Massage Exam Academy

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A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your New York State Massage License

How to Get a New York State Massage License
*Last Updated: 1/21*

Obtaining a massage license in any state can be a daunting task. It can be stressful sorting your way through government websites, laws and regulations when all you want to do is help other people relax.

You may have talked to other massage therapists who have made the task seem nearly impossible, or have given you misinformation. Maybe, while googling for answers, you saw this lady’s 13 month ordeal to get licensed in the state. You may wonder if it is worth the hassle, hours of study, and money.

New York has a few unique requirements you need to be aware of before you begin school or move. We’re going to go over the rules and requirements in an understandable way so that you know the steps needed to get your massage license (with the least amount of stress possible).

First, you likely fall into one of these two groups:

  1. You are going to school in NYS or planning to go to school at an NYS approved massage school.
  2. You are moving to NYS from another state and are/were licensed in another state or jurisdiction.

Whichever group you belong to, you still need to meet the requirements for obtaining a New York license.

There are four basic requirements to obtain a New York Massage License:

  1. Meet the state minimum education requirement
  2. Pass the New York State massage exam
  3. Successfully complete a CPR course
  4. Prove English proficiency (if needed)

Now let’s go more in-depth into each requirement.

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Everything You Need to Know About Getting a Hawaii Massage License

How to Get a Hawaii Massage License
*Last Updated: 6/28/2024*

If you live in Hawaii and are considering a career in massage, or a mainland massage therapist wanting to work in Hawaii, chances are you have looked over the requirements to get a Hawaii massage license to work in the Aloha state.

Now, you are not only confused but overwhelmed with the requirements. Laws and rules, although in English, are written by lawmakers in “Legalese.” Government board websites are not user-friendly and often difficult to navigate. You may find yourself still asking which steps you need to complete to meet the requirements.

I have assisted hundreds of massage therapists through the process of obtaining a massage license and moving to another state.

Before making the move or jump into the profession, some planning is required to make sure you meet all of the requirements. By the time we are done here, you should know everything you need to do to be licensed in paradise.

The three basic requirements for obtaining a Hawaii Massage License
  1. Complete and show proof of acceptable massage training
  2. Complete CPR Certification
  3. Pass the Hawaii State Massage Exam

I am going to break down each one of these requirements, because each step is slightly more complex than indicated above.

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I Passed the MBLEx! Now What?

“Congratulations! You have passed the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx).”

If you did not read beyond this line on your score report, it’s understandable.

This right of passage done, there is likely more work to do. You may have been so focused on your exam, you have not thought about what is next.

Below the good news about your passing it says:

“PLEASE NOTE: Your result of PASS does NOT indicate that you have a right to legally practice or that you have received a license to practice. You must apply for a license through your State licensing board of agency. Contact information for State licensing boards and agencies is available at fsmtb.org.”

Licensing

Passing the MBLEX does not give you the right to practice massage without a license. The exam is just part of the licence equation.

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Overcoming Exam Anxiety for the MBLEx

Overcoming Exam Anxiety for the MBLEx

The first thing I ask someone who didn’t pass the MBLEx is this:
“What do you feel is keeping you from passing?”

The most common answer? Exam anxiety.

If that’s you, you’re not alone. You might experience:

  • Heart pounding
  • Sweating
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Sleep problems
  • Nausea or other digestive disturbances
  • Ringing ears or dizziness
  • Shallow breathing

Often, people with exam anxiety:

  • Did very well in school, love massage and want to get started with their career.
  • Know the material, but are unable to translate that knowledge to a multiple choice exam.
  • Are feeling pressure because they need to work, have a job waiting for them, or have been relying on their family for support. This only complicates their exam anxiety.

Does this sound like you? What is causing this anxiety?

There is a reason most of us get a little nervous during exams.

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Origins, Insertions, and Actions – Oh my!

Preparing for Kinesiology on the MBLEx

Do the words “origin and insertion” or “kinesiology” initiate feelings of fear and anxiety as you prepare for the MBLEx?

You are certainly not alone.

Most often, when I receive a call from somebody with a case of the last minute exam jitters, it’s because of kinesiology.

When I read an email from somebody who has been out of school a while and needs to complete a licensing exam, typically the first thing they mention is agony over the thought of trying to remember the origin, insertion, and actions of all the muscles again.

Kinesiology is the section of the MBLEx where you will be tested over your knowledge of the origin, insertion, and actions of muscles. Mastering kinesiology will also help you gain a deeper understanding of your future client’s pain and dysfunction, as well as targeting specific muscles you need to address.

But right now, I am sure the only thing you can think about is passing the MBLEx. Fear of kinesiology should not keep you from taking the MBLEx or achieving your dream of becoming a massage therapist. Much of your fear and anxiety is from not knowing where to begin when tackling this subject. Let’s take care of that problem now.

In this post I will:

  1. Explain what you need to know about the subject of kinesiology for exam day.
  2. Give you some tips and resources for learning kinesiology based on your learning style.
  3. Help you work through a couple kinesiology practice questions.

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