How to become a massage therapist in Michigan
Michigan massage therapists are licensed by the Michigan Board of Massage Therapy (LARA Bureau of Professional Licensing). Here is what it takes to work as a licensed massage therapist in Michigan, 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 Michigan law and official forms. Confirm them on the official page before you apply.
Who can become a massage therapist in Michigan?
- Graduate from an approved supervised curriculum (625 hours if enrolled on or after August 1, 2017)
- Pass the MBLEx (or NCETMB if taken before November 1, 2014)
- Criminal background check
- One-time human trafficking training
- English proficiency
Michigan massage therapist license requirements
| State license | Yes. Michigan requires a state massage therapist license. |
|---|---|
| Licensed by | Michigan Board of Massage Therapy (LARA Bureau of Professional Licensing) |
| License name | Massage Therapist |
| Education or training | At least 625 hours of supervised curriculum for students enrolling on or after August 1, 2017 (500 hours if enrolled before), meeting MCL 333.17959 and R 338.722. |
| Exam | Pass the FSMTB MBLEx (or the NCBTMB NCETMB if taken before November 1, 2014). |
| License term | 3 years. |
| Continuing education | 18 hours in the 2 years before renewal, including at least 1 hour in pain and symptom management and 1 hour in professional ethics and boundaries. |
How much does it cost?
| Application (exam or endorsement) | $264.90 |
|---|---|
| Relicensure | $284.90 |
| Renewal | $243.30 |
Fees as listed by the state. Schools, courses, exam prep, insurance and equipment cost extra and vary by provider.
Steps to become a massage therapist in Michigan
- Complete an approved 625-hour supervised curriculum
- Pass the MBLEx
- Complete human trafficking training
- Apply online through MiPLUS and pay the fee
- Complete the criminal background check from the emailed instructions
Apply on the official Michigan site
How do you check a massage therapist's license in Michigan?
- Ask for the license number and confirm it with the Michigan Board of Massage Therapy (LARA Bureau of 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.