Illinois Massage Therapist State Requirements

Massage Therapy Schools in Illinois

• Northern Illinois - Midwest Technical Institute, Springfield, IL: This institute offers a hands-on approach to its massage therapy program, emphasizing practical skills and real-world experience.
• Southern Illinois - Shawnee Community College, Ullin, IL: Known for its comprehensive curriculum, Shawnee Community College blends traditional massage techniques with modern clinical practices.
• Eastern Illinois - Southwestern Illinois College, Belleville, IL: With a focus on holistic health, this college provides students with a well-rounded education in massage therapy, preparing them for various therapeutic settings.
• Western Illinois - Waubonsee Community College, Sugar Grove, IL: This college stands out for its state-of-the-art facilities and a curriculum that balances theory with hands-on training.
• Central Illinois - Soma Institute, Chicago, IL: Located in the heart of Illinois, Soma Institute is renowned for its specialized programs catering to various massage therapy techniques, from traditional to contemporary.

Each school offers unique attributes, making them excellent choices for those looking to start their clinical massage therapy education in Illinois.

Insurance Requirements

1. Malpractice or Professional Liability Insurance
   
2. General Liability Protection

License Renewals

1. Renewal Notice: Expect a notice from IDFPR 2-3 months before license expiration.
2. Complete CEUs: Complete the necessary CEUs before renewal.
3. Application Submission: Fill out the renewal application from IDFPR and pay the associated fees. The fee is typically $87.50, due on December 31 of even-numbered years.
4. Background Check: Update your criminal background check if required.
5. Verification and Confirmation: Verify your license status and wait for IDFPR to process your renewal.

• Approved Courses: Choose courses approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). The Illinois Board of Massage accepts various courses, making sure you have various options to meet your educational needs.
• CEUs Requirement: Illinois requires massage therapists to complete 24 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every two years. This includes specific courses such as 2 CEUs in ethics and 1 CEU in sexual harassment prevention training. These specialized courses are essential in promoting ethical practice and awareness of important societal issues 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.

Transfer of License and License Reciprocity

For massage therapists seeking to transfer their license to Illinois or understand the state's reciprocity policies, here's what you need to know:

License Transfer Methods:

• Acceptance of Examination: Applicants who have passed either the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx) or a credentialing exam offered by the NCBTMB can use this Illinois licensure method.

• Endorsement: If you hold a current massage license in good standing from another state, you can apply for licensure in Illinois via endorsement. This method requires that the licensing requirements of your original state be substantially equivalent to or greater than those in Illinois at the time your original license was issued.

Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact):

• 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.

• Illinois' Participation: Illinois currently does not currently 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.

Given the evolving nature of interstate compacts and licensure requirements, it's advisable for Licensed Massage Therapists (LMTs) in Illinois to regularly check for updates, especially regarding the state's involvement in the Interstate Massage Compact. 

This participation could significantly alter licensure requirements and practice opportunities in multiple states. For the most current information, it would be beneficial to consult the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), the official Interstate Massage Compact website.