California Requirements

As a graduate of the Massage Practitioner Program (200-Hour), you are eligible to obtain a business license and work in the cities of San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay. You may also obtain a county business license allowing you to work in the many non-incorporated towns such as Nipomo, Oceano, Shell Beach, Avila Beach, Los Osos, Cayucos, Cambria, Templeton, etc.  The cities in our county that currently require the 500-Hour state certification are Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, and Grover Beach. Paso Robles and Pismo Beach have permit levels where you may start working with 250 hours, then get your own license once you complete 500 hours. Go directly to the city's or county's business license departments or their websites for more details and current requirements.

Anyone wishing to become state certified as a Certified Massage Therapist (CMT) will need to receive 500-Hours of education from a state approved school, and complete the requirements set by California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC). CHI's School Approval Code is SCH0012.  Please see our Massage Therapist (500-Hour) page for more information on the state requirements.

At California Holistic Institute students begin training with our Massage Practitioner (200–Hour) Program. Upon completion of the 200 hours of this program, students may choose to continue their training by adding an additional 300 hours of education from a variety of massage and bodywork classes to complete the Massage Therapist program. 

We also welcome students who have completed training elsewhere to continue their training with us. Please request to speak with the director about taking classes for additional training.