In Los Angeles, not only does a massage therapist have to meet statewide guidelines to become licensed, but he or she must also abide by municipal and county guidelines to be granted a license to practice within the city limits. Escorts may choose to transition their careers to massage therapy. Los Angeles offers a license for a massage technician. Guidelines for licensure include:
Massage technician license applicants must complete and submit an official application with several sections that include:
Applicants must list at least two previous addresses they have resided at prior to their current residence. This information is used for a background check, if necessary.
A candidate must submit at least 5 written personal references from individuals who can attest to the candidate's good moral character.
A massage technician must provide proof of one's age. He or she must be at least 18 years of age. A birth certificate is accepted as proof of age.
Information about an applicant's height, weight, eye color and hair color must provided on the application.
Two head-shot photographs of the applicant must be submitted. The size of the photos should be 2-inches by 2-inches.
Candidates must include information about employment history for at least three years prior to the time of application.
Applicants are required to present any information about past licensing history, which includes any licenses held in other states and revocations, suspensions or other discipline in relation to them.
Self-disclosure of criminal history convictions is required on the application.
An examination by a doctor within 30 days of application is required to apply. Certification of a clean bill of health and freedom from all infectious diseases is required for licensure.
All applicants are required to list their future employer along with the location they will be working.
Massage technician applicants must submit the application fees at the time they submit their completed applications.
Massage technician candidates must provide official transcripts to prove they have met the education requirements necessary for licensure. Applicants must have acquired at least 500 hours of education from an approved school or program. At least 250 hours of education must include coursework in physiology, business and ethics, health and hygiene, anatomy and contraindications.
Some applicants will be required to undergo a fingerprint-based criminal background check before being granted a license.
Other guidelines for licensure in the state of California include:
Applicants must provide proof of passage of one of three certification examinations:
Massage and Bodyworks Licensing Examination (MBLEx)
National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage (NCETM)
National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodyworks (NCETMB)
Candidates who have licenses from another state with equivalent requirements may be certified through a reciprocal process.
