Utah Massage Therapist State Requirements
Although beginning a career as a massage therapist in Utah is thrilling, it is also tough. It may be unclear how to get your massage therapist license and how to keep up with continual study at first glance. The laws? Having your license status examined? Learning? Don’t worry, we’re here to assist in breaking things down for you. We try to promote your self-assurance and competency so that you may begin your new career as a massage therapist in Utah prepared and eager.
How to Become a Massage Therapist in Utah
To qualify as a massage therapist in Utah, you can complete a 600-hour educational program or a 1,000-hour apprenticeship covering anatomy and massage techniques. Afterward, you need to pass the MBLEx and a state jurisprudence exam. Licensure involves submitting proof of education or aprenticeship completion, examination results, undergoing the background check, and paying a nonrefundable application fee of $100 to the Utah Division of Occupational & Professional Licensing (DOPL). Here's a more detailed look:
Education and Training Requirements:
Completion of Training: Prospective massage therapists in Utah must complete a school-based program or an apprenticeship. School-based programs require a minimum of 600 hours, whereas apprenticeships entail at least 1,000 hours over a period of at least one year.
School-Based Program:
- Registered with the Utah Department of Commerce, Division of Consumer Protection, or an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- Minimum 125 hours in anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology.
- At least 40 hours in pathology.
- A minimum 15 hours is dedicated to universal precautions and sanitation, including CPR and first aid.
- 285 hours of massage therapy theory and technique, including Swedish massage.
- At least 35 hours covering professional standards, business practices, and ethics.
- 100 hours of clinic coursework in a supervised student clinic.
Apprenticeship Program:
- Minimum duration of one year, including at least 1,000 hours.
- 300 hours of training in massage therapy services.
- 310 hours of hands-on instruction.
- 120 hours focusing on techniques, including basic Swedish massage strokes.
- 50 hours in massage theory.
- 40 hours in professional standards, business practices, and ethics.
Examination: For Utah licensure, candidates must pass the National Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) or NCBTMB exam and a state jurisprudence exam focusing on Utah's law and massage therapy regulations.
License Requirements:
- Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 18.
- Background Check: Applicants must have their fingerprints taken, which can be done electronically at the DOPL office in Salt Lake City or on fingerprint cards through local law enforcement agencies. Incomplete or low-quality cards will be rejected and may delay the issuance of your license.
- Complete a CPR course within 3 years before licensure.
- Application Process: Complete an application and submit it to the Division of Professional Licensing along with the non-refundable application fee of $90. The application should include proof of education, examination scores, and other required documentation.
Request from the FSMTB or the NCBTMB to have your national examination results transferred to the Division.
Massage Therapy Schools in Utah
For those looking to start or further their career in massage therapy, Oregon boasts a variety of reputable massage therapy schools across the state, offering diverse programs to suit different interests within the field. Here are highlights from different regions across Oregon, each offering unique programs and specializations:
- Cortiva Institute-Salt Lake: Offers a 736-hour Massage Therapy program that can be completed in as little as 7.5 months. It has multiple locations, including Salt Lake City and Orem.
- Aveda Institute-Provo: This institute is known for small class sizes (6-8 students) and a part-time schedule of over 600 clock hours. Courses include Hydrotherapy, Energy Work, Plant Aromaology, Body Movement Techniques, and various massage methods.
- Healing Mountain Massage School: With campuses in Salt Lake City or Cedar City, this school offers a 900-clock-hour program. The curriculum is diverse, covering topics like Zen & the Art of Massage, Hydrotherapy & Spa Techniques, and many more.
- Myotherapy College of Utah: This Salt Lake City institution offers a 780-hour, 39-credit program. The curriculum includes Swedish Massage, Chair/Trigger Massage, Nutrition, and other specialized courses.
- Zion Massage College: This college offers a comprehensive 900-hour professional massage therapy program in St. George. The program focuses on a holistic approach and blending Western and Eastern techniques.
- Renaissance College: Located in Bountiful, Utah, offers a personalized education experience with small class sizes and a 900-hour accredited program that includes Business, Ethics, Massage Therapy, Specialized Modality, Integrative Cranial Sacral, and Continuing Education.
- Southern Utah Academy of Healing Arts: Based in Cedar City, this school provides an 850-hour massage therapy training program focused on clinical and rehabilitative therapy, including Swedish massage, craniosacral therapy, Thai massage, and more.
- Intermountain Massage Therapy College: Established in Southeastern Utah and expanding to Davis County, this college emphasizes knowledge retention, safety, and a nurturing environment, with small classes for individual attention.
Each of these schools offers unique aspects to their programs. Students can find a match for their specific career goals in massage therapy. Whether you're interested in a comprehensive approach that includes both Eastern and Western techniques, a focus on clinical and rehabilitative therapy, or a program that incorporates business and ethics into the curriculum, Utah provides a range of options to start your career in massage therapy.
Insurance Requirements
While insurance is not listed as a direct requirement for licensure by the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL), it is highly recommended for professional practice. Liability insurance is important for protecting massage therapists from potential claims related to their practice, covering various scenarios from professional liability to general business operations.
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. It exceeds the state's minimum requirements, offering additional financial security.
For more detailed information, check out our Utah massage insurance page.
How Much Does Utah Massage Insurance Cost?
1 year full-time Professional Rate
$
169
/1yr
Cost to you: $0.46/day
2 year full-time
professional rate
$
299
/2yr
Cost to you: $0.41/day
1 year part-time
professional rate
$
159
/1yr
Cost to you: $0.43/day
License Renewals
In Utah, massage therapists must renew their licenses every three years. Here's a concise guide based on Utah regulations:
License Renewal Steps:
- Renewal Deadline: Licenses expire on May 31 of odd years.
- Renewal Fee: The renewal fee is $52 for therapists and $20 for apprentices, plus any applicable online processing fees.
- Online Processing: Renewals can be completed online, ensuring convenience and immediate processing.
- Late Renewal: In Utah, additional fees may apply for late renewals of massage therapy licenses. Renewing your license on time is important to avoid these extra charges.
Continuing Education (CE) Requirements:
While Utah doesn't currently mandate continuing education (CE) for massage therapist license renewals, licenses do require renewal every two years. The expiration date falls on May 31st of odd-numbered year.
However, even though Utah doesn't mandate CE for license renewal, taking continuing education courses can be beneficial for:
- Staying updated on the latest massage therapy techniques and knowledge
- Earning certifications in specific modalities
- Maintaining membership in professional organizations that might require CE
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 Utah or understand reciprocity, this is what you need to know:
License Transfer Requirements:
- Completion of equivalent education and training of 500 hours or more.
- Documentation must be provided for:
- Graduation from a licensed or recognized school outside Utah with a minimum of 500 hours.
- Completion of examination requirements.
- A minimum of three years of practice as a licensed massage therapist.
- Applicants must pass the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx).
Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact):
- About IMpact: The Compact aims to allow licensed massage therapists to practice in member states without additional licensing, promoting mobility within the profession. Each state must enact specific model legislation to join IMpact.
- Utah's Position: Utah has no pending legislation regarding the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact). 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.
Read about the Interstate Massage Compact and its potential changes to the industry.
If you're a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) in Utah, it's crucial to stay informed about developments such as Utah's participation in interstate compacts or legislative updates impacting massage therapy.
Costs per day represents the cost of the total policy amount divided by policy days. Daily payments are not available.
