Delaware Massage Therapist State Requirements
Massage therapists in Delaware must meet specific requirements established by the Delaware Board of Massage and Bodywork to practice within the state.
Delaware has a unique stance on licensure and certification. “Only Licensed Massage Therapists (LMT) can work on medically diagnosed conditions and work on referrals from a physician or chiropractor. A Certified Massage Technician(CMT) is prohibited from doing either of these and may not call himself or herself a “therapist” nor use the word “therapy” in describing his or her profession nor in any way imply that he or she is certified to practice massage therapy.”
Whether you're exploring massage schools in Delaware or want to learn more about license renewal and reciprocity requirements, this guide on Delaware massage therapist requirements is for you!
How to Become a Massage Therapist in Delaware
You must be licensed or certified by the Delaware Board of Massage and Bodywork before working in Delaware. The minimum requirements to become a licensed massage therapist in Delaware include the completion of at least 500 hours of massage therapy education, passing a national licensing exam, and a criminal background check. The front and back sides of a current CPR certification card need to be submitted. Applicants have 6 months from the date of initial application to complete the process, or they will have to re-apply and meet any new requirements set. Continue reading for more details:
Delaware Education and Application Requirements:
- Must be at least 18
- Must complete at least 500 clock hours of supervised massage therapy education
- 100 hours of anatomy and physiology
- 300 hours of technique and theory of massage or bodywork therapy
- 75 hours of elective courses in the field of massage therapy
- 25 hours of ethics, law and contraindications
- Pass the Federation of State Massage Therapy Board (FSMTB) also known as the MBLEx.
- Successfully pass a criminal background check and provide evidence of fingerprint processing from a vendor approved by the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation
- A copy of your current CPR certification card (front and back). Online CPR courses are NOT accepted.
- Pay a non-refundable application fee of $169
Further details on licensing, including the Delaware Board of Massage and Bodywork’s rules and specific regulations for massage therapists, can be found on the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation website.
Verifying this information with the latest guidelines provided by the Delaware Board and national certification board regulatory bodies is essential, as requirements can change.
Massage Therapy Schools in Delaware
Choosing the right massage school for prospective massage therapists in Delaware is an important step in their career journey.
Here are some reputable schools from different regions in Delaware:
- Harris School of Business, Dover, DE: This program includes a mix of general education, medical, and business courses, with a strong emphasis on hands-on training in soft-tissue manipulation. Techniques taught include acupressure, deep-tissue massage, reflexology, and Swedish massage, along with specialized therapy approaches for seniors, pregnant women, and athletes.
- Dawn Career Institute, Wilmington, DE: The Therapeutic Massage Practitioner Diploma Program at this institute covers a wide range of topics over seven months. It includes human anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, pathology, and medical terminology. The program also covers various types of massage, such as spa settings, athletic/sports massages, and massage in medicine.
- Academy of Massage and Bodywork, Bear, DE: Offers a 600-hour massage therapy program, which includes anatomy and physiology; massage theory and technique; professional, ethical, and legal issues; contraindications; and applied theory and technique. The program also offers electives like reflexology, sports massage, prenatal and infant massage, hydrotherapy, and body wraps.
- Delaware Learning Institute of Cosmetology, Dagsboro, DE: Although primarily focused on cosmetology, this institute offers a comprehensive 600-hour program for massage therapy. The curriculum includes classes on the history and advancement of therapeutic massage, human anatomy and physiology, massage business administration, and classical massage movements.
- Healing Hands School of Massage, Middletown, DE: This school provides a program that emphasizes practical skills in massage therapy, catering to a range of techniques and specializations. Students can gain individualized attention due to the school's smaller class sizes and intimate setting.
Each school offers unique attributes, making them excellent choices for those looking to start their clinical massage therapy education in Delaware.
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.
How Much Does Delaware 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
Renewing your massage therapy license in Delaware is essential to maintaining your professional status.
Here's what to expect:
License Renewal Steps:
- Renewal Notice: Expect a notice from the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation (DPR) approximately 60 days before license expiration.
- Complete CEUs: Complete the necessary Continuing Education Units (CEUs) before renewal.
- Application Submission: Fill out the renewal application from the DPR and pay the associated fees. Renewals are due on August 31st in even years (2024/2026).
- Renewal Fee: You are notified of the amount of the renewal fee at the time of renewal.
- CPR Certification: Provide proof of valid CPR certification.
- Verification and Confirmation: Verify your license status and wait for the DPR to process your renewal.
Following these steps guarantees a smooth renewal process, keeping your license up-to-date, and continuing your professional massage therapy practice in Delaware.
Continuing Education (CE) Requirements:
Following these steps guarantees a smooth renewal process, keeping your license up-to-date, and continuing your professional massage therapy practice in Delaware.
- Approved Courses: Choose courses approved by the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation. The Delaware Board of Massage and Bodywork accepts various courses, ensuring you have multiple options to meet your educational needs.
- CEUs Requirement: Delaware requires massage therapists to complete 24 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every two years. This includes specific courses such as 3 CEUs in ethics. These specialized courses are essential in promoting ethical practice and awareness within the profession.
- Record-Keeping: Maintain thorough records of your completed CEUs. This is essential for verification during the license renewal process. Proper documentation ensures you can efficiently prove your completion of the required continuing education.
These requirements are designed to keep massage therapists up-to-date with the latest techniques, ethical standards, and professional knowledge, enhancing client care quality. Regularly check with the DPR for any updates or changes in continuing education requirements.
Transfer of License and License Reciprocity
For massage therapists seeking to transfer their license to Delaware or understand the state's reciprocity policies, here's what you need to know:
License Transfer Methods:
- Acceptance of Examination: Delaware recognizes the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx) and the certification exam offered by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) as valid credentials for licensure.
- Endorsement: If you are licensed as a massage therapist in another state and have been practicing there continuously for at least two years, you may qualify for licensure in Delaware by endorsement. This pathway requires that your license is in good standing and that the licensing requirements in your original state are substantially similar to those in Delaware. Additionally, verification of your credentials and a background check are necessary.
Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact)
The Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact) allows LMTs to practice across multiple states with one license.
- Delaware's Position: Delaware has no legislation regarding the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact). The compact map on the official Interstate Massage Compact website provides 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.
If you are a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) in Delaware, it is important to stay informed about the developments surrounding the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact), especially since Delaware has not yet introduced any legislation.
Regular consultations with the Delaware Board of Massage and Bodywork and relevant professional organizations are advisable to obtain the latest updates and understand how potential future involvement in IMpact might impact your practice. For further information, regularly check for updates concerning IMpact in your professional networks 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.
