Getting Started 

What do you need to do to become a massage therapist? Massage therapy is a medical practice that helps clients restore mobility after an injury or accident or relieve pain from chronic conditions like arthritis. Massage therapists must be licensed before they can begin working with clients. 

As a massage therapist, you will get to work directly with patients. This means that you will help guide stretching exercises or give treatments. Massage therapist can be a rewarding job because you can bring smiles to people’s faces and help them to feel better. 

Follow these four steps to become a licensed massage therapist. 

First, enroll in an approved Massage Therapy program

Bright Education Institute has a massage therapy program that will qualify you for the licensure exam. The program is only available on campus because of its hands-on nature, where students learn various therapy techniques. 

Enrolling in the program is easy. Fill out an enrollment application and send in your high school transcripts or proof of obtaining a GED. You must be at least 18 years old. To begin the enrollment process, schedule an appointment today! 

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Second, complete the program and graduate 

The next step toward becoming a massage therapist is to complete the courses. You can attend part time or full time. Full time students take 30 hours of classes a week for 20 weeks. Part time students take 20 hours of classes a week for 30 weeks. 

Courses will cover Swedish, Deep tissue/Trigger point, Hot Stone, Stretching, and Chair Massage. Students gain knowledge in several therapeutic techniques that they can use in their own massage therapy practice. 

Third, take and pass the MBLEx

The Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) is required for licensure as a massage therapist. Bright Education Institute helps graduates register for the exam. The massage therapy program prepares graduates to take the exam but it is important to study, as well. 

Forty-four states recognize the MBLEx for massage therapy. With this licensing exam, graduates can work in Florida as massage therapists. Passing the exam means that the graduate is eligible for licensure. 

Fourth, get licensed and apply for jobs 

After passing the exam, massage therapists need to apply for licensure and have their test scores sent to the Florida Board of Massage Therapy. The licensing process can be completed online. Find the instructions here: https://floridasmassagetherapy.gov/licensing/licensed-massage-therapist-lmt/#tab-requirements 

The license allows massage therapists to legally work with clients. Now graduates can begin applying to massage therapist jobs and begin their careers!