Oregon Massage Therapist State Requirements
Starting a career as a massage therapist in Oregon is an exciting journey. Understanding how to obtain your massage therapist license and keeping up with ongoing education can initially seem like a lot.
We aim to streamline the rules, help you verify your license status, and provide key information on what you need. Our mission is to equip you with the knowledge and assurance required for a fulfilling massage therapy career.
How to Become a Massage Therapist in Oregon
To become a licensed massage therapist in Oregon, you must complete a 625-hour training program from an accredited school pass a Board-approved national examination (such as MBLEx, NCBTMB, CESI), and the Oregon Jurisprudence exam. The training must include health sciences, massage theory, practical application, and other related subjects. You'll also need to undergo a background check and provide various documents, including official transcripts and proof of CPR certification. The licensing process involves submitting an application, completing the necessary exams, and paying associated fees. Here's a more detailed look:
Education and Training Requirements:
- Completion of Training: Aspiring massage therapists are required to complete a minimum of 625 hours of instruction from a school approved by the Oregon State Board of Massage Therapists. These training hours include both classroom learning and hands-on clinical experience.
- 200 hours of health sciences, consisting of Anatomy and Physiology, Pathology, and Kinesiology
- 300 hours of Massage Theory and Practical Application, Clinical Practice, Business Development, Sanitation, Communication, and Ethics
- The remaining 125 hours required may be in any of the above subject areas
- Examination: Candidates need to pass the Oregon Jurisprudence (law) exam and have passed a Board approved written National Examination.
License Requirements:
- Background Check: New applicants are required to submit fingerprints for a national criminal background check before their license is issued. Oregon mandates electronic fingerprinting, which carries a $47.25 fee for processing the fingerprints. Must be paid to OBMT to start the background check process. Fieldprint will access a $12.50 fee for obtaining your fingerprints. Include a current copy of BLS, Basic Life Support certification
- Application Process: Complete an application and submit it to the Oregon State Board of Massage Therapists, along with the non-refundable application fee of $100. The application should include proof of education, examination scores, and other required documentation.
Massage Therapy Schools in Oregon
For those looking to start or further their career in massage therapy, Oregon hosts a variety of reputable massage therapy schools across the state, offering different programs to suit different interests within the field. Here are highlights from different regions across Oregon, each offering unique programs and specializations:
- East West College of the Healing Arts: Located in Portland, this private school is recognized by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation. It offers an 800-clock-hour program that can be completed full-time in a year or part-time in 15 months, covering various massage techniques and therapies.
- University of Western States: A private, nonprofit institution in Portland and Salem, recognized by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation. It offers a part-time program teaching Swedish, deep tissue, sports, and medical massage techniques with access to an anatomical sciences building and library.
- Sage School of Massage & Esthetics: Situated in Bend, this private institute provides a 740-clock-hour certificate program that can be completed in seven months of day classes. The curriculum includes health sciences, professional development, and various massage techniques.
- Carrington College-Portland: Offers a certificate program in massage therapy that includes Swedish, sports, deep tissue, and chair massage techniques. The program also includes a career development seminar and an externship.
- Rogue Community College: A public school in Grants Pass that offers two massage therapy certificate programs focusing on a wide range of massage techniques and requiring additional general education classes for the one-year program.
- Oregon School of Massage: This private, professional school in Oregon specializes in massage and allied health education. It offers courses for aspiring massage therapists, licensed professionals, and the general public.
- IBS School of Cosmetology and Massage: Known for its competency-based education in Eugene, this school offers a three-day or two-day massage program that prepares students for state and national exams in about six months.
- Gorge Academy of Cosmetology and Massage: Focuses on a 650-hour massage therapy program that aims to prepare students for immediate employment opportunities with a strong emphasis on the health and wellness industry.
- Each institution presents distinct advantages; this could be an emphasis on particular techniques in massage, an all-inclusive curriculum featuring business and ethical education, or adaptable class schedules designed to meet the diverse requirements of its students.
Insurance Requirements
Oregon does not mandate that massage therapists carry liability insurance. Given the nature of the profession, however, liability insurance is advisable for added protection against potential claims and lawsuits. It is an integral part of your practice's protection.
A policy from Massage Magazine Insurance Plus offers comprehensive protection for massage therapists, providing $2 million in coverage per occurrence and a total aggregate coverage of $3 million. Our coverage affords you the peace of mind to focus on what you need to.
For more detailed information, check out our Oregon massage insurance page.
License Renewals
In Oregon, massage therapists must renew their licenses every two years. Here's a concise guide based on Oregon regulations:
License Renewal Steps:
- Renewal Deadline: Every two years on the first day of the month of your expiration date.
- .Renewal Fee: The renewal fee is $200, plus any applicable online processing fees.
- Online Processing: Renewals can be completed online, starting 60 days before the expiration.
- Late Renewal: Late renewals incur additional fees of $25 per week to a maximum of $200, so renewing on time is important to avoid these charges.
Continuing Education (CE) Requirements:
- CE Hours: 25 hours of CE credits for each two-year renewal period.
- Supervised hours: The total number of CE hours required is 25, and the minimum number of "supervised hours" is 8.
- Flexible CE Hours: At least 4 supervised hours must be in Professional Ethics, Boundaries, and/or Communication. The remaining 17 of 25 may be supervised or unsupervised hours.
Following these guidelines ensures a smooth renewal process, maintaining your license, and continuing your professional practice in Oregon.
MMIP offers over 60 hours of free online continuing education when you sign up for a policy.
Transfer of License and License Reciprocity
The Oregon Board may license massage therapists from other states through endorsement or reciprocity, provided:
License Transfer Requirements:
- The applicant's current license is from a state with requirements equal to Oregon's (625 hours).
- They meet the Oregon Board's established criteria.
- They might need to pass an exam determined by their education, previous exams, work experience, and years of practice.
- Individuals already licensed in Oregon for practices within the massage definition may be licensed by endorsement after passing a practical exam.
Regular consultations with the Oregon State Board of Massage Therapists and relevant professional organizations are advisable to obtain the latest updates and understand how they may impact your practice. For further information, visit the Oregon Legislature's updates on Impact.
Costs per day represents the cost of the total policy amount divided by policy days. Daily payments are not available.