Requirements for massage in San Diego?

I am relocating to the San Diego area from West Virginia and would like to know what do I need to practice massage in the San Diego area. I have a license in Virginia and West Virginia and have 500 hours and 14 years experience in the field of massage. Can anyone help?

John said: I am relocating to the San Diego area from West Virginia and would like to know what do I need to practice massage in the San Diego area. I have a license in Virginia and West Virginia and have 500 hours and 14 years experience in the field of massage. Can anyone help?

John,
A San Diego city license requires that you have passed the national exam, you need a 500 hour diploma. I've met many therapists here that have a HHP which makes the license process a one time event instead of renewing your license each year. An HHP has 1000 hour diploma. If you work outside of the city you need a San Diego county license. Both are pretty easy to obtain. Summer months are the best time to work here.
Francine

Francine in San Diego, California said: John,
A San Diego city license requires that you have passed the national exam, you need a 500 hour diploma. I've met many therapists here that have a HHP which makes the license process a one time event instead of renewing your license each year. An HHP has 1000 hour diploma. If you work outside of the city you need a San Diego county license. Both are pretty easy to obtain. Summer months are the best time to work here.
Francine

Hello Francine,
Thank you for your response!
For the HHP , Can I use my CEU's that satisfy National Certification ( which I am) in addition to my 500 hours from my massage school I attended back in 1994 to qualify for HHP?

John

No, the HHP, Holistic Health Practioner is a stand alone degree with 1000 hrs of training. I never heard of HHP until I moved here. good luck to you!!

Another question. Can I make a living doing massage therapy in california ? My wife and I are very simple people and our lifestyle is basic and simple.

Thanks,
John

Well..there are alot of hotels, day spas to work at here. The spa industry is somewhat slow because of the economy. With massage commissions, $20-35/massage. of course buiding a private pratice takes time. I work as a MT part-time at a day spa and do office work days. average rent here(1 bedroom) is $1100, and the closer you are the beach the more expensive it is. if you really want to live here why not. I love San Diego, great weather, beaches, and a laid back lifestyle.

I would like to start my massage bussiness therapy in my home how do I start, and what kind of certification I need?

I would like to start my massage bussiness therapy in my home how do I start, and what kind of certification I need here in San Diego CA, I don't live in NY.

John said: I am relocating to the San Diego area from West Virginia and would like to know what do I need to practice massage in the San Diego area. I have a license in Virginia and West Virginia and have 500 hours and 14 years experience in the field of massage. Can anyone help?

John gave incorrect information. You do have to renew your San Diego City license every year. A lot of places, especally upscale ones usually want HHP's. If you are an HHP you want to obtain a San Diego County license there is a one time fee. There is NOT a one time fee for massage therapist with less than 1,000 hrs.

Sonia, HHP in San Diego, California said: John gave incorrect information. You do have to renew your San Diego City license every year. A lot of places, especally upscale ones usually want HHP's. If you are an HHP you want to obtain a San Diego County license there is a one time fee. There is NOT a one time fee for massage therapist with less than 1,000 hrs.

Is it easy to find work as a massage therapist in San Diego with 14 years experience in the massage field and a massage therapist out of state? I am licensed in Virginia and West Virginia.

I may be moving to the Harrisonburg area of Virginia within the next year. I have been a massage therapist in West Virginia for 5 years. I have my West Virginia state license, as well as an associates in massage therapy from Marshall University, and my initial massage school was 800 hours long. Would I have any problems transferring to Virginia? Will I need to take the National Certification Board? Any info will help. Thank you.

You have a rough time getting a license in Virginia. They will accept West Virginia licensing status , sort of a grandfathering in there.

Just contact show the Virginia board of NUrsing your National Certification , Transcript from your approved massage school and your West Virginia License, you should be ok.

John

John, thanks for your help, but i DONT have a national certification. do you think that will be an issue. like you, it wasn't necessary when i graduated and never really thought i would leave the state. thanks again.

Jessica, Yes, it's a big issue. West Virginia and Virgina requires National Certification.

Any other questions , feel free to ask!

you have to go and see a doctor for medical screening before becoming licensed. that not what i heard. i worked in a hosptial cleanig medical eqiptment and did not have to do that. well, anyway i want to work in san diego.I graduated school in North Carolina back in 1999. i need to take the exam and take some refresher courses i know. but where do you go to take the exam. i hope not far away i am not from san diego and dislike the freeway. i am closed to the heart of the city and the big state college.

Hello,
I am a massage therapist from Austria, Europe.
I have got a 850 hour diploma from an austrian school and a master degree from austria.
Does anybody know if i`ll be allowed to work with that diploma and degree in san diego?
And do you think that I`ll be able to find work from austria as a massage therapist in san diego to be able to get a visa??

WOuld be very nice if somebody could help me out!!!
Greets from Austria!

I would advise people to not consider San Diego.
Each city has different requirements.
They do not accept education hours that have not been consolidated by a State Vocational School Department of Education.
Most therapists get the shock of their lives and have a great time having a crappy minimum wage job and going back to school for at least 200 hours and taking the NCTMB in order to get a license or permit.
You are mostly Independent 1099 Contractors here, mosts places only pay commission and have too many therapists on staff.
We have 26 massage schools in the city alone.
We have far too many therapists, and about 2 years ago I had to file for bankruptcy because being on call at 6 spas and having flakey private clients put me in the hole so badly.
My attorney says 30% of Chapter 11 filers are from the spa industry in San Diego.
I am currently working at Massage Envy and 2 day spas.
In my work situation alone I compete with about 45 therapists for bookings.
I work about 56-60 hours a week and pocket about $800 in tips, and about $3000 in pay.
My rent/utilities are $1000, cost of living is very high.
Please consider San Diego relocation very carefully.
2 coworkers I work with are just filing for bankruptcy.
There are over 1000 locations providing massage.
There are over 10K licensed therapist here.
Over 10K Nurses, acupuncturists, PT's and estheticians perform massage as their scope of practice.
Employers here make you sign crazy contracts that are 'at will', 'no guarantee of work, 'termination without reason or warning', 'non-compete', blah blah blah.
You do not get paid for no-shows or late cancellation.
You often sit around for hours waiting for a 6PM appt.
The competition within a spa or wellness center is at the point of outright sabotage and warfare.
Just everyone be careful, it is a cruel market here and I wish all therapists the best.
And also you cannot file for unemployment here or workman's comp, most cases get reject sadly.

It depends on your level of training. The San Diego area only requires the national exam and minimum 500 hours, which is nothing. The massage industry needs more qualified practitioners to be recognized in the healthcare field as a valid form of therapy. If you have over 1,000 hours, which I do, then you can be licensed as an HHP. This is a great benefit. I am currently living in Colorado Springs and relocated to the San Diego area to practice massage and have come across wonderful opportunities. If you are the type that has to return to school for more hours and has never even taken a massage exam, then of course you will have much more difficulties in the industry due to lack of training. This rightfully should be the case in all types of work. Basically if you are a qualified therapist, then San Diego is a great area to practice. If not, then yes, you will have too much competition in the field.

Kristen in Colorado Springs, Colorado said: It depends on your level of training. The San Diego area only requires the national exam and minimum 500 hours, which is nothing. The massage industry needs more qualified practitioners to be recognized in the healthcare field as a valid form of therapy. If you have over 1,000 hours, which I do, then you can be licensed as an HHP. This is a great benefit. I am currently living in Colorado Springs and relocated to the San Diego area to practice massage and have come across wonderful opportunities. If you are the type that has to return to school for more hours and has never even taken a massage exam, then of course you will have much more difficulties in the industry due to lack of training. This rightfully should be the case in all types of work. Basically if you are a qualified therapist, then San Diego is a great area to practice. If not, then yes, you will have too much competition in the field.

Hi Kristen,

Did you obtain all of your hours (1000) at once or was some of it via continuing education. How many hours were in your main program. I actually studied massage on the East Coast, obtained 500 plus hours with my original program and completed the NCBTMB immediately. So, I was always prepared to work as a MT here. However, I have heard some say 1000 hours needed to be the original program and others say CEU's do apply - do you know which is accurate?

I'm also curious about the new laws - and the new MT board. Finally, a health field in CA -versus - the entertainment in which we needed to report to the city for our licensing. Do you know much about this now? I'm in grad school right now and have taken a 2 year break - but I need to pursue my 200 hours of hands on work to keep my NCBMTB intact - so I was curious how the new licensing is working out...

Best,

el

what are the requirements to work and practice massage legally out of my home? I am having a really hard time finding out concrete 411 on the matter

Kristen in Colorado Springs, Colorado said: It depends on your level of training. The San Diego area only requires the national exam and minimum 500 hours, which is nothing. The massage industry needs more qualified practitioners to be recognized in the healthcare field as a valid form of therapy. If you have over 1,000 hours, which I do, then you can be licensed as an HHP. This is a great benefit. I am currently living in Colorado Springs and relocated to the San Diego area to practice massage and have come across wonderful opportunities. If you are the type that has to return to school for more hours and has never even taken a massage exam, then of course you will have much more difficulties in the industry due to lack of training. This rightfully should be the case in all types of work. Basically if you are a qualified therapist, then San Diego is a great area to practice. If not, then yes, you will have too much competition in the field.

Hi Kristen,
I will have 800 hours complete in June, which by the way I live in Ohio right now. I thought about moving to San Diego in June or July. Anyway...1000 hours? Did you do that all at once, or was it
continuing education or what? How difficult is it really to get my
license in California? Thanks in advance for the info!

Eric in Parkersburg, West Virginia said:
Eric,

You are fine to practice massage in San Diego. 500 Hours of training is what you need to work (almost everywhere).
There is a new law in effect across California which is changing licensing requirements. You needed to report to the city which you worked before, then county, then follow state laws last. Coming from MD, VA and DC - I can tell you this was a shock to me as a health professional. In Maryland, mt's report to the Chiropractic Board, in VA the Board of Nursing and in DC to a Massage Board. So, I move to California and find I report to the police station - vice department - and in some respects would be considered another category under entertainer. Personally, I found this designation repulsive.

I would do some reading on the new legislation passed by the Governator in October of 2008. California now has a massage board and mt's are to follow this protocol. I will tell you I have had several licenses in several cities from LA to OC to SD County. In some cities you only needed 200 hours of training and let's say a $1000 fee for license in others it was 1000 hours of training and a $200 license. So, I think you will be happy with the new law. On a final note, the HHP (Holistic Health Practitioner) is really only used in San Diego. It did provide some additional benefits - as one could open a practice and have less experienced people working under them with less training. I don't know how the new laws effect the HHP. I think the new law will hurt those with too little education into obtaining more education, but I don't think the HHP status will be as necessary now.

Thanks for the information. I really appreciate it. I would be upset also if my profession was in the category of entertainer.
I dont know about other parts of the country, but in Ohio massage is a very serious profession. I know as a massage therapist I will have to continue to practice in an ethical way which will only help the profession grow in its legitimacy. Thanks again !

Eric in Parkersburg, West Virginia said: Thanks for the information. I really appreciate it. I would be upset also if my profession was in the category of entertainer.
I dont know about other parts of the country, but in Ohio massage is a very serious profession. I know as a massage therapist I will have to continue to practice in an ethical way which will only help the profession grow in its legitimacy. Thanks again !

Eric,

I too have 800 hours. I've never had a problem working in SoCal - I do however, feel that there are fewer people here who take it seriously and a lot more people in the business. So, it is more difficult to make a living at it. It's possible, but take into consideration the cost of living also. Employers I find don't pay as much as they do back East also - the cut is more - ex. owner 65%/ staff 35%. I'm in school right now working on an MA and an MS. One in psychology and another in education. My next step is offering CEU classes.

Hi Elle,
The going rate where I live is $55.00/hour for a basic relaxation or therapeutic massage. I guess I will just have to weigh out the pro's and con's before making this decision. I lived in Long Island for awhile, and I paid $1400.00 for a one bedroom apartment. That was about 5 years ago. I'm not sure what rent is out there, but I'm sure it is expensive. It's a shame that there are therapist out there in the field who do not take the profession as serious as some of us. If these therapist continue to not provide a ethical quality service, then I believe it will only hurt their reputation in the long run. Thanks again.

I'm a perspective student at the swedish institute in nyc, I wanted to eventually travel with my license however,I'm also h.i.v positive. does it make since for me to persue a career in this field? Please Answer.

No you dont have to have but 100hrs to be qualified as a massage technician. This is for massage therapist only though. If you want to do your on business on the side this is the perfect place to do it....

Is the national exam referred to the NCBTMB? Do therapists need continuing education courses to stay legal? If so what sort of CEU credentials does the teacher need to have? Just moved here from Colorado. Thanks for your help. Jackie

I'M ABOUT TO PERSUE THE MASSAGE THERAPY CAREER AND I WAS WONDERING WHAT WOULD BE THE BEST WAY TO ACHIEVE IT. LIKE, WHICH SCHOOL WOULD BE THE BEST AS FAR COST AND COMPLETE TRAINING GOES. I RATHER GO THE DISTANCE AND GET THE HHP INSTEAD OF THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS. ANY ADVICE?

hello guys, do anybody know what kind of license and permits do i need in order to open a spa in san diego area?

Hello everyone,

I wanted to know how the job market is looking in San Diego these days ( in respect to massage therapist that is ) I may be moving there soon. Any input would be great. Thanks

I have over 1000 hrs in massage and was once licensed in San Diego in yr 2001...I would like to start practicing in a spa again what do I need. Im not HHP.

js_dad in San Diego, California said: I'M ABOUT TO PERSUE THE MASSAGE THERAPY CAREER AND I WAS WONDERING WHAT WOULD BE THE BEST WAY TO ACHIEVE IT. LIKE, WHICH SCHOOL WOULD BE THE BEST AS FAR COST AND COMPLETE TRAINING GOES. I RATHER GO THE DISTANCE AND GET THE HHP INSTEAD OF THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS. ANY ADVICE?

International Professional School of Bodywork (IPSB) is one of the best in the nation. Many teachers wrote books, have been practicing for over 10 years. It's in Kearney Mesa. Great school! Not the cheapest though.

I am an American, living in Canada, looking to relocate to San Diego. I am a registered Massage Therapist in Ontario, Canada. I completed my diploma with 2200 hours of schooling in Canada and am wondering what qualifications / training I need to practice in San Diego?

karen01 in Hastings, Ontario said: I am an American, living in Canada, looking to relocate to San Diego. I am a registered Massage Therapist in Ontario, Canada. I completed my diploma with 2200 hours of schooling in Canada and am wondering what qualifications / training I need to practice in San Diego?

you can apply for the state license now which is 150 bucks for 2 years. So long as your initial training was at lease 500 hrs you shouldn't have a problem converting to the state license.

I am currently working in a spa in San Diego and want to start up my own practice. I have been working as a MT for years. Not sure if i need my own business license or if I can just rent out a room where someone already has a business license. Does anyone know the best way to go with this???

Hey,
I just passed the National Exam and paid $225. They should changed this price long time ago. I know people who wasting their money more than $1000 for just passing the NATIONAL. RIDICULOUS.... And changed by NCBTMB who English is an second language can't bring their dictionary to the testing room...I have many friends from other countries and they have hard time to passing the Exam. Even though they're American citizens. Sad Story!!!

Hello,

I went to school for CIDESCO which covers Massage, Facials, and etc. I have about 400 hours in Massage Therapy.

Should I pursue the California Massage Therapy Practitioner, or go to the local police department to apply?

The key thing to keep in mind with San Diego is the fact that if you want to practice in the area you have to have a license in EVERY City you work in. So if you are looking to make house calls, you have to have a license for each city that your clients live in. California is the only state that does not offer a state license.

I have 2 months left of pathology then I’m out. In two months I will have an Oregon massage therapist license with 720 hours. I’m considering moving to boulder Colorado, does anyone know what is required in the state of Colorado? I’m considering stating a practice.
Thanks John.

Does anyone have info on the MBLEX exam or have you taken it? Does San Diego accept passing MBLEX for licensing? I'm confused with all the sites I've visited. I don't know which test I should take anymore. I have 500 hrs. and none of it is asian or auyervedic therapies, its strictly medical massage. This is a blip from the CA massage therapy council(CAMTC).- "alternative for CMT certification, for example, is to qualify by passing an examination approved by the CAMTC, such as the MBLEX or NCETMB or NCETM examination," Thanks to anyone who can give me some insight...

I believe Alexis in Allen, TX is mistaken. The CAMTC is a state voluntary certification passed by a law in Sep 2009 and according to them it appears that if you have certification with them, you do not need a city massage permit, though you wou may still need a business license for that city, depending on the city/laws.

go to the CAMTC website (link below) and look at their FAQ.

www.camtc.org/Default.aspx

How mach is the Lic in San Deago.

i am just about to graduate from massage therapy school (an 800 hour program)

after doing my research on what it takes to work in CA... it can get a little confusing.... here is what i found out for San Diego area..

in any case, INSURANCE is a must

Cities in San Diego County,
basically every city in San Diego county has their own city license that you must have, or your state license (from CAMTC) will supercede

County of San Diego, (unincorperated areas of the county)
you must have your San Diego County Massage License or your license from the state (CAMTC)

State of California,
as of end of 2009 there is a VOLUNTARY state-wide registration, fee to apply is $150 plus livescan and background check (about $90)

it is also taking CAMTC about 3 months to process applications right now.

and again IN ANY CASE, INSURANCE IS MANDATORY

individual employers can also decide which license that they want to accept, some only want city, some only want state.

the best advise i can give, i get your state....there are a few cities(not gonna name them, sorry, but i'm about to move back to the area) that do not require any licensing at all, just your insurance (and business license if your are going private practice)

I'm thinking of moving to San Diego after completing a 960hr massage therapy- spa specialist program and then also a 200 hr sports program. Is a HHP still a good idea and worth the benefits? what do I have to do to get an HHP? Also is the mblex excepted for state and city lic? Are there still city lic required? I thought that had changed or was about to. thanks

dawn in Vancouver, Washington said: I'm thinking of moving to San Diego after completing a 960hr massage therapy- spa specialist program and then also a 200 hr sports program. Is a HHP still a good idea and worth the benefits? what do I have to do to get an HHP? Also is the mblex excepted for state and city lic? Are there still city lic required? I thought that had changed or was about to. thanks

As of right now, the CAMTC certification that allows you to work anywhere in California does not require you to take the MBLEX or NCETMB or NCETM examination. If you don't meet the school hr requirements then does exams are an alternative to get your certification. The Massage Therapist certification which is the highest that CAMTC offers only requires you to have 500 school hrs. I currently have my certification. I am still going to school though working towards 1000hrs & eventually plan on taking the MBLEX or NCETMB or NCETM examination because I believe that eventually CAMTC might require more than just 500hrs to receive your certification. That is just my personal opinion but you can never learn too much massage & I love my school which is IPSB so its definitely not a hardship to continue attending.

You only need a CAMTC CMT designation to work in San Diego, or anwhere in California. I believe the HHP designation is only recognized in SD county. There is no licensing in California, only working by city or state CMT permit. If you have the city permit, you can't work out of your home or do outcalls unless you have a store front. You can't just rent a room either with the city permit. You also need a business tax permit if you are not working for another owned business. 500 hours education is required for the State CMT.

Chair massage position available! Must be willing to greet new people. No sales involved but must be willing to stop new people. Pay rate is enough to get right person motivated. Contact me at Seaside.Joanna@yahoo.com

Hi, I'm going to study a diploma course in deep tissue massage here in New Zealand. Could anyone please tell me if the NZ diploma is recognised in San Diego? I'm wanting to work there in the future. Also, how much demand is there for a deep tissue therapist? My course will cover from relaxation massage to accupressure, lymphatic drainage, neuromuscular, fascial and craniosacral,sports, holistic pulsing, reflexology,and basic aromatherapy.

Thanks

John said: I am relocating to the San Diego area from West Virginia and would like to know what do I need to practice massage in the San Diego area. I have a license in Virginia and West Virginia and have 500 hours and 14 years experience in the field of massage. Can anyone help?

John - The alternative to the local San Diego license is to apply for the state certification. There are different levels of certification and having your NCTMB helps. Check out www.camtc.org for details. State certification allows you to practice anywhere in the state without the need of local licensure. The market here is pretty saturated and maintaining a steady clientele is not easy. Good luck.