The state of Louisiana has extensive requirements for massage therapy instructors, varying by subject taught.
The requirements are detailed on the Instructor Qualification page of the Louisiana Board of Massage Therapy’s Website.
In order to teach massage theory or practice, and instructor must license, have 4 years hands-on massage experience.
And also, have taken at least 2 times the number of hours they will teach on that subject.
To teach anatomy, physiology or kinesiology, the instructor must be one of the following:
- A licensed massage therapist with at least 4 years experience (or)
- Have a minimum of an associates degree from an accredited college in the subject they will teach (or)
- be a licensed physician, osteopath, chiropractor or registered nurse
To teach business practice, the instructor must be a massage therapist with 4 years running an independent practice or hold a minimum of a bachelors degree in the subject.
To teach massage law, rules or ethics, an instructor must be a massage therapist with 4 years experience or be a practising lawyer in Louisiana.
Teach first aid, safety, hygiene or sanitary practices, an instructor must be a licensed massage therapist with at least 4 years experience, or a registered nurse, or have a bachelors degree in nursing.
To teach CPR, the instructor must be certified by the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association.
Educational Requirements for Massage Instructors
Though there are specific exceptions and alternative paths listed above, in general, massage instructors teaching massage technique or theory courses required to have a massage license.
Which requires 500 hours of massage education, a background check and passing the MBLEX exam. The 500 hours of education at an approved New Jersey massage school must include:
- 325 hours massage techniques & hands-on clinical practice
- 125 hours anatomy and physiology
- 50 hours electives
Recommended Experience
Most massage therapy instructor positions require a minimum of 4 years practical experience in the field of massage therapy before becoming an instructor at a massage therapy school.
Continuing Education Requirements for Teachers
Continuing education requirements are not specifically spelt out for instructors, but massage licensure requires a minimum of 12 hours per year.
Insurance Requirements – Louisiana
The state of Louisiana does not explicitly require its practitioners or teachers to carry professional liability insurance.
Given that insurance costs are relatively low, and risk can be potentially high, it is a good idea to carry insurance even though it not required.
Liability insurance is available through a massage professional organization.
Such as AMTA (American Massage Therapy Association) or ABMP (Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals).
AMTA’s professional membership explicitly includes insurance for massage professionals working as classroom teachers.
Fees
There are no specific fees associated with becoming a massage therapy school instructor, other than the license fee to practice massage in Louisiana if a teacher is teaching massage theory.
An initial 1-year license costs $75, plus a background check.
After that, licenses must renew every year at a cost of $125, plus the cost of at least 12 hours of continuing education.
Relevant Links
Louisiana Massage Therapy Instructor Qualifications
Louisiana Massage Therapy License Application
Neal Lyons is a founding member and volunteer contributor at the MTSI Institute, an information based portal dedicated to guiding and assisting aspiring massage therapists establish a successful career in massage. Neal is a published author and has collaborated on several mobile applications that serve the massage profession. You can view his published work on Amazon, iTunes, Barnes & Noble, Sony and Kobo. You can connect with him on Facebook, Twitter and on Google+
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