Virginia Massage Licensing

Department of Health Professions
Perimeter Center
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300
Henrico, Virginia 23233-1463

Article 5. Licensure of Massage Therapists.
§ 54.1-3029. Qualifications for a licensed massage therapist.
A. In order to be licensed as a massage therapist, the applicant shall furnish evidence satisfactory
to the Board that the applicant:

1. Is at least 18 years old;
2. Has successfully completed a massage therapy educational program that required a minimum
   of 500 hours of training. The massage therapy educational program shall be certified or approved
   by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia or an agency in another state, the District
   of Columbia, or a United States territory that approves educational programs, notwithstanding
   the provisions of § 23.1-226;
3. Has passed the Licensing Examination of the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards or
   an examination deemed acceptable to the Board of Nursing; and
4. Has not committed any acts or omissions that would be grounds for disciplinary action or
   denial of licensure as set forth in this chapter.
   B. The Board may issue a provisional license to an applicant prior to passing the Licensing
   Examination of the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards for such time and in such
   manner as prescribed by the Board. No more than one provisional license shall be issued to any
   applicant.
   C. The Board may license without examination any applicant who is licensed as a massage
   therapist in another state, the District of Columbia, a United States possession or territory, or
   another country, and, in the opinion of the Board, meets the requirements for licensed massage
   therapists in the Commonwealth.
   D. An applicant who completed a massage therapy educational program in a foreign country may
   apply for licensure as a massage therapist upon submission of evidence, satisfactory to the
   Board, that the applicant:
5. Is at least 18 years old;
6. Has successfully completed a massage therapy educational program in a foreign country that
   is comparable to a massage therapy educational program required for licensure by the Board as
   demonstrated by submission of evidence of comparability and equivalency provided by an
   agency that evaluates credentials for persons who have studied outside the United States;
7. Has passed a Board-approved English language proficiency examination; and
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8. Has not committed any acts or omissions that would be grounds for disciplinary action or
   denial of licensure as set forth in this chapter.
   The Board shall issue a license to an applicant who meets the requirements in this subsection
   upon submission by the applicant of evidence satisfactory to the Board that the applicant has
   completed an English version of the Licensing Examination of the Federation of State Massage
   Therapy Boards or a comparable examination deemed acceptable to the Board.
   1996, c. 166; 1997, c. 599; 2004, c. 991; 2012, c. 764; 2016, c. 324; 2020, c. 727.

REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE LICENSURE OF MASSAGE THERAPISTS VIRGINIA BOARD OF NURSING

“Massage therapy” means the treatment of soft tissues for therapeutic purposes by the application
of massage and bodywork techniques based on the manipulation or application of pressure to the
muscular structure or soft tissues of the human body. The term “massage therapy” does not
include the diagnosis or treatment of illness or disease or any service or procedure for which a
license to practice medicine, nursing, midwifery, chiropractic, physical therapy, occupational
therapy, acupuncture, athletic training, or podiatry is required by law or any service described in
subdivision A 18 of § 54.1-3001.
“Massage therapy” shall not include manipulation of the spine or joints.

18VAC90-50-75. Continuing competency requirements.
A. In order to renew a license biennially, a licensed massage therapist shall:

1. Hold current certification by the NCBTMB; or
2. Complete at least 24 hours of continuing education or learning activities with at least one hour
   in professional ethics. Hours chosen shall be those that enhance and expand the skills and
   knowledge related to the clinical practice of massage therapy and may be distributed as follows:
   a. A minimum of 12 of the 24 hours shall be in activities or courses provided by one of the
   following providers and may include seminars, workshops, home study courses, and
   continuing education courses.
   (1) NCBTMB;
   (2) Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB);
   (3) American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA);
   (4) Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP);
   (5) Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA);
   (6) A nationally or regionally accredited school or program of massage therapy; or
   (7) A school of massage therapy approved by the State Council of Higher Education for
   Virginia.
   b. No more than 12 of the 24 hours may be activities or courses that may include
   consultation, independent reading or research, preparation for a presentation, a course in
   cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or other such experiences that promote continued learning.