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First of all, the state of West Virginia is the home to nearly 1,200 registered and certified massage therapists.
So here you can start your journey towards becoming a successful and ambitious professional.
And also, in this article, you will find all of the necessary information, rules and also, guidelines you will need to do just that.
Continue reading for more on this topic.
So scroll straight to the bottom to see a list of the top massage therapy schools in West Virginia
Brief Summary of the Main Highlights
And also, West Virginia requires you as an aspiring massage therapist to meet.
And also, exceed certain schooling and licensing requirements.
Furthermore, education hours approved schools and also, specific licensing requirements have been set for you by the state’s massage board to help you become a successful and also, budding massage therapist.
So make the most of the journey, follow all directions and meet these rules and guidelines to ensure your total success.
Schooling Details and Requirements (Credit Hours)
And also, in the state of West Virginia, the massage therapy education requirements are a bit more extensive than that of other states.
So here, you must acquire at least 600 hours of instruction.
Through your education you will become exposed to several of the following topics:
- Specialized Massage Techniques
- Swedish Massage
- Connective Tissue Massage
- Neuromuscular Therapy
- Shiatsu
- Polarity Therapy
- Reflexology
- Chair Massage
- Sports Massage
- Hydrotherapy
- Business Ethics and Administration
And also, you will be required to take courses in Anatomy, Physiology, Kinesiology and Pathology.
In addition, a CPR and First Aid certificate should be acquired.
Licensure Qualifying Programs
So there are several excellent programs and schools that offer accredited massage therapy training in the state of West Virginia.
The following is a list of such schools:
Mountain State School of Massage
P.O. Box 4487
Charleston, WV 25364
Phone: 304-926-8822
Fax: 304-926-8837
Email: admissions@mtnstmassage.com
Everest Institute
5514 Big Tyler Road
Cross Lanes, WV 25313
Phone: 304-776-6290
Clarksburg Beauty Academy
120 South 3rd Street
Clarksburg, WV 26301
Phone: 304-624-6475
Fax: 304-624-6465
Triad Tech School of Massage Therapy
30 6th Avenue West Suite 102
Huntington, WV 25701
Phone: 304-781-8324
Email: administration@triadtech.us
Art & Science Institute of Cosmetology & Massage
1208 Locus Avenue
Fairmont, WV 26554
Phone: 304-363-2015
Fax: 304-363-3001
Morgantown Beauty College
276 Walnut Street
Morgantown, WV 26501
Phone: 304-292-8475
Mountwest Community & Technical College
Division of Allied Health & Life Sciences
1 Mountwest Way
Huntington, WV 25701
Phone: 304-696-6270
Licensing/Certification Requirements
So to become licensed in the state of West Virginia as a new applicant you must complete the following requirements:
- And also, download an application packet and fill it out completely.
- Send the form #1 to the school in which you received your massage therapy education as this form must include the school’s official seal for it to accept.
- And also, you must obtain your massage therapy education from a Board-approved school.
- And also, have at least 500 hours of in-class supervised instruction.
- Submit proof that you took and also, successfully passed the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) examination.
- Furthermore, you must submit an Initial Application Fee of $50, which is nonrefundable.
- And also, a Two Year License Fee of $300 is also required.
Key Agencies/Boards involved and their contact information
So the West Virginia Massage Therapy Licensure Board is the primary agency that creates and oversees the rules and regulations set for the massage industry in the state of West Virginia.
Furthermore, the Board was created by the state of West Virginia to provide education, experience.
And also, expertise for you and all other massage therapists in the state.
So if you would like to contact the Board for any comments, questions or concerns.
So please feel free to refer to the following contact information:
West Virginia Massage Therapy Licensure Board
179 Summers Street
Suite 711
Charleston, WV 25301
Phone: 304-558-1060
Fax: 304-558-1061
Toll-Free: 800-871-7265
Email: linda_lyter@frontier.com
Requirements to Start a Massage Business in West Virginia (Massage Establishment License)
So starting your own massage business in West Virginia is a very exciting and exhilarating process.
To begin, be sure to visit the state’s website by following the link provided here.
First, you will need to decide on what type of business structure you would like your business to operate as.
The options include sole proprietorship, partnership or a corporation.
So once you have decided on the business structure.
So you will then be able to apply for a tax ID number.
And also, fill out the appropriate tax forms for the state of West Virginia.
And also, you can find additional information about taxes by following the link provided here.
So you will also need to name your business and register the name with the state of West Virginia.
And also, a very essential part of your business is writing a business plan.
Because this particular plan will help outline your expectations, goals and also, hopes for the future.
In addition, you will need to find a location to operate and also, rent, lease or purchase the building.
Massage License Renewal Process
So every two years, you will be required to apply for renewal on your massage therapy license.
To find the renewal application you can visit this webpage.
So the renewal fee is $200, which should be submitted as either a money order, cashier’s check, personal.
Either business check only made out to “West Virginia Massage Therapy Licensure Board”.
Therefore, once your renewal application has been printed and completed.
So you can mail it directly to the Board, along with the fee to the following:
West Virginia Therapy Licensure Board
179 Summers Street, Suite 711
Charleston, WV 25301
The state of West Virginia requires that as a licensed massage therapist.
You must keep your education current by completing the required amount of continuing education courses every year.
You must complete a minimum of 24 hours during the two-year period.
Of this 24-hour continuing education requirement.
At least 3 hours must be in professional ethics.
The Board’s website has a list of several continuing education opportunities available to you.
That can use to satisfy the continuing education requirement.
So you can find this list by visiting the “Opportunity” page on the West Virginia Massage Therapy Licensure Board’s website.
Therefore, if your renewal application is submitted late a late fee of $50 will be required as well.
Massage License Reciprocity
Furthermore, if you are an out-of-state massage therapist looking to move to the West Virginia area and also, would like to apply for reciprocity.
So then you will need to provide the Board with a copy of your current license from the state where you practice.
Additionally, they will need a copy of your current continuing education units if you have been licensed for two years.
Because if you have successfully taken and passed the NCBTMB exam.
Then the Board requires a copy of proof.
Aside from required documentation.
The Board also requires you to submit a two-year license fee for Reciprocity of $300.
Note: Specific personal information, office addresses, fees, payments etc.
May change over time.
Although we do our best to keep this site up to date.
Please ensure you contact the state board to obtain the most recent information at the time of your application.
Here is a list of the top massage therapy schools near you.
And also, we have an arrangement with all of them.
That allows you to request information for FREE.
So please do and take that first step toward a better future.
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Interested in becoming a massage therapy teacher in West Virginia? Read this article.
Learn how to become a massage instructor in West Virginia here.
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