Do I Need a License to Practice Chair Massage in Georgia?
The Georgia Board of Massage Therapy licenses massage therapists in the state of Georgia. All massage therapists, including those who practice chair massage, are required to be licensed by the state. Though chair massage does not necessitate a person disrobing, it's still a therapeutic practice. Licensing verifies that the practitioner has passed the required exams and demonstrated competency in massage. Clients who are looking for a massage therapist can search the state's registry of licensed practitioners online to find a therapist who is qualified to practice in Georgia.
Other People Are Reading
-
Competency Exams
-
To obtain a Massage Therapist License in Georgia, you must pass either the National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage, the National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, or the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards' Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam. In addition, you must provide proof to the Georgia Board of Massage Therapy that you have completed at least 500 hours of course and clinical work in a recognized massage therapy program. The board may waive the requirements to pass the exam if you already hold a massage therapy license from another state.
Additional Requirements
-
When you submit your license application, along with proof of your education and certification that you've passed the required exams, you'll pay a licensing fee and attest that you are of "good moral character." The state law defines good moral character as not having been convicted of "an act of moral turpitude." Convictions for prostitution or a sex offense are considered acts of moral turpitude. As part of your license application, you authorize the board to conduct a criminal background check.
-
Provisional License
-
A provisional license allows you to work under the supervision of another massage therapist while you complete training. Georgia may issue a provisional license to a therapist from another state if the board feels the other state's licensing requirements were less strict. A provisional license may remain in effect for up to two years.
Failure to Obtain a License
-
If you practice massage therapy, including chair massage, without a license, the state can issue an injunction against you. Since practicing without a license is illegal in Georgia, you can be fined, or even jailed for violating the law. Practicing massage therapy without a license is considered a public health threat.
-
References
- Photo Credit Keith Brofsky/Photodisc/Getty Images
