North Carolina Massage Therapist State Requirements
A career in massage therapy in North Carolina offers both challenges and rewards. If becoming a licensed massage therapist seems daunting, rest assured that many share your feelings.
Understanding the North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy regulations, the licensure process, and keeping up with continuing education requirements can appear overwhelming. However, we're here to provide clarity and support, acting as your guide through the intricacies of North Carolina's massage therapy board regulations, licensure verification, and education prerequisites.
Our goal is to give you with the necessary information and confidence and to be a supportive instructor in a massage therapy program, ensuring you're well-prepared for a fulfilling career in massage therapy.
How to Become a Massage Therapist
in North Carolina
To become a massage therapist in North Carolina, individuals must meet certain criteria, including the completion of at least 500 hours of massage therapy education from an approved school and passing the MBLEx (Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination) or an equivalent exam recognized by the North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy.
Applicants must be a minimum of 18 years of age. A background check, including both state and federal components, is also necessary. The application process requires the submission of a duly filled application form and a fee of $150. Although not mandated by law, procuring liability insurance is advised to safeguard your practice. Continue reading for additional information.
Education and Training Requirements:
- Completion of Training: Complete 500 hours of massage therapy training and clinical experience at a school approved by the North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy.
- 200 hours in fundamental theory and practice of massage therapy
- 100 hours of anatomy and physiology
- 15 hours of ethics and NC laws and rules
- 15 hours of business management practices
- 20 hours of psychological concepts
- 150 hours in other related courses such as adjunct modalities and hands-on techniques
- Examination: Pass the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) or an equivalent exam recognized by the North Carolina board.
License Requirements:
- Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years old.
- Background Check: A background check, including fingerprint records, is successfully passed by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
- Application Process: Submit a fully completed application form along with a $150 fee.
With a valid North Carolina license, professionals can practice massage therapy within the state, adhering to regulations and ensuring client safety. The North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy website offers additional information on licensing. It is important to consult the most current guidelines the North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy provides, as requirements may be updated.
Massage Therapy Schools in North Carolina
Choosing the right massage school in North Carolina is important for your career in massage therapy. Here's an overview of reputable schools across the state, tailored to match the structure you requested:
- Western North Carolina - Western North Carolina School of Massage (Asheville, NC): A sanctuary for personal and professional growth, offering a 625-hour diploma program and continuing education for licensed therapists. Small class sizes ensure individual attention and a close-knit learning environment.
- Central North Carolina - NC Massage School (Cornelius, NC): Established in 2002, this school offers a 650-hour diploma program focusing on neuromuscular certification and a holistic approach to massage therapy. Day and evening classes are available, catering to various schedules.
- Eastern North Carolina - Wake Tech (Raleigh, NC): Prepares graduates for the MBLEx with a 625-hour program at the Perry Health Sciences Campus. The program emphasizes the importance of therapeutic massage in health and wellness across the lifespan.
- North-Central North Carolina - Forsyth Tech Community College (Winston-Salem, NC): Offers an Associate Degree in Applied Science and certificate programs in Therapeutic Massage. These comprehensive programs focus on techniques to promote relaxation, stress relief, and well-being.
- Greater Raleigh Area - The Healing Arts and Massage School (Raleigh, NC): Provides a 625-hour Licensing Program in Holistic Massage and Bodywork Therapy, preparing students for the licensing exam with evening and daytime class schedules. Continuing education opportunities are also available.
- Johnston County - Johnston Community College (Smithfield, NC): Features both curriculum and continuing education options in Therapeutic Massage, aiming to prepare graduates for various healthcare settings. The program emphasizes ethical/legal issues, business practices, and psychology in massage therapy.
Each of these schools offers unique programs and specializations, making them excellent choices for starting or furthering your education in massage therapy in North Carolina.
Consider your specific interests, schedule, and career goals when choosing the right program for you
Insurance Requirements
While it's not legally mandated, massage therapists are strongly encouraged to maintain liability insurance in North Carolina. While the state does not specify the required proof of coverage amounts for application and licensure, comprehensive coverage benefits professional protection.
A policy from Massage Magazine Insurance Plus can offer protection for massage therapists in North Carolina, including $2 million in coverage per occurrence with a total aggregate coverage of $3 million. This level of coverage provides a substantial safety net, surpassing what many professionals might deem necessary given the lack of simpapecific state mandates.
For more information, read our North Carolina massage insurance page.
License Renewals
In North Carolina, the renewal of a massage therapy license is contingent upon satisfying certain educational and examination requirements determined by the state. Maintaining an active massage therapy license in North Carolina is important for upholding your professional credibility. Here is what you need to know:
License Renewal Steps:
Renewal Deadline: License renewals must be submitted by December 31, every two years, to avoid late fees.
Renewal Fee: A two-year license renewal costs $100 (non-refundable), which can be completed online.
Online Processing Fee: A nominal online processing charge is incurred during renewal.
Late Renewal: A late renewal costs $200.00.
Background Check: Renewal applicants may be subject to a criminal background check, including fingerprinting, with all associated fees payable by the applicant.
Continuing Education (CE) Requirements:
CE Hours: 24 hours of continuing education are required for renewal every two years.
Hands-On Instruction: A minimum of 12 CE hours must be in direct, hands-on participation in a live workshop setting.
Flexible CE Hours: The remaining 12 CE hours can be obtained through a mix of hands-on workshops and other approved educational activities relevant to massage therapy.
These criteria are designed to keep therapists informed of the latest practices, ethical norms, and knowledge in the field, ultimately benefiting client care. It's advised to regularly consult the North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy 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 massage therapists looking to transfer their license to North Carolina or to understand the state's reciprocity agreements, here are the details:
License Transfer Requirements:
The applicant must hold a current license in another state, territory, or D.C. with requirements that are substantially equivalent to or exceed those of North Carolina.
Completion of a minimum of 500 hours in a massage therapy program is required. The program must be approved by the state, territory, D.C., or Canadian province's regulatory board where the school is located.
The original license must have been obtained after passing an examination recognized by the North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy, which includes:
The Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB).
National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage (NCETM) or National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB) offered by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB), prior to their discontinuation.
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.
North Carolina’s Participation: North Carolina 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 North Carolina to regularly check for updates, especially regarding the state's involvement in the Interstate Massage Compact.
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