Massage Therapy Schools in Arkansas

Browse our directory of massage therapy schools in Arkansas, or skip ahead to learn about the state's massage therapy licensing requirements and job outlook.

How to Become a Masseuse in Arkansas

Massage therapy schools in Arkansas train caring people who are interested in improving their clients' total wellbeing. Someone interested in going to massage training school in Arkansas should be a person with a legitimate desire to help other people achieve health and wellness. The massage schools in Arkansas typically take 10 months to two years to complete.

Massage therapist training consists of classroom education, in human anatomy and business skills, and also can include hands-on massage training. When a student has completed the program, in order to receive their certification they must pass the NCBTMB state exam for Arkansas.

State License Requirements

Students complete at least 500 hours of education including up to 50 practice massage hours supervised by a licensed massage therapist. Arkansas requires that all massage therapists be licensed by the Arkansas State Board of Massage Therapy and certified by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB). After completion of the training hours and practice massage hours, massage therapy students complete their Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx). If the classroom hours, practice massages and the exams are passed, the massage therapy student becomes certified and licensed to practice in Arkansas.

Education Details

Arkansas massage therapists learn to promote the health and wellness of citizens of the state through the use of therapeutic touch and their knowledge of anatomy and body work. Massage therapy works to increase body awareness, correct system imbalances, assist in relaxation and stress reduction, increase vitality and promote a sense of well-being. It also promotes a positive exchange of mental, emotional, and spiritual energy between the therapist and the client which promotes holistic healing. Arkansas massage therapy schools teach bodywork, therapeutic application of oils and lotions, heat and cold therapies, light therapy, electrotherapy techniques, hydrotherapy and other spa services. After you have completed the massage therapy education program you will take exams to become a certified massage therapist in Arkansas. Arkansas massage therapy schools require a high school diploma or equivalent for enrollment, and students must be at least 18 years of age.

License Renewal

In Arkansas, you will need to become licensed to practice massage therapy, whether you own your own business or work at a salon. You are required to renew your license every two years. The renewal fee is $80 for active and inactive license holders. If your license is expired, you will have to re-apply. You are also required to complete 18 hours of continuing education courses between each renewal period. If you do not pay your license fee and submit your application on time, you will pay a late fee.

Arkansas Massage Therapy Careers

Salaries for Arkansas massage therapists average $42,230 per year before tips according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2020). Massage therapy has been named as one of the top five fastest growing professions in America, and is expected to grow by approximately 20% before 2020.

Hot Springs is home to a number of spas and resorts which cater to client health and wellness, and which may employ licensed massage therapists. Consider one of these approved Arkansas massage therapy schools to begin a course of study that may lead you to be the agent of change and positive health to clients throughout the state.

Contact the Arkansas State Board of Massage Therapy