However, the program will include, at minimum, the following coursework. The subjects may include anatomy, kinesiology, physiology, pathology, principles of human behavior, massage theory and practice, hydrotherapy, hygiene, first aid, Washington law pertaining to the practice of massage, and such other subjects as the board may deem useful to test applicant's fitness to practice massage therapy. CEU requirements 24 hours biennially. For the purpose of this section, active practice means at least two hundred hours of practice in each of the previous three years. If visits are between 13 - 24 for either discipline . Kailua Kona, HI 96740 Application - for licensure to practice massage in Washington. (10) "Reflexology business" means the operation of a business where reflexology services are provided. Out-of-state massage therapist applicants. In this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires, the following meanings shall apply: (1) "Animal massage therapist" means an individual with a license to practice massage therapy in this state with additional training in animal therapy. Applicants must pass one or more of the following exams: Applicants must list all states where they do or did hold credentials. You must pay the application fee at the time you apply. However, this subsection does not prohibit a licensed massage therapist from using any of these terms as a description of services. The first step to becominga massage therapist is acquiring the necessary training and meeting the required education requirements. The questions will match the name and address you provide with the existing public record information. (c) Meets other requirements for reinstatement, as may be determined by the board. Washington State Department of Health Board of Massage(application and payment)Dept. However, all qualifying education must be pursued through programs approved by the Board. We finish final review for approval after a credentialing specialist verifies that the application is fully complete, and complies with requirements in chapter 18.240 RCW and chapter 246-810 WAC. Successful completion of an examination administered by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) or Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB). It's not advisable to wait until the CE is due to request the extension. (11) "Secretary" means the secretary of health or the secretary's designee. There are additional items you may need, in addition to your application: If you have questions, contact our Customer Service staff members at 360-236-4700. However, this subsection does not prohibit a certified reflexologist from using the term reflexology or derivations of the term, subject to subsection (2)(b) of this section. We aim to keep this site current and to correct errors brought to our attention. (2) This chapter shall not be construed to: (a) Require individual or group policies or contracts of a health carrier to provide, or prohibit such policies or contracts from providing, benefits or coverage for services and supplies provided by a person licensed under this chapter; or. The first re-approval for massage programs or schools will be three years after initial approval. AMTA members save up to 40%! To do so, you need you to enroll in a massage school and complete at least 500 hours of training. Program: Equine Natural Movement. Definition, Schools and the Future, Massage Therapy as an Alternative to Opioids, Helping Others Heal Begins with Healing Yourself: A Massage Therapy Career, Massage Therapist Career Paths: Opportunities for Advancement, Massage Therapist: Self Employment vs. Employment. Massage theory and practice will comprise 265 hours. Two of these hours must include professional roles and boundaries. In order to qualify for a massage therapy license in Washington State, all applicants must show successful completion of board-approved massage school, massage program, transfer program or apprenticeship program. [. The first time you add the service, you'll be prompted to answer several questions to verify your identity. Contact your state licensing board for the most current information and requirements. Both amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW, This section was amended by 2016 c 41 8 and by 2016 c 81 11, each without reference to the other. Each applicant must answer the personal data questions. A faculty member who is a massage therapist with at least three-years of experience in massage therapy must provide direct supervision as a clinical supervisor, per WAC 246-830-420 (1) (d), and have final decisions in the massage treatment which is rendered to clients or patients by students. (2) "Board" means the Washington state board of massage. For more information about starting your journey towards a career in massage therapy, contact our Seattle Clinical Massage School admission department today! The affirmative vote of a majority of a quorum of the board is required to carry a motion or resolution, to adopt a rule, or to pass a measure. Authority of local political subdivisions. (1) Beginning July 1, 2013, applicants for the reflexology certification examination must demonstrate to the secretary's satisfaction that the following requirements have been met: (a)(i) Successful completion of a course of study in an approved reflexology program; or, (ii) Successful completion of an apprenticeship program approved by the secretary; and. (1)(a) No person may practice or represent himself or herself as a massage therapist without first applying for and receiving from the department a license to practice. To qualify for an animal massage certification, the applicant must show successful completion of a secretary approved animal massage training program. 19601 Rd. It is our current understanding that Washington requires massage therapists to complete 24 CE hours every 2 years for license renewal. Online applications are accessed through SecureAccess Washington (SAW) security portal. A minimum of five hundred hours of education and training, and approved by the equivalent licensing agency or agencies in the state, territory, or foreign jurisdiction in which it is located at the time of applicant's graduation, at least two years of experience, and documentation of at least twenty-four hours of continuing education within two years prior to making application. Washington Massage Therapy practitioners must renew their massage therapy license every year. Washington State law authorizes the Department of Health to obtain fingerprint-based background checks for licensing purposes. Massage therapist licensing information is available from the Washington State Department of Health (doh.wa.gov / Licenses Permits and Certificates / Massage Therapist). A minimum of 4 CE hours must be in ethics, communication and/or Washington . The board must be notified of any changes to an approved program including change of address, program hours and instructors. 130 hours of anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology. Yes. Once your application is approved, FSMTB will send you an Authorization to Test (ATT) containing instructions to schedule your examination online or by phone with Pearson VUE. This fee is non-refundable. Washington State law authorizes the Department of Health to obtain fingerprint-based background checks for licensing purposes. This list must also include when the applicant has applied for a credential, even if a credential was not granted. Physical Therapist vs. Massage Therapist: What are the differences? (1) The secretary shall issue a massage therapist's license to an applicant who demonstrates to the secretary's satisfaction that the following requirements have been met: (a) Effective June 1, 1988, successful completion of a course of study in an approved massage program, transfer program, or approved apprenticeship program; (b) Successful completion of an examination administered or approved by the board; and. A maximum of 50 of these hours may include time spent in a student clinic. To do this, you need to send your massage application to the Board of Massage for approval after passing the national exam. Phone: (360) 236-4700. Twenty-four hours of continuing education is due every two years on or before the practitioner's birthday. Program: Large Animal Massage, Rocky Mountain School of Animal Acupressure and Massage The standards and procedures set shall apply equally to schools and training within the United States of America and those in foreign jurisdictions. However, of the two organizations, only the FSMTB currently offers an examination that is intended for initial licensure. Follow all instructions provided. Is my school board-approved? (a) A minimum of eight hours must be in person and directly supervised involving the participation of the direct application of massage therapy as defined in RCW 18.108.010; and (b) A minimum of four hours must be in professional ethics, client or patient communication, professional roles and boundaries, or Washington state massage laws and rules. (c) A massage therapist's name and license number must conspicuously appear on all of the massage therapist's advertisements. (b) A person represents himself or herself as a massage therapist when the person adopts or uses any title or any description of services that incorporates one or more of the following terms or designations: Massage, massage practitioner, massage therapist, massage therapy, therapeutic massage, massage technician, massage technology, massagist, masseur, masseuse, myotherapist or myotherapy, touch therapist, reflexologist except when used by a certified reflexologist, acupressurist, body therapy or body therapist, or any derivation of those terms that implies a massage technique or method. The resulting ATT will grant a 90 day testing eligibility window; exams are scheduled through Pearson VUE. Processing time varies for each application. The required documentation may take several weeks to receive. (4) Students enrolled in an approved massage school, approved program, or approved apprenticeship program, practicing massage techniques, incidental to the massage school or program and supervised by the approved school or program. The intraoral endorsement requires 16 hours of coursework. The Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards offers the MBLEX, an examination that is accepted for licensure in most states. RCW 18.108.070. Washington Department of Health. CPR must be in person, but a hybrid course is acceptable as well. We may require this if you have lived in another state or if you have a criminal record in Washington State. For further information, see RCW 18.108.095. Inspection of premises by law enforcement personnel. It also gives you access to a ready market and clientele without having to go through the hassle of marketing your services, as is the case with running a business. The form is included in the application packet. (6) "Massage" and "massage therapy" mean a health care service involving the external manipulation or pressure of soft tissue for therapeutic purposes. To help you out below is a simple guide on what you need to become a massage therapist in Washington State. Other equivalent training may be accepted (app.leg.wa.gov / WAC / cite=246-830-430). Massage Therapist License Application Please print clearly. Effective September 1, 2021, the minimum education and training hours will increase to 625 hours. There are additional items you may need, in addition to your application: If you have questions, contact our Customer Service staff members at 360-236-4700. It is the responsibility of the applicant to submit all required supporting documentation. This is to ensure the massage school or program remains in compliance with the training and education requirements set by the board. of HealthPO Box 1099Olympia WA 98507-1099, (additional documents)Board of MassagePO Box 47877Olympia WA 98504-7877Ph: (360) 236-4700, Email:hsqa.csc@doh.wa.govWashington State Department of Health Board of Massage. Tracy Vroom P.O. While we appreciate your interest in getting your license, in order to allow our office to continue the processing of applications in a timely manner, we request that you not call regarding the status of your application for six weeks from the date it was submitted. You need to earn 24 hours every two years as outlined in in WAC 246-830-475. Because the questions come from public record, you need to provide a complete address and your full legal name as it appears on your driver's license or birth certificate. Endorsement candidates must meet comparable standards; they will also need to complete minor state-specific requirements such as AIDS training. The name of the massage therapist or reflexologist on the government-issued photo identification must match the name on the massage therapy license or reflexology certification. Those applicants may request a hearing to appeal the decision. (4) A massage therapist applicant who fails to make the required grade in the first examination is entitled to take up to two additional examinations upon the payment of a fee for each subsequent examination determined by the secretary as provided in RCW. Soap Lake, Washington 98851 License Lookup Look up a License is an online service sponsored by the Federation of Associations of Regulatory Boards (FARB) intended to provide the public with easy online access to verify the licensure status of massage therapists. There is a convenience fee to apply online. (1) A massage therapist licensed under this chapter may apply for an endorsement to perform intraoral massage upon completion of training determined by the board and specified in rules. (b) Define, evaluate, approve, and designate those massage schools, massage programs, transfer programs, and massage apprenticeship programs including all current and proposed curriculum, faculty, and health, sanitation, and facility standards from which graduation will be accepted as proof of an applicant's eligibility to take the massage licensing examination; (c) Review approved massage schools and programs periodically; (d) Prepare, grade, administer, and supervise the grading and administration of, examinations for applicants for massage licensure; (e) Establish and administer requirements for continuing education, which shall be a prerequisite to renewing a massage therapist license under this chapter; and. Routine applications can be approved by credentialing staff. An applicant for a massage therapist license must be 18 years of age or older and must submit the following documentation to the department: Credentialing staff will notify you of any deficiencies. Successful completion of a transfer program allows applicants to qualify for licensure by educational endorsement without having to go through a full board-approved program. Verification forms are available on the Applications and Forms webpage. Office Hours: The HRLA Office Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:15 am - 4:45 pm (except holidays). Approval is governed by rule (app.leg.wa.gov / WAC/). If you have exhausted all possibilities for fulfilling your continuing education requirements and are contemplating requesting an extension, keep in mind that requests may take three weeks to answer and, if your request is denied, you will still have to complete the CE hours before your expiration date. Complete Your Massage School Training & Take the Licensing Exam. Arizona Board of Massage Therapy 1400 West Washington, Suite 230 Phoenix, AZ 85007 Phone: (602) 542-8604 . Because the questions come from public record, you need to provide a complete address and your full legal name as it appears on your driver's license or birth certificate. (3) Approved by a state agency that regulates massage programs and is a member of the federation of state massage therapy boards. Applicants must answer questions about their legal and professional histories and, in some cases, provide supporting documentation. Online application instructions are on our website. This chapter shall not be construed as affecting any existing right acquired or liability or obligations incurred under the sections amended or repealed in this chapter or under any rule, regulation, or order adopted under those sections, nor as affecting any proceeding instituted under those sections. (1) An applicant for a massage therapist license must be eighteen years of age or older and must submit to the department: (a) A completed application on forms provided by the department; We remain committed to supporting the health and safety of our massage therapy community. See Renewals Online for additional information. If you are looking for another great Seattle massage school option in Seattle, check out our partner massage school Northwest Academy. Springfield Office 320 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor Springfield, IL 62786. To practice animal massage on large animals, successfully complete the National Certification Examination for Equine Massage. * Includes the $16 fee to access the University of Washington HEAL-WA health resources website. Littleton, CO 80125 For those education and training programs beyond six hundred twenty-five hours, in no case may the number of student clinic hours exceed seventy-five hours. The following forms are required for completing the application process. Below is a simple breakdown of the courses and their hours that will contribute to your journey of becoming a massage therapist. (1) "Animal massage therapist" means an individual with a license to practice massage therapy in this state with additional training in animal therapy. (2) The secretary may reinstate the massage therapist's license if the massage therapist: (a) Pays the current active renewal fee and other fees for active licensure; (i) No action has been taken by a state or federal jurisdiction or a hospital which would prevent or restrict the therapist's practice of massage therapy; (ii) He or she has not voluntarily given up any credential or privilege or been restricted in the practice of massage therapy to avoid other sanctions; and, (iii) He or she has satisfied continuing education and competency requirements for the two most recent years; and. Search Criteria. The education and training in animal massage therapy must consist of a minimum of 300 hours of instruction in general animal massage techniques, kinesiology, anatomy, physiology, behavior, first aid care, and handling techniques. Watch the video: How to Submit as Massage School Program Application. (b) Applies for certification by one year after July 1, 2013. Education does not Subsequent program approval occurs every five years thereafter. contact our Seattle Clinical Massage School admission department today! Applications are first reviewed for administrative completeness. The jurisdiction where the applicant is or was credentialed must complete and submit the verification form (PDF). To practice animal massage on small animals, successfully complete the National Certification Examination for Canine massage. (b) Any person who holds a license to practice as a massage therapist in this state may use the title "licensed massage therapist" and the abbreviation "L.M.T." The disciplining authority may conduct further review if the credentialing supervisor can't verify the applicant meets all requirements. Massage therapy includes techniques such as tapping, compressions, friction, reflexology, Swedish gymnastics or movements, gliding, kneading, shaking, and fascial or connective tissue stretching, with or without the aids of superficial heat, cold, water, lubricants, or salts. However, this subsection does not prohibit a certified reflexologist from practicing reflexology. We finish final review for approval after a credentialing specialist verifies that the application is fully complete, and complies with requirements in chapter 18.108 RCW and chapter 246-830 WAC. All members shall be residents of this state. Please make sure your address on the payment information screen matches the address your financial institution has on file for you. No more than 50 of the required 265 hours may be credited for time spent in a student clinic. The Department of Health has provided a list of approved programs (http://www.doh.wa.gov / Massage Therapist Education Requirements / Approved Schools). Two hundred sixty-five hours of theory and practice of massage. They're required to submit the appropriate fee. Once the board members have completed their review of the application, they'll present their review for full board consideration at a regularly scheduled board meeting. A massage therapist applicant holding a license in another state or foreign jurisdiction may be granted a Washington license without examination, if, in the opinion of the board, the other state's or foreign jurisdiction's examination and educational requirements are substantially equivalent to Washington's. Those applicants may request a hearing to appeal the decision. Massage therapy continuing education requirements for license renewal vary from state to state and the laws are constantly changing. RCW 18.240.030. Only AMTA members save up to 30% at Massage Warehouse on thousands of supplies for your practice. Hold an active and unrestricted massage license in a state or foreign jurisdiction with substantially equivalent education and training requirements as Washington State (WAC 246-830-035) State license verification. Verification forms are available on the Applications and Forms webpage. They may submit their application materials online; they can expect them to be processed within one week. (5) The secretary may approve an examination prepared or administered, or both, by a private testing agency or association of licensing boards for use by a reflexology applicant in meeting the certification requirement. The program will provide the Board with information about any transfer credit that was awarded. Once your massage license application is approved, and upon receiving your massage therapy license in the mail, you are free to look for a job and offer massage service. See WAC 246-940-050 for additional information. Education is verified through a school completion form. The NCBTMB or the FSMTB must send verification of the exam score report directly to the department. Visits 1 - 12. It depends on how complete the application is, and how quickly the outstanding requirements are met. Privacy Policy| Alternate Format Requests | Notice of Nondiscrimination, File Complaint About Provider or Facility, Healthcare Enforcement and Licensing Modernization Solution, Healthcare Professional Credentialing Requirements, Veterans, Service Members and their Families, Emergency Information for Specific Groups, Public Health System Resources and Services, Continuing Education; WAC 246-12-180; How to prove compliance, Initial and renewal credentialing of practitioners; WAC 246-12-020; How to obtain an initial credential, Jurisprudence Exam required for massage license, Online application instructions are on our website, Animal Massage Therapist Endorsement Form (PDF), Massage School Program Approval, Re-Approval, or Apprentice Application Packet (PDF), Massage School Transfer Program Application Packet (PDF), Somatic Education Training Program Application (PDF), Massage Program Course Syllabus Template (Word), Video: How to Submit a Massage School Program Application, University of Washington HEAL-WA health resources website, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Local Health Jurisdictions and Tribal Directories, Northwest Center for Public Health Practice, Complete a massage program approved by the Washington State Board of Massage, or, Hold an active and unrestricted massage license in a state or foreign jurisdiction with substantially equivalent education and training requirements as Washington State (. For the purposes of this section, massage for therapeutic purposes may be performed solely for purposes of patient well-being. Students may not be compensated for the reflexology services they provide; or. We'll formally notify applicants of a denial. The following concepts must be addressed: The animal massage endorsement may be issued for either small or large animals. (f) Determine which states have educational and licensing requirements for massage therapists equivalent to those of this state. (6)(a) Individuals who have completed a somatic education training program approved by the secretary. Once you have completed the process you will receive an email with your pending credential number, or you may look on Provider Credential Search. Privacy Policy| Alternate Format Requests | Notice of Nondiscrimination, File Complaint About Provider or Facility, Healthcare Enforcement and Licensing Modernization Solution, Healthcare Professional Credentialing Requirements, Veterans, Service Members and their Families, Emergency Information for Specific Groups, Public Health System Resources and Services, board-approved transfer programs is available on the massage therapy webpage, Massage School Program Approval, Re-approval, or Apprentice application packet, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Local Health Jurisdictions and Tribal Directories, Northwest Center for Public Health Practice, A completed application form, either hard copy or online, Proof of successful completion of the required education and training sent directly from the applicant's massage school, Proof of successful completion of a board-approved examination under WAC, Proof of successful completion of the Washington state massage jurisprudence examination, Proof of certification in American Red Cross first aid and American Heart Association CPR or the equivalent. Licensed massage therapists may pursue adjunct endorsements. (b) For purposes of this subsection (6), "somatic education" means: Using minimal touch, words, and directed movement to deepen awareness of existing patterns of movement and suggest new possibilities of movement; and using minimal touch over specific points of the body to facilitate balance in the nervous system. The Department of Health can take action against people for perjury or for making a false statement they know to be false. This fee is non-refundable. Both amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW, This section was amended by 2016 c 41 6 and by 2016 c 53 3, each without reference to the other. Jacqueline Freeman, School Director Applicants for a massage therapist license must list all states where credentials are or were held, including where applicant has . A majority of the board members appointed and serving constitutes a quorum for the transaction of board business. A massage therapy education is a great option for someone who is passionate about the human body and helping others. (2)Each subsequent violation, whether alleged in the same or in subsequent prosecutions, is a gross misdemeanor punishable according to chapter. You may use a credit or debit card with a VISA or MasterCard logo, or pay by ACH/E-Check. P.O. Completion of the attestation by anyone other than the applicant may constitute a reportable felony offense. Completion of the attestation by anyone other than the applicant may constitute a reportable felony offense. Failure to receive a courtesy renewal notice does not relieve or exempt the credential renewal requirement. 605-430-7253 According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of massage therapists will grow by 22% between 2018 and 2028. When evaluating transcripts, one of two situations will exist: The therapist will either meet or exceed the standards of Washington Spa Academy's Approved Transfer Student Program (625 hours) OR. Examination candidates must meet a very specific set of educational requirements. Box 64 Program: Canine Massage For certification in both small animal massage and large animal massage, the applicant must complete separate training programs. (1) Applicants for the massage therapist license examination must demonstrate to the secretary's satisfaction that the following requirements have been met: (a)(i) Effective June 1, 1988, successful completion of a course of study in an approved massage program or transfer program; or, (ii) Effective June 1, 1988, successful completion of an apprenticeship program established by the board; and. However, the applicant must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the board a working knowledge of Washington law pertaining to the practice of massage. Effective September 1, 2021, there will be changes to the education and training requirements as outlined below.