The Washington State Department of Health oversees the Massage Therapy Program's methods and regulations concerning licensure of trained massage practitioners. Licensed individuals in Washington may call themselves Licenses Massage Practitioners, however the use of Licensed Massage Therapists is unlawful under current legislation. Washington escorts expanding their careers and skills as massage practitioners must meet the following guidelines:
All applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
Candidates must complete and submit an application and non-refundable fee, along with appropriate documentation proving they meet other required qualifications.
Applicants must submit official transcripts from an approved massage therapy program that required at least 6 months of study. The curriculum of at least 500 hours must have included:
265 hours of theory and practice of massage
130 hours of anatomy, physiology and kinesiology (at least 40 hours must be in kinesiology)
55 hours of clinical and business practices, hygiene, record keeping, medical terminology, ethics, state/local laws and others
Certification in American Red Cross First Aid and American Heart Association CPR
4 hours each in:
HIV/AIDS
Etiology and epidemiology
Transmission and infection control
Testing and counseling
Clinical manifestation and treatment
Legal and technical issues
Psychosocial issues
Candidates must agree to undergo a complete criminal background check. Felonies including violence, sexual offenses and controlled substances may result in denial of licenses.
Licensees must renew their licenses every 2 years with at least 24 hours of continuing education.
