New Mexico Massage Therapist State Requirements

Massage Therapy Schools in New Mexico

Choosing the right massage school for prospective massage therapists in New Mexico is an important step in their career journey.

Here are some reputable schools from different regions in New Mexico:

• Northern New Mexico - Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM: Offers a comprehensive massage therapy certificate program, emphasizing skills in various therapeutic techniques and preparing students well for the certification exam.
• Southern New Mexico - Massage Therapy Training Institute, Las Cruces, NM: Known for its practical approach to massage therapy education, offering hands-on training that prepares students for immediate entry into the profession.
• Eastern New Mexico - Mountain Meadow Massage School, Alto, NM: Provides an intimate learning environment with a focus on both the technical and holistic aspects of massage therap.
• Western New Mexico - Body Care School of Healing Arts (Las Cruces, NM): Specializes in blending traditional and modern massage techniques, fostering a well-rounded skill set in its students.
• Central New Mexico - Albuquerque School of Healing Arts, Albuquerque, NM: Offers a holistic massage training program that integrates a wide range of bodywork modalities, emphasizing community health and well-being.

Each school focuses on different aspects of massage therapy, catering to various interests and professional goals for aspiring massage therapists in New Mexico.

Insurance Requirements

In New Mexico, while it is not legally mandatory for massage therapists to carry insurance, obtaining insurance in any state is highly recommended.

The key insurance coverages are:

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

These insurance requirements are important for practicing massage therapy in New Mexico. By covering unforeseen liabilities, they help ensure a safer practice environment for clients and therapists.

License Renewals

Renewing your massage therapy license in New Mexico is necessary to maintain your professional status.

Here's what to expect:

Renewal Process

• Renewal Notice: Expect an email notice from NMMTB 75 days before license expiration.
• Complete CEUs: Complete the necessary 16 CEUs before renewal.
• Application Submission: Fill out the renewal application on the board's registration portal and pay the associated fees. The fee is typically $125.
• Background Check: Update your criminal background check if required.
• Verification and Confirmation: Once renewed online, please print the electronic copy of your license, which you may use until your official license is received from the board office.

Following these steps guarantees a smooth renewal process, keeping your license up-to-date, and continuing your professional massage therapy practice in New Mexico.

Continuing education:

Continuing education is necessary for maintaining a massage therapy license in New Mexico. Here's what you can expect:

• Approved Courses: Select courses approved by the New Mexico Massage Therapy Board. The Board in New Mexico recognizes a variety of courses,ensuring you have multiple options to fulfill your educational requirements effectively.
• CEUs Requirement: For each renewal period, you must complete at least 4 hours of ethics training as part of the overall 16-hour continuing education requirement. Additionally, a minimum of 8 hours must be live, in-person training, including live webinars or Zoom sessions on massage-related topics from approved providers. Publishing a massage therapy article in a local, regional, or
• national publication earns licensees up to 12 CE credits per renewal period.
• Record-Keeping: Keep detailed records of all your completed continuing education units (CEUs). It's important for when you need to renew your license. Having organized documentation helps you easily demonstrate that you've met the required educational standards.

These guidelines in New Mexico help ensure that massage therapists remain current with the latest practices, ethical norms, and professional knowledge to enhance the quality of care for clients. It's important to regularly consult the New Mexico Massage Therapy Board for any updates or changes to the 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 therapists looking to transfer their license to New Mexico or understand reciprocity, this is what you need to know:

License Transfer Methods:

• Acceptance of Examination: In New Mexico, applicants who have passed the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) can use this as a method for licensure.
• Endorsement: If you hold a current and active massage therapy license in good standing from another state, you may apply for licensure in New Mexico through endorsement. This method typically requires that the licensing standards of your original state be equivalent to or exceed those of New Mexico 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 Mexico’s Participation: New Mexico 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 New Mexico 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 Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department or the official Interstate Massage Compact website.