Washington Massage License

To get a Washington Massage License you will have to contact the Washington State Department of Health Health Professions Quality Assurance Washington State Dept. of Health Board of Massage (Please confirm information with the State Board as requirements change frequently.)

Currently, 500 hours of training are required through a massage school or massage college offering a training program. Most schools will offer more training than the required number of hours. To learn more about whether or not that is needed or learn more about careers in massage, please read my Massage Career Guide.

Scope of Practice of WA State massage therapists as outlined in the definitions code RCW 18.108.010 states:

(2) "Massage" and "massage therapy" mean a health care service involving the external manipulation or pressure of soft tissue for therapeutic purposes. Massage therapy includes techniques such as tapping, compressions, friction, Swedish gymnastics or movements, gliding, kneading, shaking, and fascial or connective tissue stretching, with or without the aids of superficial heat, cold, water, lubricants, or salts. Massage therapy does not include diagnosis or attempts to adjust or manipulate any articulations of the body or spine or mobilization of these articulations by the use of a thrusting force, nor does it include genital manipulation.

-500 hours of education from an approved school or apprenticeship training and passing the National Certification Exam. (List of approved Washington State massage schools.)See state website for breakdown of hours of education requirements.

-or currently be licensed in an approved jurisdiction.

- Criminal history checks are conducted on all license applicants.

- 16 hours of continuing education must be completed by all licensees every two years following initial licensure.

-It is illegal to date clients within a 2 year period of them being a client. Please check the website for more information.

-WA State licenses animal massage therapists. WAC 246-830-435

-Reflexologists and some somatic practitioners are exempt.

-Athletic department massage is exempt.

-Washington State Massage Practitioners are able to become contracted providers with PPO's and HMO's and bill for massage services but that does not have anything to do with licensing or the massage state board. Credentialling is required with each company or the third party networks such as American Whole Health Networks (www.americanwholehealth.com) who represents Premera Blue Cross, Uniform Medical, Aetna, Group Health, Corvel (who is a company that represents some motor vehicle insurance companies) and a few others. Allowable fees for the majority of these insurance companies is lower than the average fee (which in Seattle is $65-$85 for a hour massage). This means you will lose money or have to work more hours to make the same money. WA is one of the only 2 States that allows massage therapists to bill health insurance companies. The other state is Florida. Licensing and the WA State Board do not have anything to do with insurance billing. This info is provided for your convenience.

-Massage Practitioners are able to bill insurance companies for motor vehicle accidents and injuries at work through the Department of Labor and Industries. (http://www.lni.wa.gov/).

The information on this page is subject to change at any time. Please contact the State Board with any questions on Washington Massage Licensing.

Intraoral Massage requires additional training according to WAC 246-830-490

See also: Washington Massage Schools

If you are thinking about becoming a massage therapist, my Massage Career and School Guide can tell you more and help you to decide if a career in massage is right for you. It includes information on how to choose the best massage school to enhance your career.