Massage therapy licensing guidelines: New York City
New York City follows the guidelines set forth by the state legislature and enacted by the New York State Board of Massage Therapy. Between 2006 and 2010, over 1,500 massage therapy licenses were awarded within the city limits to massage therapists who wish to practice within the city. Many New York City escorts find massage therapy a good career choice. However, in order to use the title of "Massage Therapist" or "Masseuse", one must acquire a legal license. It is wise for an aspiring massage therapist to review the required guidelines prior to making a final career choice.
Massage therapy is defined by New York legislators as "engaging in applying a scientific system of activity to the muscular structure of the human body by means of stroking, kneading, tapping or vibrating with the hands or vibrators for the purpose of improving muscle tone and circulation.
Candidates for massage therapy licensure must be of good moral character.
Applicants for a license as a massage therapist must be at least 18 years old and provide proof of completion of high school or equivalent.
Massage therapists seeking licensure must be U.S. citizens or lawful aliens with permanent residence status.
Candidates must have completed a CPR certification class within three years of licensure.
Applicants must submit a completed application and a fee. The fee may be paid with personal check or money order.
Massage therapists are responsible for completing required education guidelines. Official transcripts from the school or program are required as proof of passage of the education requirement. Applicants must have completed a program registered with the New York State of Education Department that included at least 1,000 hours of coursework, with a minimum of 100 hours in practical sessions. Coursework must include subjects such as anatomy, myology, hygiene, kinesiology, physiology, pathology, neurology, first aid, infection control, CPR and the theory and technique of massage therapy.
Massage therapy license applicants must pass the New York State Massage Therapy Examination and provide official test scores to the board. The examination is given twice annually and is only available to students who have met all other requirements (excluding the citizenship guideline, which may be acquired later).
Licensed massage therapists must maintain the highest professional conduct. Unprofessional conduct may result in revocation of the therapist's license. Unprofessional conduct may include:
Advertising not in the public interest: featuring pictures in advertising depicting unclad or undraped human forms.
Inappropriate massage: massage of the genital areas, massage of a client who is improperly draped or failure to dress properly when massaging a client.
Abuse of client: Verbally or physically abusing a client.
Other requirements to become a massage therapist in New York City may include obtaining a business license. Several requirements exist for different types of businesses, based on how the business will be structured and where it will be located. Basic requirements include getting an Employer ID Number, a Certificate for Doing Business As and a Certificate of Occupancy. Additionally, a new business will need to meet the Portable Fire Extinguisher Requirements, the Recycling and Waste Removal guidelines and Zoning Requirements. Officials with the City of New York can help with all the details.
