Need of a Massage License: A massage therapist needs a license to practice massage therapy in Michigan.
Who Grants a License: Licenses are granted by the Michigan Board of Massage Therapy.
Qualifications to receive a License: Currently, a candidate can become licensed in a number of ways, including by passing the MBLEx, having practiced massage at least from 3 to 5 or years and meeting educational requirements.
If the candidate chooses to get licensed by examination, the candidate needs to pass he Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx).
To get licensed by exam, the candidate needs to complete a supervised curriculum training program approved by the Board of Massage.
Applying for the Massage Exam: Candidates can apply online to take the MBLEx. More information can be found on the MBLEx in a Candidate Handbook.
Exam Content: The MBLEx exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions with four choices provided for each question. Test takers have 110 minutes to complete the computer-based exam.
The exam is divided into eight content areas:
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Kinesiology
- Pathology, Contraindications, Areas of Caution, Special Populations
- Benefits and Physiological Effects of Techniques that Manipulate Soft Tissue
- Client Assessment, Reassessment, & Treatment Planning
- Overview of Massage & Bodywork History/Culture/Modalities
- Ethics, Boundaries, Laws, Regulations
- Guidelines for Professional Practice
How to Apply for the License: Candidates must provide the Board with the following documents: (1) completed application; (2) verification from the FSMTB of passage of the MBLEx; (3) criminal background check; and (4) a Certificate of Completion of Massage Therapy Supervised Curriculum form. The documents should be sent to:
Michigan Board of Massage Therapy
PO Box 30670
Lansing, MI 48909
Phone: (517) 335-0918
Official MBLEx results must be forwarded directly to the Board from the FSMTB.
Fees: There are fees to apply to become a licensed massage therapist.
Who administers the Massage Test: The MBLEx is administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and Pearson Vue.
Applicable Regulations:Massage therapists in Michigan are regulated by Public Health Code Chapter 333.
