Georgia Massage Licensing

Georgia Massage Schools and the Practice of Massage is regulated by the Georgia Massage Licensing Board

Georgia massage licensing was just implemented in 2005 and is still in the process of grandfathering in applicants until June 30, 2007.

They require 500 hours of education and the NCE Exam with continuing education requirements of 25 hrs/2 yrs

The Georgia Massage Therapy State Board defines massage as being therapeutic.

They define massage in their laws as:

"Massage therapy" means the application of a system of structured touch, pressure, movement, and holding to the soft tissue of the body in which the primary intent is to enhance or restore health and well-being. The term includes complementary methods, including without limitation the external application of water, superficial heat, superficial cold, lubricants, salt scrubs, or other topical preparations and the use of commercially available electromechanical devices which do not require the use of transcutaneous electrodes and which mimic or enhance the actions possible by the hands; the term also includes determining whether massage therapy is appropriate or contraindicated, or whether referral to another health care provider is appropriate. Massage therapy shall not include the use of ultrasound, fluidotherapy, laser, and other methods of deep thermal modalities."

It also appears that they do not consider people doing Structural Integration to be doing massage provided they are members of the International Association of Structural Integrators (http://www.theiasi.org/) who have specific educational requirements that can be found at their website.

They also do not include people who do energy work in their licensing requirement as outlined "A person who uses touch to affect the energy systems, polarity, acupoints, or Qimeridians, also known as channels of energy," so I would think this means that people doing Shiatsu or acupressure are not required to be licensed.

Massage Laws are subject to change at any time so be sure to check with the state board for more up to date and accurate information.

For more information on careers and on how to choose the best massage school see the Massage Career Guide - The Truth About Becoming a Massage Therapist.