Can a massage technician lose their license? Yes! But don't worry – if you read this article, you'll learn what to do to avoid it. And along the way, you'll learn a few important facts that will help you operate legally, stress-free, and build your professional prestige.
Until recently, a massage technician was associated primarily with a college degree and a well-performed massage. Since March 26, 2024 is valid Act on Certain Medical Professions, which included, among others, massage technicians. This is a significant change – now this profession is legally protected, but it also comes with specific requirements. This means one thing: more rights, but also more responsibilities.
If you've already graduated and are working in this field, or are just planning to pursue it, this article is an absolute must-read. You'll learn:
- What did the new law introduce?
- How not to lose the right to practice your profession,
- What is the RIZM registry?
- Why do you need educational points,
- How to grow wisely and legally.
New law – what is it all about?
It entered into force in March 2024 Act on Certain Medical Professions. It covers 15 different professions, including massage technician. Its goal is to establish clear rules of the game, specifically: regulating the legal status, introducing requirements, defining standards, and giving the profession more seriousness.
What has changed?
- Not everyone can call themselves a massage technician these days.
- There is an obligation to enter into the register – RIZM.
- You have a duty to constantly professional development, which needs to be documented.
- You can bear it professional responsibility, like a doctor or nurse.
Sounds serious? And good – because this profession is finally being treated the way it deserves.
Who can legally be a massage technician today?
A massage technician diploma is no longer enough. Four basic requirements must be met:
- full legal capacity,
- no criminal record for intentional crimes,
- knowledge of the Polish language,
- entry into the Central Register of Persons Authorized to Practice the Medical Profession (RIZM).
This last point is a total game-changer. If you are not registered with RIZM, you cannot legally call yourself a massage technician – and you may be fined or subject to restriction of liberty.
Remember: Just having a massage technician diploma does not entitle you to use this title. Without registering with RIZM you cannot introduce yourself like this on a business card, website or social media.
RIZM – the register that gives you the right to work
RIZM is a public database that contains the name, surname, place of employment, and professional status of massage technicians. To register:
- Apply online – on the website https://rizm.ezdrowie.gov.pl
- Attach your diploma and documents
- Pay 100 PLN
- Wait for the voivode's verification – it may take several weeks or even months.
Registration was supposed to end on March 26, 2025, but the deadline was extended. extended until September 26, 2025. You have time – but don't delay.
New obligation: maintaining medical records
Even if you work alone in a salon or provide relaxation massages, you must keep records. It's not specified, what should the documentation look like? – whether in paper or electronic form – but it must include:
- patient data and interview,
- details of the visit,
- techniques and recommendations used,
- patient consent,
- possibly a copy of the referral.
Documentation must be kept for 20 years (!), in accordance with GDPR rules. This isn't just bureaucracy – it's also your proof in the event of a dispute with a patient.
Continuous development – i.e. educational points
One of the most important obligations that the law imposes on you is obligation of continuous professional development. In other words: you have to train and collect points.
What does it look like in practice?
- Your 5-year billing cycle starts on January 1st after you register with RIZM
- You must obtain 200 education points, including mandatory 1 improvement course for 120 points
- Other points – at your discretion (courses, workshops, training, publications)
- You collect points on a professional development card, which you can obtain at the provincial office.
Sounds scary? Don't worry, well-chosen training can be treated as an investment in yourself – especially since some of them can be done with funding.
Remember: Don't take courses just for the points! Use this obligation for authentic professional development, to acquire new skills, and to strengthen your market position!
Where to train? Who to trust?
If you must train, don't do it just anywhere, anytime, anywhere cheaply. Invest in yourself, because such an investment always pays off. Choose training institutions that:
- They are educational institutions, not ordinary commercial companies.
- They are listed in the Register of Schools and Educational Institutions (RSPO),
- They hold a quality certificate (e.g., SUS2.0),
- They employ experienced practitioners (doctors, physiotherapists, and educators),
- They offer exam-receivable courses (3 points/hour) or soon advanced training courses (120 points)..
Example? FRSc Academy
FRSc is a continuing education institution that:
- organizes courses specifically for massage technicians,
- operates legally (RSPO, RIS),
- conducts weekend classes (Saturday-Sunday),
- allow you to earn 45 educational points per course,,
- offers the opportunity to receive up to 100% funding.
The offer covers topics such as:
- back pain,
- manual therapy,
- digestive health care,
- and running your own practice.
What are the penalties for inaction?
Massage technicians are now a profession with full professional liability. This means:
- If you don't work for 5 years, you lose your license.,
- To return to the profession, you must work under supervision for six months.
- Violations of professional ethics can result in: a warning, a fine, suspension, or even disqualification from practicing..
Ethics and Patient Rights – Don't Forget
Your responsibility is not only to provide a professional massage, but also to respect the patient's rights and the principles of professional ethics:
- Respect the patient's privacy, dignity, and boundaries,
- Inform the patient what you are doing and why,
- Respect their right to refuse treatment,
- Ensure the patient feels safe,
- Remember to ensure the patient has access to their records.
Summary – what do you need to do?
- Register with RIZM
- Maintain medical records
- Collect educational points (200 points in 5 years)
- Complete the mandatory professional development course (120 points)
- Respect ethics and patient rights
- Develop yourself – not just for points, but for yourself
Useful links
- RIZM Register: https://rizm.ezdrowie.gov.pl
- ACT: PDF z ISAP
- FRSc courses: https://frsc.pl/szkolenia/technicy-masazysci
Adam Basta
I am a graduate of the Wrocław University of Economics and the Warsaw School of Economics. My professional specialization is management. I come from Kędzierzyn-Koźle, where I still live and where I met already in primary school Radek Składowski.. Read more...
