what is the difference between a Certified Massage Therapist and a license Massage Therapist?
Summer asked:
When I get my diploma from a Massage Therapy school does that mean am a Certified Massage Therapist and I can start working?
When I get my diploma from a Massage Therapy school does that mean am a Certified Massage Therapist and I can start working?
6 Responses to “what is the difference between a Certified Massage Therapist and a license Massage Therapist?”
One has a certificate, one has a license.
Hmm…
A licensed massage therapist is usually certified and has passed some sort of license exam with the state, thus obtaining a license.
The difference is the places they can work. Licensed massage therapists can work in a practice and make a lot of money working on athletes. Certified therapists can work on old ladies in a day spa.
A Certified Massage Technician is prohibited from working on medically diagnosed conditions and from working on referrals from a physician or chiropractor. Only a Licensed Massage Therapist can work on medically diagnosed conditions. Also, the Certified Massage Technician may neither call himself or herself a “therapist” nor use the word “therapy” in describing his or her profession nor in anyway imply that he or she is certified to practice massage therapy.
I seen one of the answers stating you couldn’t call yourself a “therapist” while being only “Certified”. In each state I’m sure its different. That is incorrect you can call yourself a Certified Massage Therapist as long as you pass the National Certification test. You could even say you are “Board Certified” after recieving confirmation that you’ve passed that test. The website is
For the licensing you would have to look into the state laws. I had my license in Nevada however when I moved to Indiana they do not have licensing and Certification is the best you can do (Which I’m trying to push the state to get the licensing to go through)
**Being Certified (see the website ncbtmb)
Knowledgde
Code of ethics
Standard of Practice
**Being Licensed
Has more requirements you need than being certified but not every state has it. (unfortunately)
Both try to keep Massage Therapy “Professional and Safe”
The amtamassage website shows requirements in each state…its a good thing to have when you are a profressional therapist.
It simply depends on your state whether or not you’re called “licensed” or “certified”.
It also depends on your state as to how you can practice once you’re done with school. Most states require you to take the NCBTMB and then apply for a state license. (In VA, you have 500hrs of school, take the test and then apply through the board of nursing for your license.) However, you may be able to practice for 90 days without a license after school…but make sure you have insurance!
You may contact me at if you need more information!