New Hampshire Massage Therapist State Requirements

Massage Therapy Schools in New Hampshire

Choosing the right massage school in New Hampshire is important for prospective massage therapists.

Here are some reputable schools across different regions in New Hampshire:

• Northern New Hampshire: White Mountains Community College in Berlin offers a Massage Therapy Certificate program. The program covers essential topics like anatomy, physiology, massage techniques, business, and ethics. It prepares students for the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) necessary for state licensure (White Mountains Community College).
• Southern New Hampshire: Nashua Community College provides a variety of programs, although specific details about a massage therapy program were not listed. Prospective students should contact the college directly for the most current offerings (Nashua Community College).
• Eastern New Hampshire: Great Bay Community College in Portsmouth offers a Massage Therapy Certificate that can be completed in one year. The curriculum includes practical applications and prepares students for the MBLEx (Great Bay Community College).
• Western New Hampshire: River Valley Community College provides a streamlined massage therapy program designed to be completed within a year, preparing students with hands-on experience for various therapeutic settings (River Valley Community College).

Additional information regarding licensing, such as detailed guidelines for massage therapists in New Hampshire, is available on the official website of the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC).

It is essential to confirm this information with the most recent guidelines issued by the regulatory authorities in New Hampshire and national certification boards, as requirements may be subject to change.

See our blog on how to become a massage therapist for more tips and guidance!

Insurance Requirements

Although not obligatory, it is highly recommended for massage therapists in New Hampshire to have insurance coverage. This precautionary step ensures the protection of both the therapists and their clients.

The essential types of insurance for massage therapists include:

• Malpractice or Professional Liability Insurance: This covers legal costs and damages if a therapist is sued for malpractice.
• General Liability Protection: This provides coverage for incidents that may occur within the practice environment, such as client injuries.

These insurance coverages play an essential role in ensuring a professional and secure practice environment, even though specific mandates are not in place in the regulations set by the state of New Hampshire.

For more detailed information, check out our New Hampshire Massage Insurance page.

License Renewals

Renewing your massage therapy license in New Hampshire is important for continuing your practice legally and professionally.

Here's what to expect:

License Renewal Steps:

1. Renewal Notice: Expect a notification from the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) a few months before your license expires.
2. Complete CEUs: Ensure you complete the required Continuing Education Units (CEUs) before renewal.
3. Application Submission: Submit the renewal application to OPLC and pay the associated fees. The fee is typically $110, and licenses must be renewed by the last day of the licensee’s birth month in even-numbered years.
4. Verification and Confirmation: Confirm your license status and wait for OPLC to process your renewal.

Following these steps ensures a seamless renewal process, keeping your license current to continue your professional massage therapy practice in New Hampshire.

Continuing Education (CE) Requirements:

Continuing education is required for maintaining a massage therapy license in New Hampshire. Here’s what you need to know:

• Approved Courses: Select courses approved by the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification. New Hampshire provides a variety of courses, offering many options to meet your educational requirements.
• CEUs Requirement: New Hampshire requires massage therapists to complete 12 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every two years. This includes courses on various relevant topics that are important for maintaining ethical standards and professional competency.
• Record-Keeping: Keep detailed records of your completed CEUs. This documentation is necessary for verification during the license renewal process. Proper records ensure you can efficiently demonstrate your fulfillment of continuing education requirements.

These regulations are designed to keep massage therapists informed with the most current practices, ethical standards, and professional knowledge, enhancing the quality of care for clients. Regularly check with the OPLC for any updates or changes in continuing education requirements.

Transfer of License and License Reciprocity

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

License Transfer Methods:

• Acceptance of Examination: Applicants who have passed the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) can use this method for New Hampshire licensure.
• Endorsement: If you hold a current massage license in good standing from another state, you can apply for licensure in New Hampshire via endorsement. This method requires that the licensing requirements of your original state be substantially equivalent to or greater than those in New Hampshire 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.
• New Hampshire’s Participation: New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire OPLC, or the official Interstate Massage Compact website.