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Best massage therapist certifications
Massage therapist certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an massage therapist to employers. However, not all massage therapist certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for a massage therapist are Massage Therapy Certification (MT), National Certification for Therapeutic Massage (NCTM), and Medical Assistant.
Below is a list of the best massage therapist certifications. Obtaining an massage therapist certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
16 best certifications for massage therapists
16 best massage therapist certifications
1. Massage Therapy Certification (MT)
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? No
2. National Certification for Therapeutic Massage (NCTM)
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 4 year(s)
3. Medical Assistant
The medical assistant job description varies depending on the employer's needs. A medical assistant is a multi-skilled professional and an asset to a physician.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
4. Board Certification in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB)
Beginning in the first quarter of 2013, NCBTMB will offer a new Board Certification credential. This credential will require that certificants pass the Board Certification exam and complete 750 hours of education, 250 hours of hands-on work experience, pass a background check, commit to oppose human trafficking and hold a current CPR certificate.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
5. Medical Massage Therapy Certification
This entry level exam is designed for massage therapists who have completed 600 hours of supervised instruction, or comparable state regulated requirement, and is intended to insure that the practitioner has the knowledge to enter the work place and handle basic procedures in a clinical setting.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
6. Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS)
A Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) primarily focuses on converting a medical procedure, diagnosis, or symptom into specific codes to submit a claim for reimbursement.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
7. Master Therapist (MTAPA)
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? No
8. Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
Is a not-for-profit credentialing agency that provides certification for the occupational therapy profession. NBCOT® serves the public interest by developing, administering and continually reviewing a certification process that reflects current standards of competent practice in occupational therapy. We also work with state regulatory authorities, providing information on credentials, disciplinary actions, and regulatory and certification renewal issues.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
9. Health Coach Certification
Your clients want to lose weight. They come to you for help. The Lifestyle & Weight Management Consultant certification assures clients that you have the knowledge to develop sound, balanced weight management programs that bring together the three critical components of nutrition, exercise and lifestyle change.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
10. Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (NHA)
A Certified Clinical Medical Assistant is an unlicensed multi-skilled healthcare practitioner who is competent in both a wide variety of clinical and laboratory procedures, as well as many administrative roles. A CCMA may perform some or all of the following duties. However, they are not limited to just these responsibilities:Interviews patients and measures vitals signsPrepares treatment roomsGives injections or treatments and performs venipuncture and laboratory testsCleans and sterilizes equipment.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
11. Registered Medical Assistant
Registered Medical Assistant : EDUCATION or Experienced 1. Completion of an Approved Medical Assistant Program 2. Minimum of 200 Hours Lecture 3. Minimum of 80 Clinical Rotation In Physician's Office or Urgent Care Center 4. Or A Minimum of 1 Year of MA Experience in Physician's Office 5. High School Diploma or G.E.D 6. Successful Completion of Certification Exam
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
12. Certified Instructor of Infant Massage
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?Â
13. Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM)
Experienced medical office professionals with exceptional administrative skills are eligible to sit for the Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) exam. To attain CMOM certification, all candidates must demonstrate a high level of knowledge in financial management, managed care contracting, personnel, and time management. Risk management, medical record keeping and facility management issues should also be mastered.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?Â
14. Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC)
The Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) sets the standard for quality rehabilitation counseling services in the U.S. and Canada. As an independent, not-for-profit organization, the CRCC has certified more than 30,000 counselors with its widely recognized Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and Canadian Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CCRC) designations.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
15. Nationally Certified Medical Office Assistant (NCMOA)
Medical Office Assistants typically perform administrative duties for health care providers in office settings, although some may also perform basic clinical tasks (as allowed by state laws). Their responsibilities will vary by employer, but may include answering telephones, greeting patients, updating and filing medical records, completing insurance forms, handling correspondence, scheduling appointments, and handling billing or bookkeeping.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
16. Residential Management Professional (RMP)
NARPM designations are earned with a combination of property management experience, NARPM and industry education, and service to the association through volunteer activities. You may have taken clock-hour courses to maintain your license. Imagine the gains when the courses are specifically focused on what you do as a property manager-and are being taught by a property management professional.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? No
What is the best certification for a massage therapist?
The best massage therapist certification is Massage Therapy Certification (MT). The Massage Therapy Certification (MT) is awarded by the Moving on Center School for Participatory Arts & Research.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this massage therapist certification:
- To become a certified Massage Therapy Certification (MT), you need to pass the exam.
- This certificate requires more than two years of work experience.
- No renewal for certification, if you earn it once it is valid all time.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for massage therapists?
The most in-demand massage therapist certification is Massage Therapy Certification based on all active job postings. Having this massage therapist certification will give you access to more massage therapist jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a massage therapist career and salary?
The Massage Therapy Certification certification will help you to secure a massage therapy instructor position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A massage therapy instructor's average salary is $57,310 whereas massage therapists make an average salary of $53,935.
The most common combination of massage therapist certifications include: Massage Therapy Certification (MT), National Certification for Therapeutic Massage (NCTM), and Medical Assistant.
Online courses for massage therapists to earn certifications
1. Deep Tissue Massage: Neuromuscular Therapy Certificate
Neuromuscular Therapy is a highly effective form of Deep Tissue Massage for pain relief (2 CEUs)...
2. Deep Tissue Massage: Myofascial Release Certificate Course
This course will change how you think of Deep Tissue Massage using a whole body Myofascial approach (2 CEUs)...
3. Deep Tissue Massage: Trigger Point Therapy Certificate
Deep Tissue Trigger Point Massage Therapy is a proven approach for the relief of soft-tissue pain and dysfunction (2CEU)...
4. Deep Tissue Massage Certificate Course (5 CEU's)
Master Deep Tissue Massage and Other Advanced Massage Techniques from This Bestselling Deep Tissue Massage Course...
5. Massage Therapy
Massage Therapy Course 101...
6. IASTM Deep Tissue Massage Certificate Course
Learn instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), a popular Myofascial Massage treatment (2 CEUs)...
7. Massage Course, Myofascial Energetic Release, Deep Bodywork
This massage training teach how to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to give great massage to your clients...
8. Bowen Therapy NO MASSAGE Healing Certificate Course (8CEU)
An incredible NO MASSAGE remedial therapy for massage therapists or anyone else that wants to learn how to heal people...
9. Cupping Massage Mastery
Master Silicone Cupping in 2023 and Become the Go-To Therapist for Chronic Pain and Athletic Recovery...
10. Thai Foot Reflexology Massage Certificate Course (4 CEU)
Learn Basic to Advanced Thai foot reflexology massage today and people will LOVE your reflexology treatments...
11. Ashiatsu or Shiatsu Barefoot Sports Massage Therapy
Let your feet do the work for you!...
12. Sports Massage: Positional Release Certificate Course
Learn Sports Massage Positional Release Techniques to produce profound pain relief and improve bodily function (2 CEUs)...
13. Shiatsu Massage- the Beginner's Guide to Doing Massage
An easy step by step method on how to give incredible shiatsu massages every time-No massage experience is needed!...
14. Professional Cupping Therapy Massage Certificate Course 4 CE
Learn Cupping Therapy Massage Today to Treat Your Own Pains, Your Friends, Family Or Massage Clients Effortlessly!...
15. Kinesiotaping For Massage Therapists Certificate Course 3 CE
Start using Kinesiotape in your massage clinic TODAY and see your massage clients get so much better, faster. (3 CEU)...
16. Facial Reflexology Massage Certificate Course
Learn the most modern form of Reflexology Massage that stimulates reflex points on the face for optimal health (2 CEUs)...
17. Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage Certificate Course (6CEU)
Manual lymphatic drainage massage will change your massage practice. Learn how to do this powerful massage technique...
18. Aromatherapy For Massage Therapists Certificate Course
Transform your massage business by using aromatherapy essential oils and see incredible results with your clients!...
19. Sports Massage: The Technique Masterclass
Learn the most effective sports massage techniques for the entire body (2 CEUs)...
20. Gua Sha Massage Certificate Course
Learn the Traditional Healing Technique Gua Sha for the Modern World to give Pain-Relieving Massage Treatments (2 CEUs)...