How to become a massage therapist in Alaska
Alaska massage therapists are licensed by the Alaska Board of Massage Therapists (Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing). Here is what it takes to work as a licensed massage therapist in Alaska, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Part of the state's website could not be reached when we checked, so some details come from Alaska law and official forms. Confirm them on the official page before you apply.
Who can become a massage therapist in Alaska?
- At least 18 years old
- 625 hours of in-class supervised instruction and clinical work from an approved massage school, or a board-approved apprenticeship
- Fingerprints and national criminal history check
- Current CPR certification
- At least 2 hours of bloodborne pathogens and universal precautions training in the past 2 years
- Pass a board-approved national exam
- No disqualifying crime involving moral turpitude
Alaska massage therapist license requirements
| State license | Yes. A state license has been required for all massage therapists since July 1, 2015. |
|---|---|
| Licensed by | Alaska Board of Massage Therapists (Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing) |
| License name | Massage Therapist License |
| Education or training | At least 625 hours of in-class supervised instruction and clinical work from an approved massage school, or a board-approved apprenticeship (AS 08.61.030); regulations allow 500 hours for some earlier graduates. |
| Exam | Pass the MBLEx (or an NCBTMB national certification exam taken before February 1, 2015). |
| License term | Two years; licenses renew on or before September 30 of odd-numbered years. |
| Continuing education | At least 16 continuing education credits each two-year period, including 2 in ethics, plus a current CPR course. |
Steps to become a massage therapist in Alaska
- Complete 625 hours at an approved massage school
- Take bloodborne pathogens training and get CPR certified
- Pass the MBLEx
- Apply to the Board of Massage Therapists with fees
- Submit fingerprints for the background check
How do you check a massage therapist's license in Alaska?
- Ask for the license number and confirm it with the Alaska Board of Massage Therapists (Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing).
- Check that the status is active and the name matches the person or company you're hiring.
- Ask how long they've been licensed and whether any complaints or discipline are on record.