Escorts in Houston, Texas who want to become massage therapists are not required to undergo any other licensing restrictions other than those mandated by the legislators of Texas. Houston has recently revoked all guidelines requiring business owners to obtain "General Business Licenses," however, certain codes and permits must be obtained to run a business in Houston. Some things to consider before opening a massage business in Houston include:
Massage therapists who plan to open a business and employ others must obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Federal Tax Identification Number.
Massage therapy businesses must file a DBA form with the City Clerk that indicates the business name.
State sales tax permits are required for all businesses.
Property Tax Renditions are necessary so that a business' property may be evaluated and taxed by the City of Houston.
All owners of massage therapy businesses must file a Certificate of Occupancy for any owned or rented space.
Owners of massage therapy businesses wishing to use signage on their businesses must apply for a receive a sign permit.
Massage therapists who are opening their own massage businesses must verify that the location in which they choose to establish their business is zoned for commercial endeavors.
Recent years have seen crackdowns on massage parlors and 24-hour massage establishments within the city. Many of these types of businesses are regulated under guidelines that place restrictions on sexually-oriented businesses. A sexually-oriented business is defined as one in which nudity and consumption of alcohol or liquor is involved. Legitimate massage therapy businesses do not fall under this regulation.
In addition to the city requirements for a massage therapy business, massage therapists must obtain a license from the State of Texas in order to practice their skills. Escorts, cosmetology students and others who wish to become massage therapists must complete the following guidelines:
Applicants must complete a massage therapy program consisting of at least 500 hours from a school the board considers acceptable. Official transcripts are necessary for proof of one's education. Curriculum must involve:
200 hours of massage therapy technique, theory and practice. Furthermore, 125 hours of Swedish massage therapy techniques must be included.
50 hours of anatomy.
50 hours of kinesiology.
50 hour internship.
45 hours of massage therapy rules, business practices and professional ethics.
45 hours of pathology.
25 hours of physiology.
20 hours of hydrotherapy.
20 hours of health and hygiene, first aid and CPR.
Candidates must pass one of two examinations in order to become licensed:
Examination administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards
Examination administered by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork
Applicants must submit to a criminal background check by the department of public safety. If an applicant is found to be guilty of a misdemeanor of moral turpitude or any kind of felony within the past 5 years, he or she is considered automatically ineligible for licensing. Candidates who have been found guilty of, pleaded guilty to or pleaded nolo contendere to offenses involving prostitution or other sexually-related crimes are not eligible for licensure.
Candidates must submit a fully completed application form. Information necessary for the form includes a Social Security number, contact information, driver's license number, employment information and professional credential details. A non-refundable fee must be submitted at the time of application.
Licensees are required to complete at least 12 hours of continuing education credit every two years to renew their licenses.
