Oregon Massage Liability Insurance Guidelines

Massage therapy is fast becoming one of the most recognized alternative treatment options. Because of this, people looking for a career or a career change that offers good pay are considering becoming massage therapists (MTs). There are several factors to consider when someone is thinking about becoming a massage professional in Oregon.

Massage Liability Insurance

Before someone considers the educational requirements, they might want to consider the insurance aspects of being an MT. As a type of liability or malpractice insurance, it offers protection against claims from a client. These claims may include:

• Professional Liability: Someone claims negligence or fault on the part of the massage therapist.

• General Liability: AKA “slip and fall” insurance.

• Products Liability. Covers allegations of reactions to products.

In today’s lawsuit-happy society, having insurance that covers a therapist monetarily from any of these allegations is important. With millions of dollars being sought in suits and allegations, a lawsuit can ruin a therapist financially, making it impossible to continue in business. Getting massage liability insurance is a great way to secure protection from the unexpected. While Oregon does not currently require this insurance, it is always in the massage practitioner’s best interest to be fully protected in case of a lawsuit.

Educational Requirements

To become an LMT in the state of Oregon, a person must complete the following requirements:

New Therapists: 625 hours of education.

This can be broken down into the follow segments:

– 200 hours of health sciences. This must include Anatomy and Physiology, Pathology and Kinesiology.

– 300 hours comprised of:

1. Massage Therapy and Practical Application
2. Clinical Practice
3. Business Development
4. Communication
5. Ethics
6. Sanitation
7. Hydrotherapy. This is no longer a required subject, but may be included in the educational requirements of the 300 hours.

-125 additional hours are required, but may include any of the aforementioned areas.

After a student completes these educational requirements, they will need to take the Oregon Practical Exam and the NCBTMB/MBLEx.

People Currently Licensed in Other States

If a therapist is currently licensed in another state and wants to become licensed in Oregon, it is possible to do so without further examination. If you took the state-administered practical exam, only the following states are currently considered for possible licensure through the State Endorsement: Arkansas, New Hampshire, North Dakota, and Washington State. For Canada, the following provinces or cities may qualify for the State Endorsement License: Newfoundland & Labrador, Ontario, and Vancouver BC.

Both new students and those applying for State Endorsement will need to pay an application fee. A renewal fee of $155 is also required to be paid every two years, and those renewing their license will need to supply proof of 25 hours of continuing education (CE) credit biennially. All new applicants and renewing practitioners will also need to have a current CPR card on file.

A massage practitioner goes through a lot expense and time to become licensed in the state of Oregon. Protecting that investment is important. That is why it is imperative that all LMPs consider massage liability insurance. It may mean the difference between continuing as a practitioner and going out of business.

Oregon State Massage Career Resources

The following are Oregon state resources, including some employment statistics, to help you determine if being a massage therapist is right for you:
State of Oregon massage employment statistics as of May, 2017:
Licensed Therapists: 6,392
Mean Hourly Wage: $28.55
Annual Mean Wage: $59,390
Source: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_or.htm

Education Requirements
Required Education Hours: 625 hours
Written or Practical Exam: Written + Practical Exam
Exam Administered: MBLEx + State Practical Exam
CEUs Required: 25 hours every 2 years & CPR Certification
Renewal Fee: $155 every 2 years (active); $50 (inactive)
Source: https://www.massagetherapylicense.org/state/oregon-massage-license.html

Other Requirements: Liability Insurance
For one low flat fee, massage therapists can receive the quality, comprehensive coverage they deserve, avoiding the costly impact that a lawsuit can bring. Even the most careful massage therapists can make a mistake, or encounter one of those hard-to-please clients that finds fault in a treatment, even if nothing really went wrong.
Required To Have Insurance: NO
Application Process: Online Application for immediate approval.

For additional information about massage therapy in Oregon, follow these links:
State massage association: Oregon Board of Massage Therapists
State employment stats: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_or.htm

Compare Oregon massage therapist employment statistics to other states:
https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes319011.htm