Massage therapy training requirements vary state to state. Here in Oregon, massage schools must provide hundreds of hours of classes to each student, and those hours must fit into different categories of knowledge. As one of several massage schools in the Portland, Oregon area, we are careful to ensure our program meets the state’s requirements for becoming an LMT. If you’re looking into massage therapy training, it’s necessary to understand Oregon requirements for body workers in massage.
Portland, OR Massage School on State Massage Therapy Licensure Requirements
Here are the critical components of earning your massage therapy license in Oregon.
1. Complete a Qualified Massage Therapy Training Program.
The Oregon Board of Massage Therapy requires 625 hours (25 quarter credits/15.74 semester credits) of education from an accredited massage school. The education hours must include:
–Massage Health Sciences classes including Anatomy and Physiology, Pathology, and Kinesiology must comprise at least 200 hours (8 quarter credits/5.34 semester credits).
–Massage Theory and Practical Application classes including Clinical Practice, Business Development, Sanitation, Communication and Ethics must comprise at least 300 hours (12 quarter credits/8 semester credits).
–An Additional 125 hours may be in any of the subject areas listed above.
Are LMT aspirants done once they’ve finished with classes at their massage schools? Portland, OR to Seattle, WA, the answer is no. You must also pass several massage exams.
2. Pass a National Examination approved by the Oregon State Board of Massage Therapists.
While the Oregon massage therapy licensing website currently lists approved exams as the MBLEX , the NCBTMB, and the CESI, the vast majority of applicants will take the MBLEX.
The NCBTMB no longer exists, as the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork no longer offers an entry level exam. Instead, they now offer certification in a higher standard, the BCTMB certification option. The CESI (Certification Exam for Structural Integration) is for a subset of bodyworkers, namely those specializing in Rolfing techniques.
The MBLEX is therefore the only option for those seeking to become licensed massage therapists in Oregon. Management of this exam is the primary raison d’etre for The Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards, a national non-profit organization that regulates the massage profession. Learn more and sign up for the exam at fsmtb.org/examination. Note: To be accepted by the state of Oregon, your MBLEX results must come from the test provider.
After passing this exam, you can apply for your LMT with the state of Oregon.
3. Pass the Oregon state exam on massage law and ethics.
The Oregon jurisprudence exam for licensing massage therapists is an open book test with 25 questions. Upon receiving your LMT application, the state will send you an email with login information for the jurisprudence exam.
There are a handful of additional components required on the journey to becoming a licensed massage therapist in the state of Oregon. The application process requires fingerprinting, three references, a current Basic Life Support certification, transcripts, and a 2” by 2” passport-sized color photograph taken within the last 12 months.
Here are the fees you can expect to pay during the Oregon massage therapy application process:
- MBLEX exam fee: $265 per attempt
- Oregon LMT application fee: $135
- Fingerprint processing fee: $47.25
- Initial Oregon Massage Therapy License Fee: $135-270 (This is based on your renewal date; if it is in less than 12 months, the fee will be $135. If your initial license will renew in more than 12 months, the initial fee will be $270.)
If you’re interested in learning more about the massage therapy training program at our school of massage in Portland, OR, please reach out to our LMT admissions office online or call us at 503-223-6500. We would be delighted to speak with you about our classes, our instructors, and the experiences of our alumni.
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