Arkansas Massage Therapist State Requirements
Beginning your career as a massage therapist in Arkansas is an exciting journey that promises numerous personal and professional growth opportunities. Understanding the steps to acquire your massage therapist license and staying informed about ongoing education requirements is essential for success.
How to Become a Massage Therapist in Arkansas
To become a licensed massage therapist in Arkansas, you must fulfill specific requirements set by the state. This includes completing at least 500 hours of training at a state-approved massage therapy school. The curriculum typically covers essential subjects such as anatomy, physiology, massage techniques, and ethics. Alongside classroom instruction, hands-on clinical experience is also a crucial training component. Here's a more detailed look:
Education and Training Requirements:
Completion of Training: Aspiring massage therapists are required to complete a minimum of 500 hours of instruction must be pursued through a State-approved or Board-accepted school. These training hours include both classroom learning and hands-on clinical experience.
- 175 hours of education in anatomy, physiology, pathology, and contraindications.
- 225 hours of education in massage therapy techniques.
- 25 hours in hygiene and infection control.
- 25 hours in hydrotherapy, heliotherapy, and electrotherapy.
- 25 hours in law, professional ethics, and business management related to massage therapy practice.
- 25 hours in other related subjects as approved by the Board.
Examination: Candidates must successfully pass the Arkansas State Massage Therapy Exam or one of the following:
- MBLEx
- NCETM
- NCETMB
License Requirements:
- Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 18.
- Background Check: In Arkansas, applicants are subject to criminal background checks conducted by the Identification Bureau of the Department of Arkansas State Police.
- Complete a CPR course
- Application Process: Complete an application and submit it to the Arkansas Board, along with the non-refundable application fee of $216.25, which includes the fee for background check. The application should include proof of education, examination scores, and other required documentation.
Massage Therapy Schools in Arkansas
For individuals seeking to start on or advance their career in massage therapy, Arkansas presents a range of esteemed massage therapy schools throughout the state. These institutions offer diverse programs tailored to different interests within the field. Here are notable schools from different regions across Arkansas, each providing distinctive programs and areas of specialization:
- Touching for Health School of Massage & Bodywork: Offers comprehensive massage therapy programs focused on holistic healing and therapeutic techniques.
- Arkansas School of Massage: With a strong emphasis on both Eastern and Western massage techniques, provides students with a well-rounded education in the art and science of massage therapy.
- Body Wellness Massage Academy: Known for its personalized approach to education, providing small class sizes and individualized attention.
- Blue Cliff College: Offers a comprehensive massage therapy program that combines classroom instruction with hands-on practice. Students learn the fundamentals of massage therapy, anatomy, and physiology, preparing them for licensure and successful careers in the field.
- School of Massage for Health: Focuses on providing students with a strong foundation in massage therapy, emphasizing the importance of therapeutic touch and healing techniques.
- Body Wellness Massage School: Offers a rigorous massage therapy program that emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
- Institute of Therapeutic Massage & Wellness: Offers comprehensive massage therapy training programs designed to prepare students for successful careers in the field.
- Healing Hands School of Massage: Provides students with a comprehensive education in massage therapy, focusing on both the art and science of healing touch.
Selecting the appropriate educational institution requires evaluating the program's content, its accreditation status, the practical experience it offers, the prerequisites for admission, the financial investment involved, and the timetable flexibility. Each institution presents distinct advantages; this could be an emphasis on particular techniques in massage, an all-inclusive curriculum featuring business and ethical education, or adaptable class schedules designed to meet the diverse requirements of its students.
Insurance Requirements
Although Arkansas does not mandate massage therapists carry liability insurance, due to the inherent risks associated with the profession, acquiring liability insurance is advisable to protect your practice. Although the state requires licensure and a criminal background check, which may include fingerprinting, insurance provides an extra layer of defense against possible claims and legal actions.
A policy from Massage Magazine Insurance Plus offers comprehensive protection for massage therapists, providing $2 million in coverage per occurrence and a total aggregate coverage of $3 million. It exceeds the state's minimum requirements, offering additional financial security.
For more detailed information, check out our Arkansas massage insurance page.
How Much Does Arkansas Massage Insurance Cost?
1 year full-time Professional Rate
$
169
/1yr
Cost to you: $0.46/day
2 year full-time
professional rate
$
299
/2yr
Cost to you: $0.41/day
1 year part-time
professional rate
$
159
/1yr
Cost to you: $0.43/day
License Renewals
In Arkansas, massage therapists must renew their licenses every three years. Here's a concise guide based on Arkansas regulations:
License Renewal Steps:
- Renewal Deadline: Every two years, the form must be co
- mpleted and submitted with your non-refundable renewal fee postmarked by the first day of the month before your birth date. If your birthday is June 14th then the renewal form must be submitted by May 1st.
- Renewal Fee: The renewal fee is $80, plus any applicable online processing fees.
- Online Processing: Renewals can be completed online, ensuring convenience and immediate processing.
- Late Renewal: If your renewal is postmarked after your birth date, your license is expired. You must apply for a new license and meet all current requirements for licensure.
Continuing Education (CE) Requirements:
- CE Hours: 18 hours of CE credits for each renewal period.
- Hands-On Instruction: Part of these hours should include hands-on instruction.
- Flexible CE Hours: The rest of the CE hours can come from various educational activities that are approved and related to massage therapy but only 6 may be from online/in home courses.
Following these guidelines ensures a smooth renewal process, maintaining your license, and continuing your professional practice in Arkansas.
Transfer of License and License Reciprocity
For therapists looking to transfer their license to Arkansas or understand reciprocity, this is what you need to know:
License Transfer Requirements:
- Completion of a Massage Therapy or Bodywork Therapy Program: Applicants must successfully finish a course of study in massage therapy or bodywork therapy, comprising a minimum of 500 classroom and clinical hours of supervised instruction at a recognized school.
- Submission of State License: Applicants must provide a copy of their state license as part of the application process.
Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact)
The Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact) allows LMTs to practice across multiple states with one license.
- Arkansas's Position: Arkansas has no pending legislation regarding the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact). 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.
- About IMpact: The Compact aims to allow licensed massage therapists to practice in member states without additional licensing, promoting mobility within the profession. Each state must enact specific model legislation to join IMpact.
Read about the Interstate Massage Compact and its potential changes to the industry.
For licensed massage therapists (LMTs) practicing in Arkansas, it is important to stay informed about the state's involvement in and updates related to the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact).
Regular consultations with the Arkansas State Board of Massage Therapy and relevant professional organizations are recommended to stay up-to-date with the latest developments and understand their potential implications for your practice. For further information, visit the Arkansas Legislature's updates on IMpact.Costs per day represents the cost of the total policy amount divided by policy days. Daily payments are not available.
