Licensing to practice massage therapy varies greatly around the country. Check with local governments to learn about specific regulations in the area where you hope to work. You can find information regarding state regulations nationwide at www.amtamassage.org or www.massagemag.com. NOTE: PMTI’s Professional Training Program satisfies the educational requirements for certification and/or licensure in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia.
Licensing and Certification Requirements: DC, Virginia and Maryland
| District of Columbia | Maryland | Virginia | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | License (1995) - LMT | Certification (1996) - CMT | Certification (1996) - CMT |
| Education Requirement | Minimum 500 hours | Minimum 500 hours / 600 hrs beginning August 2005CMT - + 60 college credits RMP - no college coursework (may not practice in health care setting- hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, Dr offices) | Minimum 500 hours |
| Exam | National Certification Exam | NCE + jurisprudence exam | National Certification Exam |
| Minimum Age | 18 years of age | 18 years of age | 18 years of age |
| Provisional Status | 90 Days after submission of completed application and Supervised Practice Form | None. Must be fully stated licensed to practice | 90 days from date of graduation once completed application submitted |
| Renewal Cycle | January 31st every odd year | September 31st every even year | CMTs born in even-numbered yrs renew their certificates by the last day of their birth month in even-numbered yrs. CMTs born in odd-numbered yrs renew by the end of birth month in odd-numbered yrs. |
| Fees | Application & Licensing fee: $176 Biennial renewal: $111 | Application fee: $100 Certification fee: $200 Jurisprudence exam: $50 ($200 after 5/1/08) Biennial renewal: $200 | Application fee: $105 Biennial renewal:$70 |
| Continuing Education | 12 hrs of CEhrs (2 hrs of ethics and 3 hrs of CPR and first aid) | 24 hrs of CEhrs (3 hrs of ethics or jurisprudence +3 hrs of HIV/AIDS education) and current certificate for CPR | Current certification by the NCBTMB or 25 hrs of CEhrs (1hr of ethics) |
| Administration | Massage Therapy Board - Five members: 4 MT's and 1 Consumer | Chiropractic Examiners with Advisory Committee of 4 MT's & 2 Chiropractors | Board of Nursing Dept. of Health Professions |
| Contact Information |
DC Department of HealthBoard of Massage Therapy
|
Massage Therapy Certification Program |
VA Dept. of Health Professions |
PLEASE NOTE: Graduation from PMTI's Professional Training Program does not guarantee licensure in massage therapy in all states, counties or cities. Some states have different or more extensive requirements than PMTI standards. Contact www.amtamassage.org or www.massagemag.com for information on other states, etc. PMTI continues to maintain a 95% pass rate on the NCE for first time candidates, compared to the national average of 75%. This exam is required in several states including the District of Columbia, Virginia and Maryland for licensure or certification. For more information about national certification, visit the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) at www.ncbtmb.com