06/07/2026
Let’s Talk about Massage Licensing
Licensing is the tool that gives a profession credibility. It builds trust before a service is even provided because we assume that because someone is licensed, they at least know what the heck they’re doing, right?!?
Doctors, nurses, teachers, contractors, therapists, electricians, hairdressers, athletic trainers, lawyers, pilots, etc. have licensing requirements; those requirements dictate the very minimum of education to NOT be a danger to the public. You can call yourself an anesthesiologist because you put people to sleep but it’s not going to get you a job in surgery unless you can prove it.
To get a license in massage therapy, the applicant must complete an intensive program that follows the guidelines of the state massage board. Each state has its own rules & guidelines for licensing, but most follow the same procedure.
Education is the first step of ensuring the safety of their clients. Schools teach courses mandated by the laws of the state that are created by the massage therapy board. Massage schools are overseen by the Department of Education or the Kentucky Commission on Proprietary Education depending on the structure of the school, as well as the Kentucky Board of Licensure for Massage Therapy. Each year the school must renew their license by following additional requirements to ensure the SCHOOL is teaching the appropriate information in the appropriate time frame in the appropriate setting. The school SHOULD BE keeping up on current issues regarding massage in their state & making sure graduates have information as it comes along.
KENTUCKY BOARD OF LICENSURE FOR MASSAGE THERAPY
Programs of Massage Instruction:
Title 201 Chapter 42 Regulation 080 • Kentucky Administrative Regulations • Legislative Research Commission
Welcome - Kentucky Commission on Proprietary Education
Professionals are tested by a third party & are required to pass that exam to show competence. Passing the test IS NOT LICENSURE. Licensing is all about protecting the public FROM the professional…its sets the standard of care & provides ethical guidelines. The public should be able to trust that someone with a license will follow the laws.
MBLEX:
Examination | Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards
After the exam, the potential licensee must pass both a KY State Police & an FBI background check.
https://bmt.ky.gov/Documents/HOW%20TO%20OBTAIN%20KSP%20AND%20FBI%20BACKGROUND%20CHECKS%201%20-%20Revision%20-%20Copy.docx
Verification of education must come directly from your school to the massage board. A photo & payment must accompany the application. The application must be mailed & at the board office 10 days before the board meeting to ensure that it is seen by the application committee, who verify the information before recommending licensure.
Application for Massage in Kentucky:
https://bmt.ky.gov/Documents/035%20-%20MT%20Initial%20Application%20June%202021.pdf
Application for Reinstatement:
https://bmt.ky.gov/Documents/040%20-%20MT%20Reinstatement%20June%202021.pdf
Each state has its own massage laws. with a code of ethics, scope of practice , & requirements for licensure. Currently, if you would like to work in multiple states, you will need multiple licenses…but language for a compact license has been written & hopefully one day will be a reality, especially for this area where we have multiple states within an hour drive. Our school has successfully licensed therapists in 3 states.
Kentucky Revised Statutes & Administration Regulations:
KENTUCKY BOARD OF LICENSURE FOR MASSAGE THERAPY
Tennessee Massage Board:
Tennessee Department of Health Board of Massage Licensure
Illinois Massage Board:
IDFPR | Massage Therapy
Licensing does not stop illegal massage practices. The massage board only has jurisdiction over licensed individuals…the folks who ARE professionals. The POLICE have jurisdiction over impersonating a professional…the people hoping you aren’t going to notice they don’t have their CURRENT license on the wall. (It will have their face & licensure dates printed on it. If it’s not on their license, that’s not their license.)
Professional massage therapists follow a code of ethics & have a standard of practice.
Kentucky Massage Therapy Code of Ethics & Standards of Practice:
Title 201 Chapter 42 Regulation 061 • Kentucky Administrative Regulations • Legislative Research Commission
If you book a massage appointment in KY, you should look up their license information online here: oop.ky.gov/lic_search.aspx
Unlicensed folks (EVEN IF THEY HAVE HAD TRAINING) are hoping you aren’t going to care…& should you trust someone that won’t do the minimum to be considered a professional with your health?
Complaint form: (Filing a police report will start the process in your town.) If you feel that a crime has been committed GO TO THE POLICE FIRST.
https://bmt.ky.gov/Documents/050%20-%20MT%20-%20Form%20to%20File%20a%20Complaint_BMT%20June%202021.pdf
Unlicensed activity report: (Filing a police report will start the process in your town.) If you feel that a crime has been committed GO TO THE POLICE FIRST.
https://bmt.ky.gov/Documents/050%20-%20MT%20-%20Unlicensed%20Activity%20Report_BMT%20June%202021.pdf
Massage therapy is a profoundly important step in healthcare; it is the check-in, the step of self-care BEFORE the injury - to PREVENT the injury. Massage therapy administered by a licensed professional can help put your health in YOUR hands, giving you the opportunity to make informed decisions about your body.
