If you want to practice massage therapy in Tennessee, you need a license from the Tennessee Board of Massage Licensure, which is part of the Tennessee Department of Health. The path is the same for everyone: finish an approved education program, pass a national licensing exam, clear a background check, and apply to the Board.
One note before you start: licensing rules change from time to time. Everything below was checked against the Board's website in October 2026, but the Tennessee Board of Massage Licensure website is always the final word.
Step 1: Make sure you meet the basic requirements
Under the Board's rules, you must be at least 18 years old when you apply (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0870-01-.05(1)(d)), and you will need to prove your age with a birth certificate or an equivalent document. You will also need to answer questions about any criminal history and any past discipline on a professional license. Read the application questions early, so nothing surprises you later.
Step 2: Complete at least 650 hours at an approved school
Tennessee requires at least 650 hours of education from a massage school approved by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) or the Tennessee Board of Regents, or an equivalent body in another state. According to the Board's website, 500-hour programs have not been accepted for new enrollment since July 1, 2024, so make sure any school you consider offers at least 650 hours.
Those hours are divided among required subjects. Under Rule 0870-01-.05(1)(e) and (f), the 650 hours include 200 hours of sciences (such as anatomy, physiology, kinesiology and pathology), 300 hours of basic massage theory and practice, 125 hours of related subjects, 20 hours of ethics, and 5 hours of Tennessee massage statutes and regulations. Up to 195 hours may be completed online, but kinesiology and hands-on coursework cannot be done online, and the 5 hours of Tennessee law must be taught in person or live, in real time.
When you finish, your school sends an official transcript directly to the Board. You cannot send it yourself.
At NIMB: our Accelerated Massage Therapy Program is 650 hours over five months, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and NIMB is THEC-authorized (Institution #2093). Graduates receive a Certificate of Completion and are eligible to register for the licensing exam.
Step 3: Pass a licensing exam
Tennessee accepts a passing score on the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) or the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork exam. NIMB graduates are eligible to register for the MBLEx, which is run by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB). You register with FSMTB, schedule your test, and FSMTB sends your passing result to the Board.
The MBLEx covers topics you study in school, such as anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, pathology and contraindications, client assessment, ethics, and professional practice. Check the FSMTB website for the current fee, testing locations, and what to bring on exam day.
Step 4: Complete a criminal background check
Every applicant completes a criminal background check through Identigo, the vendor the state uses, and the results are sent directly to the Board. Results from an earlier background check cannot be reused, and results expire after six months, so time this step close to when you submit your application. The Department of Health publishes instructions for the background check.
Step 5: Submit your application
You complete and pay for your application online through the Department of Health's licensing portal, linked from the Board's website. The application fee is $280, paid at the end of the online application. Before you start, read the Supporting Documents Checklist so you know exactly what to gather.
Expect to provide a photo ID and proof of age, plus two letters of recommendation. The letters must be originals, signed and dated, written within the past 12 months on letterhead by licensed health care professionals. Each letter must include the writer's license credentials and license number and speak to your character and professional ethics. You can upload the letters to your online account. Your transcript, exam result and background check come to the Board directly from the school, the exam provider and Identigo.
Fees can change, so confirm the current amount when you apply.
Step 6: Keep your license active
Once you are licensed, you renew every two years. According to the Board's website, you need 24 hours of continuing education each two-year cycle, including 2 hours on Tennessee statutes and rules and 2 hours on ethics, practice management, or substance abuse. New licensees have their first-cycle hours prorated. The Board uses CE Broker to track continuing education, and you should keep your certificates for four years. NIMB also offers Tennessee-approved continuing education classes for licensed therapists.
How long does the whole process take?
The education is the longest part. A full-time program like NIMB's takes five months; part-time programs commonly take a year or more. After you graduate, plan time to study for and schedule the exam, and then for the Board to review your complete application. For more detail on program length, read How Long Does Massage School Take in Nashville?
Common mistakes to avoid
- Choosing a program without confirming it is approved and offers at least 650 hours.
- Sending your own copy of a transcript or exam score. These must come directly from the source.
- Letting a background check expire while you wait on other documents.
- Starting to work before your license is issued. Practicing without a license is a violation.
How NIMB helps
NIMB walks every graduate through the licensing paperwork. The Board, not the school, issues your license, and NIMB does not guarantee licensure or employment. If you have questions about where you are in the process, contact our admissions team or call (615) 505-0025.