How to Become a Massage Therapist in Texas - TX

By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: February, 19 2010

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Many people are turning to massage therapists to help with variety of physical and mental ailments. From sports injuries, to daily stress, massage therapists offer many natural solutions. Massage therapy is especially appealing because there are many types of massage available and no medication is involved. Massage therapists treat all ages from teenagers to the elderly. Currently there almost 200,000 massage therapists in the country with 2,830 practicing in Texas. They can be found in salons, spas, physician’s offices and many often make house calls. Massage therapists are often self-employed and work part-time. Many also have flexible hours, so as a career choice it is very appealing. It should also be a stable career with the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting a 20% growth rate by 2016. If you are willing to work hard to establish yourself as a massage therapist, your clientele will naturally grow, which is key to your success.

Becoming a Massage Therapist in Texas

Massage therapy regulations in Texas are set by the Texas Department of State Health Services Massage Therapy Licensing Program. No one can act as a massage therapist without first being licensed by the Texas Department of State Health. The department requires all prospective massage therapists to adhere to the following requirements:

Complete at least 500 hours of education from an approved massage therapy certification program, including certification in CPR;
Pass one of three accepted massage therapy exams: National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage (NCETM), National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB), or Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx);
Take a Jurisprudence Exam offered through the department for massage therapy certification in Texas;
Apply for licensure with the department.

Additional eligibility requirements are set for each of the above exams, so be sure to check with the administrating organization prior to applying to take the exam.