Montana Massage Therapist State Requirements
As a massage therapist in Montana, a state renowned for its Rocky Mountain terrain and populated by more cattle than people, you're part of an exclusive community contributing to the health and well-being of over one million residents.
Yet, with this respected craft comes responsibility, and safeguarding yourself from potential liabilities is essential. Below, we will provide clear, concise, and relevant information specifically tailored for those in the massage therapy field in Montana.
How to Become a Massage Therapist in Montana
The Montana board requires candidates to complete a 500-hour, state-approved massage therapy program, including anatomy, physiology, massage techniques, and essential business ethics. Candidates must also pass one of the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) or the NCETMB/NCETM credentialing exam.
Submit your application to the Montana Board of Massage Therapy with proof of education, exam results, and supporting documents like character references. Remember, completing your program earns you an official transcript, which the institution must directly send to the board. Keep reading more details.
Education Requirements:
Complete a massage therapy program of at least 500 hours that meets the curriculum guidelines established by an accredited organization.
The curriculum must include:
200 hours of in-class and instructor-supervised massage and bodywork assessment, theory, and application instruction.
A combined 150 hours of instruction on anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and pathology.
A combined 150 hours of business and ethics instruction and instruction in a related field.
Pass the MBLEx, NCETMB, NESL, NCETM, or a state-approved equivalent examination.
Licensure Requirements:
Be 18 years old or older.
Be of good moral character.
Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Submit a completed massage therapist application form with the $140 fee.
If applying by credential (licensed in another state): Possess an active license from another state with equivalent licensing requirements.
Submit required documents including:
Official license verification from all states where you've held a professional license.
Certified transcript or certificate of completion verifying your high school diploma or equivalent.
Verification of passing score on the MBLEx, NCETMB, NESL, NCETM, or equivalent exam (if applicable).
Massage Therapy Schools in Montana
Choosing the right massage school for prospective massage therapists in Montana is a critical step in their career journey. Here are reputable schools from different regions in Montana:
North Montana: Massage Training Institute in Kalispell
This institute offers a blend of online and face-to-face weekend classes from October through May, providing flexibility for students. The program prepares you for the MBLEx exam and certifies you as a Neuromuscular Therapist.
South Montana: Health Works Institute in Bozeman
Located in Bozeman, Health Works Institute is known for its comprehensive curriculum that exceeds the state's minimum requirement of 500 hours, ensuring a well-rounded education in massage therapy.
East Montana: Montana School of Massage in Missoula
In Missoula, students can go beyond the basic requirements with advanced and specialized training opportunities. The educational environment in Missoula is conducive to achieving state licensure and National Board certification, offering a strong foundation for a career in massage therapy.
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Central Montana: Sacred Roots Massage School of Montana
With campuses in Bozeman and Missoula and options for distance learning, Sacred Roots offers a holistic-based massage education. The school encourages personal and professional growth, focusing on balance between mind, body, and spirit.
Each school offers unique attributes, making them excellent choices for those looking to start their clinical massage therapy education in Montana.
Insurance Requirements
While not a state requirement for licensure, Montana's massage therapists are highly advised to maintain professional liability insurance. These measures offer protection against potential legal issues coming from your practice.
For more detailed information, check out our Montana massage liability insurance page.
How Much Does Montana 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 & Continuing Education
Renewing your massage therapy license in Montana is key to maintaining your professional status. Here's what to expect:
Renewal Process
For renewing your massage therapy license in Montana, there are several steps that you need to follow:
- Complete Continuing Education: Montana requires massage therapists to complete 12 hours of continuing education units (CEUs) every two-year license period. This should include courses related to the field of massage therapy.
- Record Your Education: Always maintain continuing education records for at least four years. This is crucial as you may be asked to present these records if the Montana Board of Massage Therapy audits you.
- Prepare Your Renewal Application: After completing your continuing education requirements, you can prepare your renewal application. This process includes providing information about your continuing education and other aspects of your professional practice.
- Pay Renewal Fee: Along with your renewal application, you must pay the renewal fee of $90. Remember, the fee increases to $180 if your renewal is late.
- Submit Your Application: Send your completed application and the renewal fee to the Montana Board of Massage Therapy.
- Wait for Approval: Once your application and payment are submitted, you must wait for the board's approval. Upon approval, you will receive your renewed license.
To avoid any disruption in your practice, it is advised to start this process well before your license expires.
Continuing education
Continuing education is important to maintaining a massage therapy license in Montana. Here's what you can anticipate:
In Montana, licensed massage therapists must complete 12 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain their licensure. The continuing education must be relevant to massage therapy. It can include ethics, business practices, health and hygiene, and techniques.
Additionally, at least 2 of these hours must be in professional ethics. Massage therapists must keep records of their continuing education for at least four years. They may be asked to provide these records if the Montana Board of Massage Therapy audits them.
MMIP offers over 60 hours of free online continuing education when you sign up for a policy.
Transfer of License and License Reciprocity
For massage therapists seeking to transfer their license to Montana or understand the state's reciprocity policies, here's what you need to know:
- Hold a license from a state with equal or greater requirements (500 hours).
- Submit a completed application and fee to the Montana Board of Massage Therapy.
- Verify an active license in good standing from another state.
- Your out-of-state program must have included:200 hours of massage and bodywork instruction
- 150 hours of anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology instruction
- 150 hours of business, ethics, and related field instruction
- Pass a national massage therapy exam (MBLEx, NCETMB, NESL, NCETM, or equivalent).
Interstate Massage Compact (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.
Montana 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.
For in-depth information and to get started with the Interstate Massage Compact, please visit our Interstate Massage Compact Page.
Given the evolving nature of interstate compacts and licensure requirements, Montana's licensed massage therapists (LMTs) should check for updates regularly, 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 Montana Department of Labor and Industry and 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.
