So, you want to be a massage therapist?
At The New Age Spa Institute, we are proud to offer a comprehensive massage therapy program designed by internationally accredited educators who are leaders in the industry. In this blog, we will guide you through the key requirements for obtaining and maintaining a massage therapy license in Illinois.
If you’re looking to become a licensed massage therapist, you need to know the laws! Especially as a prospective massage therapist, you should know what lies ahead after school and licensing.
Most importantly, you must know the massage therapy license regulatory board.
In Illinois, this is the IDFPR, an acronym for the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation
Massage Therapy Licensure
320 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor
Springfield, IL 62786
Phone: (888) 473-4858
Fax: (217) 782-7645
Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation
What about massage therapist work in a different state?
Hint: The United States is not united in licensure regulation. In fact, state regulations vary quite a bit.
Above all, practice legally. An interest in a massage therapy career means you need to learn about the massage therapy regulations and license requirements for each state.
If you’re looking for an excellent resource, look no further than AMTA’s State Regulations webpage. It has all the massage therapy regulations and licensing requirements for each state. Practice legally! https://www.amtamassage.org/state-regulations/
AMTA stands for American Massage Therapy Association.
Did you know that The New Age Spa Institute is an AMTA massage school? As an AMTA School, The New Age Spa Institute can provide access to resources and tools to support our current students and recent graduates.
Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP) is another great source for massage therapy state licensing requirements. Download and print a copy of the Massage State Regulation Guide.
By the way, The New Age Spa Institute is an ABMP school and an NCBTMB school. Just a few more prestigious associations that recognize NASI quality and improve our students’ careers.
What is NCBTMB? It stands for the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork. Click to learn more.
What are the education requirements for massage therapy in Illinois?
To become a licensed massage therapist in Illinois, you must complete a state-approved education program with a minimum of 600 hours. Contact your state licensing board for the most current information and requirements.
Our massage therapy program at The New Age Spa Institute provides 635 hours of in-depth training that covers the necessary subjects, including anatomy, physiology, aromatherapy, and hands-on massage techniques like deep tissue massage, Swedish massage, sports massage, and reflexology. Our curriculum is designed by experts who are always at the forefront of new developments in the field, ensuring that you receive the highest quality training possible.
So, you’ve completed your 635-hours of massage therapy schooling? It’s time to take and pass the MBLEX! The Massage Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEX) is administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB).
Our program prepares you with the knowledge and confidence needed to pass the MBLEX successfully. At our massage and wellness school, we offer additional support, including exam prep for the MBLEX.
Does my massage therapy license expire?
Simply, yes!
In Illinois, massage therapy licenses must be renewed every 2 years. Part of this renewal process involves completing continuing education units (CEUs) or hours to ensure that you are staying up-to-date with the latest techniques and industry standards. The New Age Spa Institute offers a variety of CEU courses to help you meet these requirements like Manual Lymphatic Drainage workshops and advanced facial massage techniques. Whether you’re looking to refresh your skills or learn something new, our internationally accredited instructors provide world-class education.
Education Requirements for Massage Therapists in IL
24 CEUs
*12 hours must be supervised classroom or hands-on instruction, and the remaining 12 hours can be completed online
Mandatory Subjects include:
- 2 hrs of Ethics
- 1 hr of Sexual Harassment Prevention Training
- 1 hr of Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Awareness
The time for 2024 license renewal for massage therapy is NOW!
Where can you work with a massage therapy license?
With a massage therapy license, you can explore many career paths. Many graduates find opportunities in spa franchises such as Massage Envy, Elements Massage, and Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa. These companies are among the largest employers of licensed massage therapists in Illinois and beyond.
Can you have multiple massage therapy licenses in different states?
Yes!
You can hold multiple massage therapy licenses in different states, but it is not an automatic process. Each state in the U.S. has its own requirements for obtaining a massage therapy license, which means you must apply for a license in each state where you intend to practice.
Need a general step-by-step?
- Meet Each State’s Licensing Requirements
- Pass the Licensing Exam: Most states use MBLEX, and you may not have to retake exam.
- Apply for Reciprocity
Don’t forget to keep track of your renewal requirements across state lines! If you plan to work in multiple states, it’s essential to stay organized and maintain compliance with all the necessary licensing and renewal protocols.
Why Choose NASI for Your massage therapy education?
Our state-accredited program offers a blend of practical training and leading education. The New Age Spa Institute’s multi-licensed educators are passionate about continuous learning and staying on top of industry innovations. With a curriculum that emphasizes both massage therapy and esthetics, we provide a well-rounded training that prepares you for success in the competitive beauty and wellness industry.
The New Age Spa Institute stands for one thing: quality. As a CIDESCO-accredited school, our programs are designed to meet the highest global standards in skincare and esthetics education. Whether you’re just beginning your career or looking to expand your expertise, we offer unmatched opportunities that set you apart in the industry. Discover why experts are choosing NASI for a future of excellence.
Ready to take the next step in your massage career?
If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and become a licensed massage therapist in Illinois, NASI is here to guide you every step of the way. Our massage therapy program, combined with our continuing education courses, ensures that you will be well-prepared for both licensure and a successful career. Visit www.newagespainstitute.com or call us at (847) 759-0900 to learn more and start your journey today!
What community areas does The New Age Spa Institute serve?
The New Age Spa Institute is located in Des Plaines, Illinois and generally serves the North and Northwest suburbs. Serving the Chicagoland area, students drive from Rockford, IL – Park Ridge, IL – Niles, IL – Chicago, IL – St. Charles, IL – Plainfield, IL – Naperville, IL – Mount Prospect, IL – Bartlett, IL – Barrington, IL – Elgin, IL – Lake in the Hills, IL – and many more suburbs!
What other programs does The New Age Spa Institute have other than Massage Therapy?
Our programs are designed to enrich and guide students toward professional excellence within the beauty industry.
- Esthetics
- CIDESCO Diploma
- Clinical Aesthetics
- Massage Therapy
- Master Clinical Aesthetics New!
- Nail Technology
- Professional Makeup Artistry
- Master Makeup Artistry
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