Training standards and requirements for massage therapists vary greatly by State and locality. As of 2004, 38 States and the District of Columbia had laws regulating massage therapy in some way, so its probably best to check information on licensing, certification, and accreditation in your state.

With over a thousand massage therapy full- and part-time college and training programs in the United States, there are many options when picking a school. In addition to hands on practice, these programs cover subjects such as:

• anatomy
• physiology
• kinesiology
• massage ethics
• business practices

In states with regulation, a degree or certificate from an approved school is usually required before beginning a practice. The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork also offers its own certification, which requires passing an exam and demonstrating your training experience.