Overview | Types | Treatment Applications | Credentials

Professional Credentials for Massage Therapists

Thirty-eight states regulate or license physical therapists, and each of these states has different laws regarding the practice. Accredited massage therapy educational programs have been developed recently. The Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA), recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, regulates the educational standards of accredited massage therapy programs. There are currently 70 programs in the U.S. accredited by COMTA. The American Massage Therapy Association, (AMTA), is one such organization formed to promote massage therapy and represents about half of all certified massage therapists in the U.S. AMTA also strives to maintain legal, ethical and educational standards for its certified members. Massage therapists can become nationally certified by meeting specific standards of education, experience, training and, ultimately, by completing a certification exam.

CMT
In most states, certified massage therapists must complete academic coursework in anatomy and physiology, as well as additional coursework on the application of massage and bodywork, business and ethics, and specialized massage techniques. The CMT must then pass a National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork exam.

LCMT
In most states, a licensed certified massage therapist must complete academic coursework in anatomy and physiology, as well as additional coursework on the application of massage and bodywork, business and ethics, and specialized massage techniques. The LCMT must then pass a National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork exam.

LMP
In most states, the licensed massage practitioner must complete academic coursework in anatomy and physiology, as well as additional coursework on the application of massage and bodywork, business and ethics, and specialized massage techniques. The LMP must then pass a National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork exam.

LMT
In most states, the licensed massage therapist must complete academic coursework in anatomy and physiology, as well as additional coursework on the application of massage and bodywork, business and ethics, and specialized massage techniques. The LMT must then pass a certification exam.

NCTMB
This certification is awarded to individuals who have graduated with at least extensive formal training at an established school of massage or bodywork. Or, the individual must demonstrate that their training and experience is equivalent to that of a formal program. After this, the individual can become certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. However, this is not required for a license.