Alaska Massage Therapist State Requirements
The last frontier offers stunning natural backdrops and great career opportunities. Alaska Massage therapists must meet specific requirements established by the Alaska Board of Massage Therapists to practice within the state.
Whether you're exploring massage schools in Alaska or want to learn more about license renewal and reciprocity requirements, this guide on Alaska massage state requirements is for you!
How to Become a Massage Therapist in Alaska
The minimum requirements to become a massage therapist in Alaska include 625 hours of massage therapy education from an approved massage school. Verification must be sent directly from the massage therapy school. Candidates must then pass the MBLEX or the NCBTMB Exam. Again, verification must be sent directly by the agency. A current CPR Certification is required, as well as 2 hours of safety education in Bloodborne Pathogens and Universal Precautions. Candidates also need a Fingerprint Card. Continue reading for more details:
Alaska Education and Application Requirements:
- Must complete at least 625 hours of supervised massage therapy education in an approved program.
- Successful completion of the MBLEX or the NCBTMB Exam.
- A fingerprint card submitted needs to be sent to the Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the Federal Bureau of Investigations performs a criminal background check.
- Verify that the current CPR certification is showing issues and expiration dates.
- Bloodborne Pathogens / Universal Precautions Education Certificate verifying completion of at least two hours of bloodborne pathogens / universal precautions education within the two years preceding the initial application.
- Nonrefundable Application Fee: $200.00 License Fee: $290.00 Fingerprint Processing Fee: $ 75.00 Total Fees Due: $565.00
Further details on licensing, including specific rules for massage therapists, can be found on the Alaska State Board of Massage Therapists website.
Verifying this information with the latest guidelines provided by the Alaska Board and national certification board regulatory bodies is important, requirements can change.
Massage Therapy Schools in North Alaska
Selecting the right massage school for prospective massage therapists in Alaska is an important step in their career path.
Here are some notable institutions from different regions in Alaska:
- Alaska Career College, Anchorage, AK: Provides a comprehensive Therapeutic Massage Specialist program that covers a wide range of techniques, including Swedish massage, sports massage, and more. The program prepares graduates for the national certification examination and meets the state’s licensure requirements.
- Alaska Institute of Oriental Medicine, Acupuncture & Massage Therapy, Anchorage, AK: Offers a detailed program that integrates traditional Oriental medicine with Western massage techniques. The program includes various modalities such as Thai Yoga Massage, Medical QiGong, and Tui Na Medical Acupressure.
- Kindred Spirits School of Massage, Fairbanks, AK: Provides training in therapeutic massage with a focus on different techniques tailored to various therapeutic needs.
- Massage School-Integrating Therapies, Fairbanks, AK: This institution offers an integrated approach to massage therapy, blending various therapeutic techniques and modalities .
- Ilisagvik College, Utqiagvik, AK: Though primarily known for its broader educational offerings, Ilisagvik College does include courses that cover aspects of physical therapy and potentially massage as part of its allied health programs, although specific massage-focused programs were not detailed in the resources reviewed.
The institutions listed each have their own unique characteristics, making them standout choices for individuals looking to pursue higher education in related fields in Alaska. To find specific massage therapy programs, it is recommended to reach out to these institutions directly or consider looking into other schools that focus on vocational and technical training.
Insurance Requirements
It is not a requirement that massage therapists carry liability insurance. However, the Board of Massage Therapists strongly recommends you do carry insurance to protect your clients, yourself, and your business.
Recommended liability insurance coverages include:
- Malpractice or Professional Liability Insurance
- General Liability Protection
Liability insurance creates a safe and secure environment for clients and compliance with the state's regulatory standards.
For more detailed information, you can refer to our page specific to Alaska massage insurance.
License Renewals
Renewing your massage therapy license in Alaska is essential to maintaining your professional status.
Here's what to expect:
License Renewal Steps:
- Complete CEUs: Before renewal, complete all required CEUs (16 hours), including a minimum of 2 in ethics.
- Copy of current CPR/First Aid Certification: You must be current when the board reviews your file and ensure the submitted card is valid for at least 90 days.
- Application Submission: Fill out the renewal application and pay the associated fees of $290.
- Background Check: New fingerprint cards must be done every six years
- Verification and Confirmation: Verify your license status and wait for the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing to process your renewal.
By following these steps, you can ensure a hassle-free renewal process, maintain the validity of your license, and carry on with your professional massage therapy practice in Alaska.
Continuing Education (CE) Requirements:
Continuing education is essential to maintaining a massage therapy license in Alaska. Here's what you can anticipate:
- Approved Courses: Select courses approved by the Alaska State Board of Massage Therapy. The Alaska Board provides a range of course options, ensuring that you have multiple choices to fulfill your educational needs.
- CEUs Requirement: Alaska requires massage therapists to complete 16 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every two years. Alaska also requires two hours in ethics and other specific hours, such as those for CPR and bloodborne pathogens courses, periodically.
- Record-Keeping: Maintain thorough records of your completed CEUs. This is essential for verification during the license renewal process. Proper documentation ensures you can easily prove your completion of the required continuing education.
These standards have been established to keep massage therapists up-to-date on the latest techniques, ethical standards, and professional knowledge, improving the quality of client care. Stay informed by regularly checking with the Alaska State Board of Massage Therapy for any changes or updates to continuing education requirements.
Transfer of License and License Reciprocity
For massage therapists seeking to transfer their license to Alaska or understand the state's reciprocity policies, here's what you need to know:
License Transfer Methods:
- Acceptance of Examination: To apply for a massage therapy license in Alaska by examination, you must not be licensed in specified states, including Alaska, complete 625 hours at an approved massage school, pass the MBLEX or pre-2015 NCBTMB Exam, have current CPR certification and safety education in Bloodborne Pathogens, and submit a Fingerprint Card to the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing.
- Endorsement: To apply for a massage therapy license in Alaska by credentials, you must be currently licensed in designated states, maintain a current CPR certification, and submit a Fingerprint Card to the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing.
Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact)
The Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact) allows LMTs to practice across multiple states with one license.
- About IMpact: The Interstate Massage Compact, known as IMpact, allows licensed massage therapists to practice in all states that join the compact. This initiative simplifies practicing in multiple states, requiring only one multistate license.
- Alaskas’ Participation: Alaska currently does not have the IMpact enacted. However, the compact map on the official Interstate Massage Compact website offers the latest updates on which states have enacted, are pending, or have not introduced the relevant legislation.
Due to the changing nature of interstate compacts and licensure requirements, it is recommended that licensed massage therapists (LMTs) in Alaska stay regularly updated on the state's participation in the Interstate Massage Compact.
This involvement has the potential to greatly change the licensing criteria and job prospects in several states. To obtain the latest updates, it is advisable to refer to the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing or the official Interstate Massage Compact website.
Costs per day represents the cost of the total policy amount divided by policy days. Daily payments are not available.