Prospective massage therapists here are subject to state and municipal regulations. The board requires that practitioners be certified by the California Massage Therapy Council.
CAMTC is a private, nonprofit corporation that the state Legislature established. It is governed by a board of directors which represents cities and counties, law enforcement agencies, massage schools, the California Department of Consumer Affairs, and professional massage associations. The organization imposes criteria for postsecondary education, pre-certification testing, and background checks.
The board issues permits to massage establishments and out-call businesses. Companies must comply with standards related to hours of operation, facilities, equipment, and sanitation. All massage practitioners and therapists working at an establishment need to have CAMTC certificates. In some cases, hearing officers hold public hearing before the board grants permits.
The city’s police chief is empowered to conduct unscheduled inspections of massage businesses to ensure compliance with regulations.
Minimum Education Requirements for Massage Therapy Programs in Los Angeles, CA
With either a diploma from high school or a GED in hand, a student has to graduate from an accredited massage therapy school that CAMTC has approved.
The council accepts certificate applications from those who have successfully completed at least 500 clock hours of classroom instruction and hands-on training. A curriculum must cover courses in anatomy and physiology, contraindications, health and hygiene, and business and ethics.
Another certification mandate is passing one of the following competency tests: the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam, the Board Certification Exam in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, the National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, the National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage, or the New York State Massage Therapy Examination.