How to Become a Massage Therapist in Missouri

Who can apply

• You must be at least 18 years old.
• You must complete at least 625 clock hours of massage therapy training at an approved school or program, or in an apprenticeship with a board-certified mentor.
• You must pass a board-approved exam such as the MBLEx.
• You must pass a fingerprint-based Missouri State Highway Patrol and FBI background check.
• You must carry professional liability insurance.

Step by step

1. Complete at least 625 clock hours of massage training at an approved school or program, or with a board-certified mentor.
2. Pass a board-approved exam, such as the MBLEx from FSMTB.
3. Register with the Missouri Automated Criminal History Site (MACHS) using registration number 5407 and get fingerprinted.
4. Complete the Application for Licensure, sign it in front of a notary, and include your professional liability insurance information.
5. Have your school or mentor send your official transcript to the Board (or send it in an envelope sealed and stamped by the school).
6. Send the application with the $125 application fee. The Board says processing takes 2-4 weeks, and no license is issued until background check results arrive.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: Board rule 20 CSR 2197-2.010 (amended effective December 30, 2024) requires at least 625 clock hours from a CBHE-certified school, a DESE-approved vocational program, a regionally accredited institution, or an apprenticeship with a certified mentor. The hours must include at least 300 hours of massage theory and practice techniques, 100 hours of anatomy and physiology, 50 hours of business practice, ethics, hygiene and Missouri massage law, and 50 hours of ancillary therapies including CPR and first aid. A clock hour is 50 minutes. Training cannot be by correspondence or other electronic means unless the Board approves. The statute (RSMo 324.265) sets a 500-hour minimum; the Board rule requires 625.

Exam: You must pass one board-approved exam: the MBLEx (FSMTB), the NCBTMB NCETMB or NCETM, the NCCAOM Asian Bodywork Therapy exam, the AMMA National Board Certification Exam (as of 2006), or another exam the Board deems appropriate. Missouri has no separate state jurisprudence exam.

What it costs in Missouri

Fixed amounts are set by the state. Items marked “your quote” are priced by private sellers, so enter what you’re quoted.

How long it takes

The Board says to expect 2-4 weeks for processing. A license is not issued until background check results are received.

Keeping your license

Renewal: Licenses renew every two years. The renewal fee is $100. You need 12 clock hours of continuing education relevant to massage during each two-year license period and must keep proof for at least four years. Late renewal (1-30 days) is $50. An expired license can be reinstated within two years ($100 fee plus proof of CE); after two years you must apply again.

Good to know in Missouri

Transferring from another state: If you have held a full massage therapist license in another state for at least one year with no discipline or pending complaints, you can apply with the application, fee and background check. The other state's licensing authority must verify your license dates and any complaints or discipline.

Provisional license while waiting to test: If you finished your training and have applied for or are scheduled to take an approved exam, you can get a provisional license valid for one year. You cannot practice after it expires unless it is renewed or you get a full license.

Student license: Students who show competency in basic hygiene, universal precautions, contraindications and basic massage can get a student license to practice on the public under direct supervision, without pay. It lasts up to six months.

Mentorship route: Missouri allows the 625 hours to be completed as an apprenticeship with a board-certified mentor, who must meet experience and education requirements set in the rule.

MOPRO online system: Missouri's Professional Registration division now runs the MOPRO online system, where you can apply for a license, renew (on time or late) and pay fees. You need an email address on record with the board to register an account.

Sources

• Missouri Board of Therapeutic Massage
• Instructions - Application for Permanent License (LMT)
• 20 CSR 2197-1 - General Rules (fees)
• 20 CSR 2197-2 - Massage Therapist Licensure Requirements
• RSMo 324.265 - Massage therapists, qualifications