Massage Therapy Journal Summer 2025

Summer 2025 • 9

qualifications. While it can require a minimum level of competency (e.g., through educational hours), it does not create a legally defined scope of practice. • Registration can be either voluntary or mandatory and is typically managed by a state agency or a non-governmental entity. To be registered, an individual may need to pay an annual or bi-annual fee and comply with regulations and ethics standards, but there is usually no active oversight or enforcement. • Licensure is a mandatory process where a specific scope of practice is defined in state law and an individual must meet those requirements established by the state to practice. An authorized state agency or licensing board oversees all practitioners and enforces the state’s requirements. In summary, certification is a voluntary process in which a non-governmental organization recognizes an individual’s qualifications. Registration, on the other hand, usually involves maintaining a list of practitioners with minimal oversight. In contrast, licensure grants legal authority to practice, defines a scope of practice, and provides stronger public protection, professional accountability, and enhanced mobility for therapists across states. Because of these advantages, licensure is considered the most reliable and regulated form of recognition for massage therapists. The Path Forward Achieving consistent licensing standards across the U.S. is not just a professional goal—it’s essential for ensuring the credibility, safety and growth of massage therapy. AMTA continues to advocate for statewide licensure in Kansas, Minnesota, California and Wyoming—the last four states to achieve licensure in the U.S. AMTA will continue to lead the way, because championing statewide licensure benefits both massage therapists and their clients. Licensing is one of the many ways AMTA is committed to elevating massage therapy to

Registration

Licensure

Certification

Can be either mandatory or voluntary

Mandatory

Voluntary

Scope of practice not required

Scope of practice required

Scope of practice not required

Possible government oversight and/or disciplinary complaint process

Government oversight through State Board, with authority to address complaints, compliance, investigations, and enforce sanctions Protects public, ensures minimum education standards, curriculum, exam passage, CEs

Generally no government oversight regarding enforcement/ compliance. Can put burden on local city authorities

Minimal public protection

Minimal public protection

Title protection not guaranteed

Title protection for Massage Therapists

Title protection not guaranteed

Stakeholder input not guaranteed

Stakeholder input-rules and regulations

Stakeholder input not guaranteed

Portability not guaranteed

Portability to other states and/or licensure by endorsement

Portability not guaranteed

meet the evolving needs of health care. Join us as we advocate for meaningful change in the profession through fair and effective licensing standards! Visit amtamassage.org/action-center to learn more.

License Portability

AMTA supports the concept of an interstate massage therapy compact as a way to improve portability for licensed massage therapists across states. However, we have concerns with many barriers and restrictions on portability that are included in the current version of the Interstate Massage Compact

(IMpact) legislation. Since the inception of work leading up to the current IMpact, AMTA has been actively involved in reviewing and discussing its provisions, aiming to improve professional mobility while ensuring accessibility for more massage therapists across the country. Visit the QR code to learn more about AMTA’s position on the IMpact legislation.

amtamassage.org/mtj