Most states require you to be licensed to work as a massage therapist. However, massage therapy licensing doesn't have as long a history as licensing in many other disciplines. This is one reason the process can vary so much from state to state. Most states require you to be licensed to work as a massage therapist.

Do you need to be certified to give massages?

There isn't a national licensing or certification program that would allow a single massage therapist to practice anywhere within the United States. Many states have a massage therapy board that sets educational requirements, testing requirements, and issues licenses.

Do you have to go to school to be a masseuse?

Prospective massage therapists should complete a certificate or diploma degree program from an accredited school approved by the state. ... After completing the massage therapy education program, a licensing exam is required. In some cases, massage school graduates take a specialized exam created by the state.