

(d) Hydrotherapy, including the therapeutic applications of water, heat, cold, wraps, essential oils, skin brushing, salt glows and similar applications of products to the skin.

6. "Practice of massage therapy" means the application of massage therapy to any person for a fee or other consideration. Practice of massage therapy does not include the diagnosis of illness or disease, medical procedures, naturopathic manipulative medicine, osteopathic manipulative medicine, chiropractic adjustive procedures, homeopathic neuromuscular integration, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, prescription of medicines or the use of modalities for which a license to practice medicine, chiropractic, nursing, occupational therapy, athletic training, physical therapy, acupuncture or podiatry is required by law.

Although AZ did require National Certification when the law first took effect, they successfully got that portion of the law changed. They no longer require National Certification.

Another point of interest is that our massage therapy licensing is actually overseen by the Naturopathic board. They had originally sought to go under the Osteopathy board but could not come to an agreement.

If you are thinking about becoming a massage therapist be sure to do your research. Most massage therapists start their own business. Entry level jobs start at $12 an hour and most massage therapists work only 20 hours a week full time due to the physical demands of the work. You can learn more about how to choose the best massage schools and more about Careers in massage in the Massage Career Guide - The Truth About Becoming a Massage Therapist.