Nebraska Massage Therapist State Requirements
Massage therapists in Nebraska must adhere to the standards set by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to practice within the state legally.
How to Become a Massage Therapist in Nebraska
To become a massage therapist in Nebraska, the minimum requirements include completing at least 1,000 hours of massage therapy education, including subjects such as; anatomy, physiology, hygiene and practical demonstration, pathology, massage, and health service management. Passing the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), a state jurisprudence examination, and a criminal background check are also required. For more detailed information, continue reading:
Nebraska Education and Application Requirements:
- Must be at least 19 years old.
- Must have completed a high school education; GED is also acceptable.
- Must Nebraska complete at least 1,000 hours of supervised massage therapy education, successfully passing all courses. 100 hours in each of the following areas:
- Anatomy
- Health Service Management
- Hydrotherapy
- Hygiene and Practical Demonstration
- Massage
- Pathology
- Physiology
- The remaining 300 hours must be in subject areas related to the clinical practice of massage therapy.
- Verify current CPR certificate.
- Pass the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) or NCTMB.
- Score at least 75% on the State Jurisprudence Exam
- Successfully pass a criminal background check and fingerprint processing.
- Disclosure of your social security number is required.
- Pay a non-refundable application fee of $110.
Detailed information on licensing, including the Nebraska Massage Therapy Licensing Act and specific regulations for massage therapists, can be accessed through the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services website.
Verify this information against the latest guidelines issued by Nebraska Health and Human Services and any relevant national certification boards, as the requirements can change.
See our blog on how to become a massage therapist for more tips and guidance!
Massage Therapy Schools in Nebraska
Choosing the right massage school for future massage therapists in Nebraska is an important step in their career.
Here's a list of top massage schools in Nebraska, organized by different regions of the state:
- Northern Nebraska - Universal College of Healing Arts, Omaha, NE: This school offers a holistic approach to massage therapy education with both certificate and associate degree programs.
- Southern Nebraska - Myotherapy Institute, Lincoln, NE: Located in the capital, this institute provides a comprehensive program in therapeutic massage, aiming to equip students with both practical skills and theoretical knowledge.
- Eastern Nebraska - Omaha School of Massage Therapy, Omaha, NE: Known for its long-standing educational tradition, this school focuses on a hands-on approach to massage therapy, tailored to meet local employer demands.
- Western Nebraska - Joseph's College Cosmetology, North Platte, NE: Although primarily a cosmetology school, it offers massage programs that integrate well with beauty and wellness training.
- Central Nebraska - College of Hair Design, East Campus, Lincoln, NE: Provides a robust curriculum with massage therapy and other beauty and wellness programs.
Each of these schools offers unique programs and specializations that cater to a wide range of interests in massage therapy.
Insurance Requirements
Although massage therapists in Nebraska are not required to have insurance, having insurance is a wise choice to protect and secure the practice.
The key insurance coverages are:
- Malpractice or Professional Liability Insurance
- General Liability Protection
These insurance requirements are vital for practicing massage therapy in Nebraska, helping to maintain a safe and secure environment for clients and meeting the state's regulatory standards.
For more detailed information, see our page about massage insurance in Nebraska.
License Renewals
Renewing your massage therapy license in Nebraska is important to maintaining your professional status.
Here's what to expect:
Renewal Process
- Renewal Notice: You will receive a notification from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services at least 30 days before the expiration of your license, which is every odd-numbered year on November 1st.
- Complete CEUs: Complete the necessary CEUs before renewal.
- Application Submission: When it's time to renew your license, you must submit the renewal application along with a fee of $110. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services will start the process.
- Background Check: Update your criminal background check if required.
- Verification and Confirmation: After submitting your renewal application, verify that all information is correct and wait for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services 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 Illinois.
Continuing education
Continuing education is necessary for maintaining a massage therapy license in Nebraska. Here's what you can expect:
- Approved Courses: Choose courses approved by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. The Nebraska Board of Massage Therapy accepts a
- variety of courses, ensuring you have different options to fulfill your educational requirements.
- CEUs Requirement: Massage therapists must complete 16 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every two years. This includes specific courses, such as 2 CEUs focused on ethics and 1 CEU on sexual harassment prevention training.
- Record-Keeping: Keep comprehensive records of your completed CEUs. This is important for verification when it's time to renew your license. Proper documentation ensures you can easily demonstrate your fulfillment of the required continuing education.
These requirements keep massage therapists up-to-date with the latest techniques, ethical standards, and professional knowledge, enhancing client care quality. Check with the NBMT regularly for any updates or changes in continuing education requirements.
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 Nebraska or understand the state's reciprocity policies, here's what you need to know:
License Transfer Methods:
- Acceptance of Examination: Nebraska recognizes the national massage therapy licensing examinations, including the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) provided by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards, as well as exams offered by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB). Passing one of these exams is a primary requirement for licensure in Nebraska.
- Candidates must also pass the state jurisprudence exam with a minimum score of 75%.
- Endorsement: If you hold a massage therapy license from another state, you can apply for licensure in Nebraska through reciprocity. You must show thatyou've completed 1,000 hours of education and training, meeting Nebraska’s requirements. The state also offers flexibility in meeting this requirement by allowing you to credit up to 100 hours of work experience for each full year of
- practice and up to 100 hours from continuing education approved by recognized organizations
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.
- Nebraska's Participation: Nebraska has not yet enacted the IMpact. 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 Nebraska to regularly check for updates, especially regarding the state's involvement in the Interstate Massage Compact through prospective legislation bill SB280.
This participation could alter licensure requirements and practice opportunities in multiple states. For the most current information, it would be beneficial to consult the Nebraska Board of Massage Therapy (NBMT) or the official Interstate Massage Compact website.
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