By Sharon Lively
As a massage therapy instructor, I encourage massage therapy students to become nationally certified as I’ve seen many changes in state regulations over the years. There is an increasing urgency to become nationally certified. Becoming nationally certified will keep you current in your skills and up to date on current events. Also, having to complete CEU’s (continuing education units) to comply to sustaining membership allows you to expand and add a higher standard of excellance.
Below are the two current national certification organizations that offer national certification at this time. http://www.ncbtmb.org/
http://fsmtb.org/
Presently, Oklahoma does not have any regulations, which means the cities license therapists. Some cities’ laws are old and outdated. Nonetheless, they are the law and must be followed. To the left you can see a map that indicates the only cities in Oklahoma that require some type of licensure. Below you can find a website that offers more detail on each city in Oklahoma that has regulations. As you can see there is an imminant need to unify requirements throughout our state. Doing this will provide a stable safe envirnoment for massage clients to receive bodywork from therapists who are invested in quality care.
As an example, one of the leading massage therapy organizations (AMTA) is seeking amendment to a part of legislation 
presented this year by the physical therapy organization to make sure that it does not affect massage therapists in a negative way. Legislation has been passed, but the State House of Representatives is holding off taking action mostly because of AMTA-OK’s expressed concerns. This is why regulations need to be uniform nationally, so that little bitty laws don’t cause such a large concern.
Forty states at this time have active legislation to regulate massage therapy. Of those forty, six have passed legistlation in the past four years. In the Oklahoma vacinity, Arkansas, Texas, and Missouri require a license and Kansas is in the process of submitting legislation.
Unfortunately, Oklahoma has a jumbled mishmash of city ordinances. The majority have been in place for numerous years and deal mostly with curbing prostitution instead of recognizing and supporting those who have the education or professional experience. This lack of law makes the possbility of client neglect and abuse that much more likely.
An obvious next step in your massage career would be to join a national massage organization. You will receive a lot of perks by joining. You will acquire liability insurance that covers possible malpractice claims. New people moving to the area that are looking for bodywork commonly consult these organization for established members. Joining also give you access to their database of CEU providers. Two of the leading organizations, AMTA and ABMP, both publish wonderful magazines full of the latest information. AMTA publishes “Massage Magazine” monthly and ABMP publishes their “Massage & Bodywork” bi-monthly. Personally, I subscribe to both magazines (and have for years) even though I am a member of ABMP. You need to research the various organizations and decide for yourself which one has the best fit . http://www.abmp.com/home/
Challenge Question:
1.) Pick your favorite state
2.) Go to this link. Scroll down to the bottom left side and click on any state and it will give you a basic rundown of their state regulations. http://www.massage-exam.com/oklahoma-massage.php
If you need more information I recommend a Google Search with the following words : Massage+ Ordinance+”state looking into”
3.) Tell us what your favorite state requires
References:
Go the attached website. It will offer you a table in .pdf file format that can be printed off, of all state regulations. http://www.massagetherapy.com/careers/stateboards.php
Go to the website to find the address and any contact information for any massage therapy related state organization. This site is great if you move and want to know what is required for you to practice legally in that state. http://www.naturalhealers.com/qa/massage-state-boards.html
Tulsa’s website for the laws regarding massage regulations: http://www.amtaok.org/Licenses/TulsaOrdinance.htm
Application of massage for City of Tulsa:
http://www.cityoftulsa.org/COTlegacy/documents/Massage-NewTechTherapistApplication.pdf
Addional References:
http://www.amtamassage.org/index.html
Additional help and writing by Ross Ashcraft
Tulsa just requires you to get a license through them to practice in the city. All it really is is a business license for the city of Tulsa.
Vinita, Ok has nothing for massage therapist at this point. If I go in the salon, I will be covered under her existing set up. I am a member of ABMP at this time.
I think it’s a wonderful idea! Regulation should be in place for the massage therapist. If hairstylists are required to have a license why not massage therapist.This will weed out illegal so called therapist.I believe a license will give us the recognition we need to overcome the old stigma.
Tulsa, Oklahoma requires the applicant to have a license obtained nationally, then you have to file an application with the city of Tulsa. That requires a $15.00 payment and fingerprinting cost $19.00. Once approved you must pay an annual licensing fee of $150.00, and must be renewed before September 30th of each year.
The city of Bartlesville does not require any certifications at the time. However, the state of New Jersey does require a national certification in order to practice. I plan on getting nationally certified, so I will not be limited to where I can practice.
Thank you for the information. I plan on becoming a nationally certified massage therapist as soon as I can. 😀
I really do appreciate this information. I plan on becoming nationally certified as soon as I graduate. 😀
Dallas/Austin, Texas
Qualifications; 18 yrs of age, Massage training course with 500 hours:125 hrs Swedish Massage with massage therapy trechniques and thoery and the practice of manipulation of soft tissue, 50 hrs anatomy, 25 hrs of physiology, 50hrs of kinesiology, 40 hrs pathology, 20 hrs of hydrotherapy and 45hrs of massage laws and rules, business practices and professional ethics, 20hrs of health, hygiene, first aide and univeral precaustions and CPR, 50hrs of an internship.
To get a massage license in Claremore you must provide these things: confirmation of a available location that has been inspected by the health dept, two full face photos, any previous licensing record, a certificate of graduation, and account of your grades. You must be 21 or older. The zoning for the location must be accepted and the location must be inspected by the fire marshal. Within 30 days of application you must complete a medical exam, be fingerprinted by the Claremore Police Dept, and have a background check. A $25 non-refundable fee for business and $15 for outcall or technician will be required at the time of application.
$125 Massage institution / $75 Outcall Massage / $25 Technician / $15 Apprentice
To meet the criteria for a license in the state of Florida you must be at least 18 years old. You have to complete a course of study or an apprenticeship program that has met the standards of the Board of Massage Therapy. With these requirements met you must pass an exam administered at the health dept and pay a licensure fee.
$50.00 Application Fee (non-refundable)
$100.00 Licensure Fee
$5.00 Unlicensed Activity Fee
Total Fee Cost is: $155.00
Massachusetts
FACILITY (ESTABLISHMENT) LICENSURE: The regulations for Facility licensure are now in effect. Locations offering massage in the Commonwealth are required to have a current Massage Establishment License. In order to avoid penalties of up to $1,000 for a first violation of the regulation, please submit an establishment licensure application immediately.
Claremore, OK
Overview
Massage Licenses are purchased annually and expire on June 30 of each year. Applications are available at the City Clerk’s Office at 104 S. Muskogee. All applications must be notarized.
Fees
A non-refundable fee of $25 for establishment and $15 for outcall or technician will be required at the time of application. If application is approved, licensing fees are as follows:
* Massage Establishment $125
* Outcall Massage $75
* Technician $25
* Apprentice $15
Requirements
* Must provide proof of a secured location inspected by health department
* Zoning for location must be approved
* Location must be inspected by the Fire Marshal
* Must be 21 or older (must provide valid drivers license)
* Must provide two full-face photos
* Must provide any previous licensing history
* Must be fingerprinted by the Claremore Police Department and undergo a background check within 30 days of application
* Must have a complete medical exam within 30 days of application
* Must provide certificate of graduation and grade records
This is my second half of the assignment.You know how it is, the ole girl has to get her opinion in first. For the state of Texas it is required that you must be 18 years of age.
500 hours from a approved school
CEU requirements:
12 hrs. biennially
Fees
Application: 117.00
Renewal: 106.00
Exams:
NCBTMB or MBLEX
and Jurisprudence exam for massage therapy
National certification is not recognized. But all your educationis as long as it is a credited school.
Claremore OK
requirements: non-refundable fee of 25.00 for establishments and 15.00 for outcall or technicians. This is required at the time of applicatiion. If the application is approved, licensing fees are:
Massage Establishment $125.00
Outcall Massage $75.00
Technician $25.00
Apprentice $15.00
You must have:
Proof of secured location inspected by health department
Zoning for location must be approved
Location must be inspected by Fire Marshal
Must be 21 yrs. of age
Must provide 2 full face photo
Must provide previous licensing history
Must be fingerprinted by the Claremore Police department and undergo a background check within 30 days of application
Must have a complete mediacal exam within 30 days of application
Must provide certificate of graduation and grade records
I wish Oklahoma would have stricter enforcement of the erotic massage business. they freely advertise and are very prevelant.
Arizona licencing for massage cost $140 and must have completer 500 classroom hours and 200 massage therapy hours.
Cowtea, Ok you do not have to anything to practice massage. Just start doing it. Only the Major cities in Ok require registering with them.
NCBTMB (National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork)
or MBLEx (Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards)
AND
Jurisprudence Exam
These are the exams that Texas is asking for along with the 500 hours of credit hours.
I already posted before, I was just needing to add these to it.
Muskogee, OK doesn’t require anything..infact, no school or training is even required. Unfortunately Oklahoma doesnt require much either. To me, this is really quite scary. After going to school and learning everything I have learned, I am scared to let anyone touch me that hasnt been to school or had some education.
To get a massage license in Claremore you must provide these things: proof of a secured location that has been inspected by the health dept, two full face photos, any previous licensing history, a certificate of graduation, and records of your grades. You must be 21 or older. The zoning for the location must be approved and the location must be inspected by the fire marshal. Within 30 days of application you must complete a medical exam, be fingerprinted by the Claremore Police Dept, and have a background check. A non-refundable fee of $25 for establishment and $15 for outcall or technician will be required at the time of application
Massage Establishment $125
Outcall Massage $75
Technician $25
Apprentice $15
To qualify for a license in the state of Florida you must be at least 18 years old. You have to complete a course of study or an apprenticeship program that has met the standards of the Board of Massage Therapy. With these requirements met you must pass an exam administered at the health dept and pay an licensure fee.
Application Fee $50.00 (non-refundable)
Licensure Fee $100.00
Unlicensed Activity Fee $5.00
Total Fee: $155.00
In the City of Claremore, OK. The regulations for this city was to:
Requirements
• Must provide proof of a secured location inspected by health department
• Zoning for location must be approved
• Location must be inspected by the Fire Marshal
• Must be 21 or older (must provide valid drivers license)
• Must provide two full-face photos
• Must provide any previous licensing history
• Must be fingerprinted by the Claremore Police Department and undergo a background check within 30 days of application
• Must have a complete medical exam within 30 days of application
• Must provide certificate of graduation and grade records
In the state of Georgia the regulations were as follows:
Licensure of massage therapists; application and requirements
(a) No person may practice massage therapy in this state who is not a licensed
massage therapist or the holder of a valid provisional permit issued by the division
director pursuant to this chapter.
(b) Prior to July 1, 2007, any applicant for a license as a massage therapist must
submit a completed application upon a form and in such manner as the board
prescribes, accompanied by applicable fees, and evidence satisfactory to the board
that:
(1) The applicant is at least 18 years of age;
(2) The applicant is of good moral character. For purposes of this paragraph, “good
moral character” means professional integrity and a lack of any conviction for acts
involving moral turpitude where the underlying conduct relates to the applicant’s
fitness to practice massage therapy;
(3) The applicant agrees to provide the board with any and all information
necessary to perform a criminal background check and expressly consents and
authorizes the board or its representative to perform such a check; and
(4) The applicant has met at least one of the following requirements:
(A) He or she has completed successfully a board recognized educational
program with a minimum of 500 hours of course and clinical work;
(B) He or she has passed satisfactorily the National Certification Examination for
Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, an equivalent test approved by the board, or an
examination administered by another state or jurisdiction whose license
requirements meet or exceed those of this state;
(C) He or she meets the qualifications necessary to sit for the National
Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork or has substantially
similar qualifications as determined by the board;
(D) He or she holds a license as a massage therapist in another state or
jurisdiction whose license requirements meet or exceed the licensing requirements of
this state;
(E) He or she has practiced massage therapy for at least ten hours per week on
average for at least ten years prior to the date of application and has completed at
least 100 hours of formal training in massage therapy as determined by the board;
(F) He or she has practiced massage therapy for at least five years prior to the
date of application and has completed a minimum of 200 hours of formal training in
massage therapy as determined by the board;
(G) He or she has, to the satisfaction of the board, training in another state or
jurisdiction that meets or exceeds the requirements for licensing in this state;
(H) He or she has been a member, as a massage therapist, for a period of one
year prior to his or her application for licensure of a professional massage therapy
Tulsa seems to be a little confusing. There are different levels that you can get approved and be licensed for.
Requirements for Massage Licenses
Technician –
Documentation showing successful completion of a school of learning approved by the Director, where the method, profession and art of massage is taught.
1. Submit a completed logbook, by the Director showing 250 supervised hours.
2. Submit documentation of successful completion of a course of 3 hours of anatomy and phyiology.
Technician (with restrictions) –
The applicant shall submit documentation satisfactory to a director showing experience in the field, or completion of a school or institution of learning approved by the Director, where the art of massage and practice has been learned.
Therapist –
The applicant shall possess a current, valid accreditation from the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork; or, The applicant shall possess a current City of Tulsa Massage Technician license and submit proof of an additional two-hundred fifty (250) hours of training from course(s) approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, or courses approved by the Director; or,
The applicant shall submit proof of completion of five-hundred (500) massage-related education hours which are certified by a board equivalent in stature to the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, or which are approved by the Director.
These are the different levels of massage that are available.
You then have to be fingerprinted $10 and obtain a annual license from the City if Tulsa which is $150 that is due in September but it is possible to have it prorated.
I will be getting my National license and feel like it should be required for all that will be treating others.
You have your certification or license to practice in Muskogee. There is a few fees you will have to pay to own a business. You also have to be a member of a national or international massage therapist association and maintain a membership level that has liability insurance. I want to get my national certification so I will not be limited to where I can practice
In the city of Claremore you must be certified in massage to perform massage, but you don’t have to be nationally certified. To own your own business you must have a occupational business license for it. In California they are a recently regulated state, and have a lot of requirements for practicing massage therapy. You must become certified with at least 550 hour of schooling , then you must become nationally certified which can take up to 2 weeks to complete. First you have to send in to the education board for massage your transcript proving that you have had the proper amount of school training, then they will send you back a letter stating that you can take the test, you pay the fee to take the test, after you pass, you have to send your test results to be analyzed and then they will send you back a letter of approval saying that you have passed the test and are able to perform massage. If you want to do home visits in California, you have to get an entirely different license, but that is only in certain cities like San Fransisco.
In Wagoner you don’t have to have any certification or license to practice, you do however have to pay some fees to own a business, unless you are working under someone else’s business. I agree that it is a little scary knowing what I know now about massage that people can just massage without any school or certification.
Well, in Michigan, the regulations are you have to have at least 500 hours of education, a massage therapy license, which that would be everywhere, you have to take a state written exam, and the nationall exam requirement of MBLEx or MCETM. A CEU of 18 hours or 3 years, the cost of the license which is $20 dollars, a renewal fee every year of $75 dollars, Massage Therapy Insurance Comparison for liability and any other local city regulations.
and Tulsa Oklahoma, you have to fill out an application, a copy of your drivers license, and ssn, you have to get the app fingerprinted at the county sheriffs office which is $10s, the processing fee of $34 dollars, and a $150 dollar license fee.
New York State requirements
Education requirements
1000 hours
CEU requirements
TBD
Fees
Application: $150.00
Limited Permit: $35.00
Triennial Renewal: $50.00
Exam(s)
State exam
In Broken Arrow,OK most salons & spas require to be a LMT (licensed massage therapist)to work.
The state of Arizona requires you to complete at least 700 hours of training at a massage school. The school has to be recognized by the state of Arizona. The state of Arizona recognizes the NCBTMB as well. You have to be certified through them or have to least taken their test. You will also need a copy of your transcript. The state of Arizona also recognized the continuing education hours as well. The city that I choose was Ardmore, Oklahoma. The research that I’ve done suggested that there are no city laws to obtain a license. The only thing it suggest that you complete training from a NCBTMB certified school. It didn’t state the cost of how to go about obtaining that city license. The only license that the city of Ardmore will recognize is the NCBTMB.
SECOND PART…missed the state regulations.
Oklahoma does not have any current regulations BUT legislation is in process and has been submitted but not fully approved yet. hopefully all of theis will be approved soon and put in to action.
wagnor county allows anyone to practice massage with no certification or training. they require a few fees that mostly pertain to owning a business. the lack of legislation in most parts oklahoma is frightening and leaves plenty of room for seedy operations to spring up across the state.
Delaware requires a certification and or license
300 hours for CMT
200 hours for temporary CMT
500 hours for LMT
$111 renewal fee every 2 years
12 CEU’s required every 2 years for CMT’s
24 CEU’s every 2 years for LMT’s
You have to be licensed in the City of Broken Arrow to massage. A few of the requirements are 250 hrs of classroom experience and training for technicians and 500 hours of classroom experience and training for therapists. In the State of Wisconsin the requirements are Education: 600 hours & exam
CEU: n/a
Exam: State exam and NCETMB.
In the big ole state of Rhode Island they require education from an approved school consisting of at least:
100 hrs. (Theory) anatomy/physiology
300 hrs. Theory and practice of massage therapy
Applied anatomy/ physiology, including 150 hours of the 300 hours to be the
practice of massage, as defined in section 1.10.
100 hrs. Elective subjects, including first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation {CPR}, and any of the following: business practices/law, office procedures, ethics, professionalism.
$50. Annual licensure fee.
Also something I thought was interesting that they put in the regulations was:
temperatures of water levels for various types of procedures shall be maintained at comfortable levels in accordance with acceptable practices as follows:
i. not to exceed 105 degrees F for water baths of any type;
ii. not to exceed 165 degrees F for dry heat cabinet or room bath temperatures; and
iii. not to exceed 110 degrees F for steam cabinet or room bath temperatures
The city of Owasso has drawn up regulations that they are hoping to have in place in the next few months. I was given a copy of them and they seem pretty standard. But I think it would be a lot simpler if one set of regulations existed for practicing anywhere in the U.S.
In Tahlequah,ok and Keys where my salon is you don’t need any license or certification to be a massage therapist, Which shocked me because there are very few in my area where I live so I thought maybe it would be a little more strict but to my surprise it wasn’t.
Overview
Massage Licenses are purchased annually and expire on June 30 of each year. Applications are available at the City Clerk’s Office at 104 S. Muskogee. All applications must be notarized.
Fees
A non-refundable fee of $25 for establishment and $15 for outcall or technician will be required at the time of application. If application is approved, licensing fees are as follows:
Massage Establishment $125
Outcall Massage $75
Technician $25
Apprentice $15
Requirements
Must provide proof of a secured location inspected by health department
Zoning for location must be approved
Location must be inspected by the Fire Marshal
Must be 21 or older (must provide valid drivers license)
Must provide two full-face photos
Must provide any previous licensing history
Must be fingerprinted by the Claremore Police Department and undergo a background check within 30 days of application
Must have a complete medical exam within 30 days of application
Must provide certificate of graduation and grade records
Delaware requires a certification and or license
300 hours for CMT
200 hours for temporary CMT
500 hours for LMT
$111 renewal fee every 2 years
12 CEU’s required every 2 years for CMT’s
24 CEU’s every 2 years for LMT’s
Second part…Oklahoma has no laws regarding licensing or certification requirements, although they are trying to move closer and closer to it everyday and I would recommend getting your national certification to anyone in the field, after all this school why not?
Tulsa does require you to have massage liscenes at least an apprentice liscenes while in school working under someone with liscenes until you take liscenes exams, and it cost same as liscenes and they finger print you and run back ground check, sorry for the late post
Initially, I will be in a chiropractic office in Coweta, so licensing is not an issue there. The only other city in OK I would consider working in is Tulsa, and those requirements have been explored by my classmates.
I support regulation and to further my credentials I intend to sit for my national certification immediately upon completion of my coursework at CCC.
I would very much like to go back to the West Coast, finances permitting. So, here are the requirements for Washington state:
* A massage practitioner’s name and license number to appear on all of his or her advertisements.
* A massage practitioner to conspicuously display his or her license in his or her principal place of business.
* A massage practitioner to have a copy of his or her license available for inspection while performing any activities related to massage therapy if it is not his or her principal place of business.
The requirements for licensing are as follows:
To expedite the license process, you must include the following:
• Completed Jurisprudence Exam
The following require primary source verification and will only be accepted when mailed directly to the department from the source. These items should not be included with your application. They should be sent directly to the Department of Health, Massage Program, PO Box 47877, Olympia, WA 98504-7877.
• An original school completion form stamped and signed by the registrar from an approved Washington State massage program or apprenticeship. Form is included in packet.
• Official exam score report from the NCBTMB or FSMTB.
• The certification of license and examination form from a Washington State Massage
Board approved jurisdiction. If you are currently credentialed in a Washington State
approved jurisdiction, you do not need the previous two items.
• CPR and First Aid. Submit a photocopy, front and back, of your current Red Cross First Aid card and American Heart Association CPR card (or equivalent) showing the expiration dates. These are not needed if this information is included on your school completion form.
Criminal history checks are conducted for all massage license applicants. If you answered yes to any of the personal data questions, please submit the appropriate supporting documentation as indicated on the application.
• The application is considered incomplete if requested information is left blank. Write N/A or put a line through section instead of leaving blank.
• The initial license will expire on your birthday unless the license is issued within 90 days of your next birthday. See WAC 246-12-020(3).
• You will receive a courtesy renewal notice if your license and address are kept up to date. Any renewal postmarked or given to the department after midnight on the expiration date is late.
Note: You cannot practice massage until your license is issued.
DOH 676-096 December 2010
Qualifications for Licensure in the State of Louisiana
In order to be eligible to take the Board oral examination in the State of Louisiana, you must have 2 of the following:
1. Have satisfactorily completed massage therapy studies in a minimum 500- hour supervised course of instruction. The course of instruction may be provided by a proprietary massage therapy school licensed by the State Department of Education. The minimum 500 hours shall consist of 325 hours dedicated to the study of basic massage therapy techniques and clinical practicum- related modalities, 125 hours dedicated to the study of anatomy and physiology, and an additional 50 hours of discretionary -related course work, including, but not limited to, hydrotherapy, business practices, and professional ethics, health and hygiene, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid.
AND
2. Proof of having passed the National examination for massage therapy
OR
3. A copy of a current license in another state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia, which has and maintains standards and requirements of practice and licensure or registration which conform to the requirements in force in this state, and an official transcript from the school which you attended, and proof of having passed the National examination for massage therapy.
Applicants from out-of -state schools are asked to furnish a school catalog along with their official transcript if applying for the state oral examination.
Okay so Oklahoma does not currently have any laws or regulation or requirements to practice across the state. Which means “Oklahomans” wanting to practice must check with the city or county whichever upholds a higher standard. Currently the AMTA-Oklahoma is seeking amendment to a piece of legislation put forward this year by the physical therapy organization to ensure it will not negatively impact massage therapists. The legislation has been passed by the State Senate but the State House of Representatives will not take action on this legislation this year, due in large part to the concerns expressed by AMTA-OK. The information regarding Tulsas requirements is listed in my previous submission.
I chose Tulsa, Ok. There are no regulations for Oklahoma, but you do have to become certified from a school with a $150.00 licenseing fee.
And, for my state I chose Texas:
It is required that you must be 18 years of age.
Have 500 hours from a approved school
CEU: 12 hrs. biennially
Fees: Application: $117.00
Renewal:$106.00
Exams: NCBTMB or MBLEX
and Jurisprudence exam for massage therapy
National certification is not recognized. But all your educationis as long as it is a credited school.
Requirements for Claremore,Oklahoma
Massage License
Overview
Massage Licenses are purchased annually and expire on June 30 of each year. Applications are available at the City Clerk’s Office at 104 S. Muskogee. All applications must be notarized.
Fees
A non-refundable fee of $25 for establishment and $15 for outcall or technician will be required at the time of application. If application is approved, licensing fees are as follows:
* Massage Establishment $125
* Outcall Massage $75
* Technician $25
* Apprentice $15
Requirements
* Must provide proof of a secured location inspected by health department
* Zoning for location must be approved
* Location must be inspected by the Fire Marshal
* Must be 21 or older (must provide valid drivers license)
* Must provide two full-face photos
* Must provide any previous licensing history
* Must be fingerprinted by the Claremore Police Department and undergo a background check within 30 days of application
* Must have a complete medical exam within 30 days of application
* Must provide certificate of graduation and grade records
Arkansas is a regulated state it is $80.00 for a 2 year massage therapy license. You must complete 18 CEU’s in 2 years to renew. To get you Arkansas you have to have passed the MBLEX, provided that the applicant passes a Board examination that verifies their knowledge of the massage therapy act and rules that govern the practice of massage therapy in Arkansas. You have to have proof of 500 in classroom hours. The city of Tulsa requires you to be schooled in massage therapy from a accredited school and pay a licensing fee of 150.00.
In the state of Texas anywhere(16) Massage therapy educational program–The minimum 500 hour supervised course of instruction described in the Act, §455.156, required for licensure and provided by a licensed massage school. Under their rules & regulations.The fees related to the licensure of massage therapists are as follows:
(1) application fee–$106;
(2) examination fee–to be determined by the testing agency approved by the department to administer the examination plus an administrative fee determined by the department at the time the applicant is scheduled for an examination; an unexpired gift certificate issued by that licensee or provide a full refund.
(e) For each client, a licensee shall keep accurate records of the dates of massage therapy services, types of massage therapy and billing information. Such records must be maintained for a minimum of two years.
(f) A licensee must obtain the written consent of a parent or guardian to provide massage therapy services to a person under the age of 17.
(g) On the written request of a client, a client’s guardian, or a client’s parent if the client is under the age of 17, a licensee shall provide a written explanation of the charges for massage therapy services previously made on a bill or statement of the client. This requirement applies even if the charges are to be paid by a third party.
§140.301. Fees.
(a) All fees are non-refundable and shall be submitted in the form of a personal check, certified check or money order made payable to the Department of State Health Services.
(b) For all applications and renewal applications, the department is authorized to collect subscription and convenience fees, in amounts determined by the Texas Online Authority, to recover costs associated with (B) for all other applicants–$300;
(2) fee for a renewal license issued for a two-year period:
(A) for each massage school primary instructional location or approved additional location–$100;
(B) for all other renewal applicants–$300;
(3) late renewal fees:
(A) a fee that is equal to one and one-half times the normally required renewal fee when renewed on or within 90 days of expiration; or
(B) a fee that is equal to two times the normally required renewal fee when renewed more than 90 days, but less than one year after expiration.
(e) The fees related to massage schools offering the minimum 500-hour supervised course of instruction for licensure are as follows:
(1) application and licensure fee (includes initial inspection and any subsequent inspections)–$2,800;
(2) fee for a renewal license issued for a two-year period (includes inspections)–$2,000;
(3) late renewal fees:
(A) a fee that is equal to one and one-half times the normally required renewal fee when renewed on or within 90 days of expiration; or
(B) a fee that is equal to two times the normally required renewal fee (j) Fee for name change–$20.
(k) Criminal history evaluation letter fee–$50.
(3) re-examination fee–to be determined by the testing agency approved by the department to administer the examination plus an administrative fee determined by the department at the time the applicant is to be rescheduled for an examination;
(4) fee for a renewal license issued for a two-year period–$100;
(5) late renewal fees;
(A) a fee that is equal to one and one-half times the normally required renewal fee when renewed on or within 90 days of expiration; or
(B) a fee that is equal to two times the normally required renewal fee when renewed more than 90 days, but less than one year after expiration.
(d) The fees related to massage establishments are as follows:
(1) massage establishment application fee:
(A) for each massage school primary instructional location or approved additional location–$100;
when renewed more than 90 days, but less than one year after expiration.
(4) change of instructional address for main campus (includes inspections)–$375; and
(5) application and renewal fee for an additional educational program location separate from the main campus (includes initial inspection and any subsequent inspections)–$750.
(f) The fees related to massage therapy instructors are as follows:
(1) application and licensure fee–$200;
(2) fee for a renewal license issued for a two-year period–$200;
(3) late renewal fees for massage therapy instructors;
(A) a fee that is equal to one and one-half times the normally required renewal fee when renewed on or within 90 days of expiration; or
(B) a fee that is equal to two times the normally required renewal fee when renewed more than 90 days, but less than one year after expiration.
(g) The fees related to pre-approved providers for continuing education are as follows:
(1) application fee–$200;
(2) fee for a renewal license issued for a two-year period–$200.
(h) License and identification card replacement fee–$20.
(i) Returned check fee–$25.
(1) notice of approval for examination–20 working days;
(2) initial letter of approval for licensure–30 days;
(3) letter of denial of licensure–30 days; and
(4) issuance of license renewal after receipt of documentation of all renewal requirements–10 working days.
(c) In the event an application is not processed in the time periods stated in subsection (a) of this section, the applicant has the right to request reimbursement of all fees paid in that particular application process. If the department does not agree that the time period has been violated or finds that good cause existed for exceeding the time period, the request will be denied. Good cause for exceeding the time period is considered to exist if the number of applications for licensure and licensure renewal exceeds by 15{dd4fd4792e0eb33cfcd896730531ad5ee27f408bd2ce28da7f8125f8188131a8} or more the number of applications processed in the same calendar quarter the preceding year; another public or private entity relied upon by the department in the application process caused the delay; or any other condition exists giving the department good cause for exceeding the time period.
(d) If a request for reimbursement under subsection (c) of this section is denied by the department, the applicant may appeal to the commissioner of the department for a timely resolution of any dispute arising from a violation of the time periods. The applicant shall give written notice to the commissioner at the address of the department that he or she requests full reimbursement of all fees paid because his or her application was not processed within the applicable time period. The department shall submit a written report of the facts related to the processing of the application and of any good cause for exceeding the applicable time period. The commissioner shall provide written notice
I hate how a lot of massage places are open and without any certified therapists. Oklahoma definitely needs to have a law that requires certification/license to be a massage therapist. Because students that go to look for a job after they graduate can’t find a job because most are filled with non-certified therapists, just not fair.
The state I chose to research was Missouri. In the state of Missouri you have to have 500 hours and either your MBLEx or NCBTMB. They also require a background check and the state exam. After obtaining your license, you have to have 12 continuing education classes every 2 years to renew your license.
In Arkansas you have to have passed the MBLEx provided that the applicant passes a Board examination that verifies their knowledge of the massage therapy act and rules that govern the practice of massage therapy in Arkansas and 800 hours of academics. You also have to have 18 hours of CEU’s biannually to renew your licence.The renewal fee is 80 dollars and 25 dollars extra if you are late.
for the state of California there is a checklist of 9 items you must obtain for licensure.
1. Obtain school transcripts-500+ hrs for CMT/500 or less hrs with 250 from approved school with 100 hrs devoted to A&P, contraindications, health & hygiene, and business& ethics will qualify for CMP certification.
2. Have school send to CAMTC
3. Get live scan fingerprints-$80-$90
4. APP fee of $150
5. Passport photo taken (has to be passport photo)
7. Good photocopy of State DL or ID made and mail in with application.
8. Once you have filled out the app and included all things asked for plus $150 app fee mail to California Massage Therapy
Council One Capitol Mall Suite 320
Sacramento, CA 95814
In the state of Colorado you have to be a licensed massage therapist to practice. You do not have to be nationally certified but you will need to take the Colorado licensing test. And you must have completed at least 500 hours of academic work as well as an externship.
In New York State, you must have completed at least 1000 hours of education and 150 of those must be working on a live human being. All of these topics are required to be covered – “anatomy, physiology, neurology, myology or kinesiology, pathology, hygiene, first aid, CPR, infection control procedures, the chemical ingredients of products that are used and their effects, as well as the theory, technique and practice of both oriental and western massage/bodywork therapy.” You must also pass the New York State Massage Therapy Examination.
I chose South Carolina. To become a licensed massage therapist you have are required have 500hrs of supervised instruction and you must pass the National Certification Examination or the Federation of States Exam for Massage Therapy. Licenses need to be renewed every 2 years with 12 hours of CEU’s.
In the state of Texas you will have to have a total of 500 hours of instruction from a massage therapy instructor.you are also required to get your state license and you have to have 12 continuing education units for every 2 years of renewals. It will cost $200 per year for state renewal license. I do feel like Oklahoma should get on board with the regulations
In Hawaii you are not required any CEU’s. The required education and exams are 570hr/ written. The exam that is administered is the state exam.
California requires a minimum of 500 hours, 250 from an approved school, combined with theory and practical or pass an exam approved by the CAMTC
I found out for the state of South Dakota their requirements are you have to have 500 hours and N.C.E.. Requirement for ECU you have to have 16 hours biennially and for the exam you have to pass the N.C.E.T.M.B..
the state of North Carolina requires you to pass one of the following MBLEx, NCETMB, NCETM, NESL options for NCETMB or NCETM, ABTE, or NCCAOM. You also have to have a board approved education that includes an 500+ hour in-class instruction.
Texas
500-hour
200 hours of massage therapy techniques and theory and the practice of manipulation of soft tissue, with at least 125 hours of Swedish massage therapy techniques
50 hours of anatomy
25 hours of physiology
50 hours of kinesiology
40 hours of pathology
20 hours of hydrotherapy
45 hours of massage therapy laws and rules, business practices and professional ethics
20 hours of health, hygiene, first aid, universal precautions, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
50 hour internship
If you go to the state of Ky after getting your license in OK. You have to
18 years or older, pay an application fee and other fee requirements by the board, be of good moral character. You at have to have 600 hours of mt approved training by board. NCB for TMB passed your exam or administered test by the NCB for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork or a certifying agency that has been approved by the NCCA or other examinations approved by the KY board. On the OK laws I don’t agree with the system. I think if we receive our training I think we should be able to practice anywhere in the state of OK.
Oklahoma is in the process of passing new laws for LMT’s but it has not come to a common ground with the therapists yet, but they will soon enough
In Hawaii 570 hours is required and a written exam administered by the state. There is no CEU required.