Becoming a massage therapist in New York is something that many people are interested in, although they may not know too many details around it. There are many questions that often arise regarding this popular profession, many of which have to do with education and obtaining a license to treat others. The first thing that people must come to realize is that a license and a registration are two totally different things. A license for practicing in the state authorizes the holder to use the official title of massage therapist in New York. A registration allows a professional to be identified as someone who is actively using those terms and is lawfully practicing there in the state. In addition, a license is issued and does not expire; those who have licenses have to renew their registration every three years to continue to be able to be a massage therapist in New York.

Another hot topic when it comes to this profession is national certification. If someone has been nationally certified, can he or she practice in New York? It needs to be made clear that earning national certification is not the same thing as being registered to provide therapeutic services. Just because someone is nationally certified does not give them the clearance to practice in the state. Everyone and anyone must have a New York State License or at least a limited permit in order to practice. Some providers who are licensed also have a national certification in addition to their license. Be aware that practicing without a state license is a punishable crime by the law.

Once a person has taken the appropriate courses to become registered, licensed and certified to become a professional massage therapist in New York, they might wonder what types of continuing education courses they should take or are required to take in order to keep their credentials. Fortunately there are no courses that are required to keep up any certification, unlike some other professionals such as attorneys have to do. All professionals are required to maintain certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation or CPR, but it is not necessary to show proof of an active certification card in order to renew registrations in massage therapy. The state does not require that those certifications are kept up to date, although they strongly recommend that massage therapists in New York do maintain their lifesaving and first aid skills.

If you are interested in becoming a massage therapist in New York, be sure that you are familiar with all of the rules and regulations that go along with any education, licensure and registration so that you can enjoy a long and successful career for many years to come.