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New York State Massage Regulations

 

Currently, in the state of New York, licensure is a requirement to practice any form of massage therapy.

 

The Center for Natural Wellness School of Massage Therapy offers a New York State approved licensure-qualifying program in therapeutic massage.

 

Successful completion of the 1,020-hour course of study offered by the school qualifies graduates, who meet all other state requirements, to sit for the NYS licensing examination in massage therapy.

Therapy Session

 

The New York State licensing examination is administered twice annually, in January and August.

 

To qualify for a Massage Therapy license in the State of New York, an applicant must meet the following requirements:

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  • Complete and file an application with the New York State Education Department.

 

  • Possess a high school diploma or the legal equivalent of a high school diploma (GED). Be a graduate of a New York State registered massage program or have equivalent education.

 

  • Pass a written examination satisfactory to the Board and in accordance with the Commissioners regulations.

 

  • Be either a U.S. citizen or alien lawfully admitted to permanent residence in the U.S.

 

  • Be of good moral character.

 

  • Be at least 18 years of age.

 

  • Hold current Certification in CPR and First Aid.

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To receive further information about licensing in New York State, contact the office of the State Board for Massage, New York State Education Department at (518) 474-3817, or write to: Office of the Professions, State Education Department, 2nd Floor, Albany, NY 12234-1000; or on the web at http://www.op.nysed.gov/massage.htm.

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Note that some states do not qualify graduates to practice massage therapy and/or differ in their licensing requirements. Please check the individual requirements of the state(s) in which you plan to practice, or contact the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork by email at info@ncbtmb.com or by calling 1.800.296.0664.

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National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCTMB)

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The NCBTMB standard for accreditation requires a course of study with a minimum of 500 hours of faculty-supervised instruction.

 

CNWSMT meets and exceeds the national standard with our 1,020-hour program of study that includes classroom theory and practical application techniques.

 

Some states recognize the NCTMB exam and certification which allows massage graduates to potentially practice in these states.

 

Please check with the individual state requirements at http://www.ncbtmb.com

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NCTMB has a testing center in Albany and the exam is taken on a per request basis throughout the year.

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