Rhode Island Massage Licensing

Rhode Island Massage licensing is handled by The Department of Health, Division of Professional Regulation. They are responsible for the review and approval of applications for initial licensure, the formulation and promulgation of Rules and Regulations pertaining to the practice of Massage Therapy and for the overall exercise of disciplinary authority over all persons regulated under the statute.

"Massage therapist" means a person engaged in the practice of massage who has completed a program in or is certified by a school or institution of learning which is approved by the American Massage and Therapy Association or equivalent academic and training program meeting the requirements of section 4.2 herein as approved by the Director of Health, other than a correspondence course, which school or institution has for its purpose the teaching of the theory, practice, method, profession, or work of massage, including at least anatomy, physiology,hygiene and professional ethics, pursuant to the statutory provisions.

They also use the terms "Masseur or masseuse" which are quite outdated.

Massage is defined as: "The practice of massage" shall be 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"

Some people are exempt from licensing such as:(1)The practice of massage by any person who is authorized to practice medicine, nursing,osteopathy, physiotherapy, chiropractic, or podiatry in this state.(2) The practice of that massage which is customarily given in barber shops or beauty parlors for the purpose of beautification by any licensed barber, hairdresser, or cosmetician.(3) The practice of massage by any person employed in a medical institution licensed or chartered by the state or enrolled in a program of a school or institute of massage approved by the board of regents.(4) The practice of massage by any person duly employed as a trainer by a professional athletic association, club, or team, or as a member of the physical education department of an accredited university, college, or high school.(5) The practice of massage by any person in a physical fitness facility operated by a corporation or association organized exclusively for the moral or mental improvement of men, women, or children.

Does this mean that doctors and chiropractors can do massage without any training? That you can do massage if you are employed by a physical fitness group or health club?There seems to be a difference between a massage therapist and a masseuse/masseur but I am not clear what except for masseuses/masseurs require a health certificate from a medical doctor.

It also appears that fingerprinting and STD testing is required. Distance education is not allowed.

Be sure to check with the Rhode Island Dept of Health for the latest information on Rhode Island massage licensing. Laws will change often. If you are moving to RI, you will also have to contact the state board there for info on how to move your massage license there.

If you are investigating a career in massage, please read my Massage Career Guide to give you some ideas of what it is really like to practice massage and bodywork. There are also helpful tips for choosing the best massage school for you.