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Everyone loves a good massage, but did you know that in the state of New York it is illegal to practice massage therapy without a license? To become a legally licensed massage therapist (LMT), a practitioner needs formal education and clinical training before passing a licensing exam. The path is similar to that of a physical therapist or chiropractor. It may sound like a lot of work, but the payoff is worth it, whether you’d like to work at a spa or healthcare facility or become an entrepreneur and start your own practice. 

We’ve put together an outline of all the qualifications and requirements you’ll need in order to get your massage therapy license. 

Why You Need a Massage Therapy License in New York City 

Think about it: if you have a back issue or a shoulder injury, would you let a friend or colleague with zero training in anatomy work on your neck or hamstrings? This is where the license comes into play. Unlicensed “masseuses” who proclaim to offer cheaper relief do not have the same training to help your body truly heal. 

If you’d like to work at a massage clinic or on your own in any official capacity, you need to be licensed. And thankfully, Swedish Institute can help you get there.  

The Education Requirements for an MT License 

Massage Therapy school isn’t just fluff and buff. The curriculum portion involves classes in anatomy, physiology, pathology, and much more. Getting a massage therapy license in the state of New York, for example, requires at least 1000 hours of learning and training. That’s why, here at Swedish Institute, our program ranges in length from 20 months to 32 months depending on your schedule needs.  

 Swedish Institute also offers hands-on training at our clinic, meaning you’ll be able to practice massage therapy during your education in a safe and controlled environment. 

Exam and Next Steps 

After you’ve taken the necessary classes and received the education you need to succeed, you’ll need to complete two final steps. First, you’ll need to pass a licensing exam to become fully eligible to perform massage therapy in the state of New York. Then, you can work on finding a career that suits your needs.  

Some massage therapists aim to get into the business by starting a career for themselves, but that isn’t right for everyone. Instead, you can begin working at a massage therapy clinic or in various other fields as a licensed massage therapist. LMTs work with sports teams, in hospitals, through private offices, and much more. Finding a job can be difficult, but the career services department at Swedish Institute can help you find your footing in a new career field.  Our students have opened their own businesses and have worked in practices in New York and beyond.

Final Things to Know 

If you broke your phone, you wouldn’t risk going to your cousin who “knows what he’s doing” to get it fixed. Similarly, you should go to a trained person to get a massage. Here at Swedish Institute, we provide the education you need in order to become a massage therapist, all while offering support that can help you in your career going forwards. 

Contact us today to learn more about getting a massage therapy license, and we can connect you with one of our department representatives to answer all of your questions.