New York Massage Licensing

Massage Therapists are required to have 1000 hours of education ( includes 150 hours of working on people) which is 500 hours more than the National Certification Exam requirements. There are approximately 13,500 massage therapists licensed in New York State.

See What Others are Saying about New York Massage Licensing

NY State requires that you obtain a prescription or ok from a physician when working on someone with cancer even though there "are many other states that do not require this. Working with cancer patients was once contraindicated, but is now widely accepted. ( I got this from the State Board Website but can't seem to find it again - so let me know about this).

They define massage therapy as:

§ 7801. Definition of practice of massage therapy.

The practice of the profession of massage therapy is defined as engaging in applying a scientific system of activity to the muscular structure of the human body by means of stroking, kneading, tapping and vibrating with the hands or vibrators for the purpose of improving muscle tone and circulation."

They do offer a type of permit that you can work under a licensed massage therapist, but I do not really understand what this is. If anyone does, please let me know how it is beneficial and if anyone uses this.

Reiki, the Alexander Technique, or the Feldenkrais Method are exempt from Massage Licensing.

It is also illegal to split fees (pay a percentage or be paid a percentage of the fee) with an employer.

If you are thinking about becoming a massage therapist, be sure to research your career options before deciding. My Massage Career Guide will help you do just that.

See also:New York State Massage Schools

For more on New York State Massage Licensing see AMTA-NY or visit the NY State Board of Massage