The Missouri Board of Therapeutic Massage (regulated by the Missouri Division of Professional Registration) oversees the licensure of all therapeutic massage experts. Like many states, Missouri requires that all licensed massage therapists acquire an education and pass a criminal background check. Escorts who are considering becoming massage therapists should look over this list of qualifications and requirements in order to increase their chances of success.
The guidelines to become a massage therapist in Missouri include:
Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
Massage therapists must complete and provide official transcripts for at least 500 hours of supervised instruction from an approved or accredited school or program. Basic curriculum guidelines include:
300 hours of education that focuses on massage theory and practice.
100 hours of course instruction that trains students in anatomy, physiology and other biological sciences.
50 hours of courses covering business practices, hygiene, professional ethics and massage law.
50 hours of ancillary therapy instruction, including (but not limited to) CPR and First Aid.
Applicants must submit official proof of passage of one of several national tests to prove proficiency in massage therapy. Tests include:
National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodyworks (NCETMB)
National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage (NCETM)
Acupuncture Examination for the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCAAOMA)
American Medical Massage Association National Board Certification Examination (AMMA NBCE)
Other board-approved examination
Massage therapists must acquire and provide proof of professional liability insurance.
Applicants must submit a notarized application and appropriate application fee.
Applicants must provide two full sets of electronic fingerprints (and fees) for criminal background checks to be conducted by the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Licenses massage therapists must earn 12 hours of continuing education credits in order to renew their licenses every 2 years.
Licenses may be revoked or denied due to improper behavior including:
Verbal or physical abuse of a client.
Engaging in sexual conduct with a client during a massage session.
Massage of a client's genitals.
Massage of a client's breasts without a doctor's order to do so.
Taking unfair advantage of a client for personal financial gain.
