To get a massage therapist license in Oregon, you must meet certain education and exam standards. The Oregon Board of Massage Therapists (OBMT) makes sure therapists are ready to give safe and effective treatments¹.

This guide will walk you through getting an Oregon massage license. It covers education, exams, applying, and keeping your license up to date. It’s useful for both new and experienced massage therapists wanting to work in Oregon².

Key Takeaways

• The Oregon Board of Massage Therapists (OBMT) is in charge of the massage therapy field in Oregon.
• To get a license, aspiring massage therapists must fulfill education and exam needs.
• Exams include a written test, a practical test, and a jurisprudence test.
• Massage therapists from other states can get an Oregon license through a credential review.
• To keep your Oregon massage license, you must do continuing education and renew your license.

Introduction

In Oregon, every massage therapy practitioner must have a license from the Oregon Board of Massage Therapists (OBMT)³. This license proves they meet the state’s tough education and exam standards. It ensures clients get top-notch care³. This guide will help you get an Oregon massage license. We’ll cover everything from education to exams and application submission.

Oregon takes massage therapy very seriously for public health and safety⁴. Massage therapists must follow strict ethics, including ongoing education in ethics, diversity, and business⁴. The OBMT makes sure all massage therapists in Oregon are well-trained and licensed. This ensures clients get a safe and reliable experience.

If you’re new to massage therapy or already a pro, this guide has got you covered⁵. We’ll walk you through education, exams, and application steps. With our help, you’ll be on your way to becoming a licensed massage therapist in Oregon⁵.

“Getting an Oregon massage license is key to high-quality care for our clients. Meeting the state’s strict standards shows our commitment to the field and our promise of safe, effective massage therapy.”

Educational Requirements for Massage Therapists in Oregon

To become a licensed massage therapist in Oregon, you must finish a state-approved program. This program needs at least 500 hours of classes. At least 200 hours are for health sciences like anatomy and physiology⁶. The other 300 hours are for learning massage therapy, clinical practice, and more⁶.

Massage Therapy Program

Aspiring massage therapists in Oregon must go to an accredited school⁷. These programs usually take 9 to 12 months to finish, depending on the school and schedule⁸.

Health Endorsement for Licensed Healthcare Professionals

If you already have a healthcare license, like a medical doctor or nurse, you might get a “health endorsement” for massage therapy⁶. This lets you do a 300-hour program instead of the full 500 hours⁶.

Credentialing Review for Out-of-State Massage Therapists

If you’re licensed in another state, Oregon has a “credentialing review” process⁶. This might let you use some of your past education to meet Oregon’s requirements. This could mean you don’t have to complete as many hours⁶.

“Massage therapy education in Oregon is comprehensive, ensuring that licensed practitioners have the knowledge and skills to provide safe and effective treatments to their clients.”

Examination Requirements

Prospective massage therapists in Oregon must pass a series of exams to get their license. These exams check if they know what they need to do to practice safely and well⁹.

Written Examination

There are several exams you can take, like the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage (NCETM), or the Certification Examination for Structural Integration (CESI)⁹. The MBLEx has 100 questions and you have 110 minutes to finish it¹⁰. You need to score at least 630 out of 900 to pass the MBLEx¹⁰.

Practical Examination

This exam checks your skills in communication, assessment, and massage techniques, as well as your knowledge of human movement⁹. It lasts 50 minutes, and you must get at least 70% in each part to pass¹⁰. Last year, over 95% of people passed this exam¹⁰.

Jurisprudence Examination

This exam is a multiple-choice test that covers Oregon’s laws and rules for massage therapy⁹. You need to score 70% to pass⁹. If you don’t pass, you can take it again as many times as you need¹¹.

Oregon’s requirements for becoming a massage therapist are thorough. They make sure licensed therapists know how to give safe and effective massages⁹¹¹¹⁰.

“The educational and examination requirements for massage therapists in Oregon are designed to ensure that licensed practitioners possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to provide safe and effective massage therapy services.”

⁹¹¹¹⁰

Reciprocity for Out-of-State Massage Therapists

Oregon lets massage therapists from other states get a license here if they meet certain standards. If you’ve got a massage license from another state, you might be able to get one in Oregon too¹². You’ll need to pass a practical exam, which many therapists from places like New Hampshire and Washington have done¹³.

This process makes it easier for massage therapists to work in Oregon without redoing everything. It helps both the therapists and their clients, making sure everyone gets good care¹⁴.

To get a license through reciprocity, you’ll need to show you’ve met Oregon’s standards. This means proving you’ve done at least 500 hours of training, which is common everywhere¹⁴.

Oregon makes it easier for massage therapists from other states to work here. This helps the workforce move around and makes sure clients get to see many qualified therapists¹⁴. It shows Oregon’s support for massage therapy and better healthcare for everyone.

Additional Requirements

To get a oregon massage therapy license, you must do more than just meet education and exam needs. You also need a current CPR certification and to pass a criminal background check by fingerprints.

CPR Certification

Every massage therapist in Oregon needs a valid CPR certification from an approved source¹⁵. This shows they can give emergency care and act right if a medical issue happens during a massage.

Criminal Background Check

Applicants for the oregon massage therapy license must go through a criminal background check with fingerprints¹⁶. You pay $47.25 to the Oregon Board of Massage Therapists (OBMT) and $12.50 to the vendor, Fieldprint¹⁶. It might take up to 20 days for the OBMT to get the results from the Oregon State Police¹⁶.

Having a criminal record or conviction doesn’t mean you can’t get a oregon massage therapy license¹⁶. The OBMT looks at each case to see if you’re fit for a license.

By fulfilling these extra steps, those wanting a oregon massage therapy license show they’re serious about giving safe and responsible massage services in Oregon.

Application Process

Getting an oregon massage therapy license is easy. You need to send in some documents. These include official transcripts, a passport-style photo, a copy of your ID, and CPR certification proof¹³. If you’re moving here or need a health endorsement, you’ll also need to provide extra documents¹³.

Required Documents

• Official transcripts from an approved massage therapy program
• Passport-style photograph
• Copy of government-issued identification
• Proof of CPR certification
• License verification forms (for health endorsement or out-of-state applicants)
• Copies of current license (for health endorsement or out-of-state applicants)

Fees

Applying for an oregon massage therapy license also means paying some fees. You’ll need to pay $50 for the application. There’s also a $150 fee for the practical exam and $250 for credentialing review if you’re from out-of-state¹³¹⁵¹⁷. The Oregon Board of Massage Therapists will check your application. They’ll tell you if everything is okay or if you need more documents¹³.

By following the oregon massage therapy license requirements and sending in all needed documents, you can apply smoothly. This is the first step to start your career in Oregon¹⁵¹³¹⁷.

oregon massage license

Getting an oregon massage therapy license is key for those wanting to work as massage therapists in Oregon. The Oregon Board of Massage Therapists (OBMT) is in charge of giving out and checking these licenses¹⁸.

After meeting the OBMT’s education, exam, and application needs, you get a massage therapy license. This lets you legally work as a massage therapist in Oregon¹⁹.

1. Finish a 625-hour training program from an approved school. This includes 200 hours of health sciences, 300 hours of Massage Theory and Practical Application, and more hours in related subjects¹⁹.
2. Pass the needed written, practical, and jurisprudence exams, like the MBLEx, NCETM, or FSMTB²⁰.
3. Send in a full application, with all the documents and fees, to the OBMT¹⁹.

Once you get your oregon massage license, you must keep up with ongoing needs to keep your license. This includes doing 25 hours of continuing education every two years, with at least 8 hours being supervised and 1 hour in Cultural Competency¹⁸.

“Keeping a valid oregon massage therapist license is key for massage professionals. It lets them legally work and give top-notch services to clients in the state.”

It’s important for Oregon massage therapists to keep up with the OBMT’s latest rules and needs. Following the licensing rules helps them keep their practice right and make sure their clients get the best care²⁰.

In summary, getting the oregon massage license might seem hard, but knowing the education, exam, and application steps helps. Aspiring massage therapists can then get the needed credentials to work legally and ethically in Oregon¹⁹¹⁸²⁰.

Maintaining Your License

To keep your Oregon massage therapy license active, you must do 24 hours of continuing education every two years²¹. You need at least 4 hours of ethics training²¹. Every two years, you must renew your license for $200²¹. If you don’t renew on time, your license will become inactive and you’ll have to pay more to get it back.

Continuing Education Requirements

In Oregon, you need 25 hours of continuing education every two years for renewal²¹. You must do at least 15 of those hours in person or get them approved by the Board²¹. You also need 4 hours on Professional Ethics, Boundaries, and/or Communication²¹. The last 10 hours can be any type of education²¹. One hour must be CPR training²¹. Continuing education costs are usually between $15 and $30 per hour²¹.

The Oregon Board of Massage Therapists checks a random 10 percent of renewals for continuing education²². You must keep your CE records for five years²¹²².

License Renewal

You need 25 CE hours every two years to renew your Oregon Massage Therapist license²². 8 hours must be in a live classroom, including 4 hours of ethics²². You also need 1 hour on pain management and 1 hour on cultural competency²². Not finishing your CE hours can lead to losing your license²²²³.

Getting an Oregon massage license costs between $640 to $675 for Oregon School of Massage graduates²³. The FSMTB and NCBTMB offer exams for licensing²³.

Joining groups like the AMTA and ABMP has perks like liability insurance, training, marketing help, and more credibility with clients²³²¹²².

Resources and Contacts

Getting your massage therapy license in Oregon? You’ll find many resources and contacts ready to help you¹⁷.

Oregon Board of Massage Therapists

The Oregon Board of Massage Therapists (OBMT) oversees the massage therapy field in the state¹⁷. Call them at 503-365-8657 or visit their website at oregon.gov/OBMT¹⁷. They offer info on licensing, how to apply, and what you need to follow.

Professional Associations

There are also groups for massage therapists in Oregon. The Oregon Massage Therapists Association (OMTA) is a big one. They support the massage industry and help their members¹⁷. Joining these groups can connect you with others in the field, give you learning tools, and create a community.

These resources and contacts are key for both new and experienced massage therapists in Oregon¹⁷.

Conclusion

Getting an Oregon massage license means you must meet tough education and exam standards. You also need to fill out the application and provide the right documents²⁴. This guide helps future massage therapists understand how to become licensed in Oregon²⁵.

With the right education and license, you can start a fulfilling career in massage therapy²⁶. The rules in this guide, like keeping things clean and handling waste right, make sure the work is safe and professional²⁴.

By fulfilling Oregon’s strict rules, future massage therapists can build a strong career. This guide helps them through the licensing process. It lets them follow their dream in the exciting world of massage therapy.

Source Links

1. Oregon State Board of Massage Therapists : Licensing Information : State of Oregon – https://www.oregon.gov/obmt/pages/license.aspx
2. Oregon Massage Therapy License Requirements | Become an LMT in OR | MassageTherapyLicense.org – https://www.massagetherapylicense.org/state/oregon-massage-license/
3. State by State Massage Requirements | National Holistic Institute – https://nhi.edu/massage-therapist-resources/current-student-resources/exclusive-benefits/state-by-state-massage-requirements
4. Oregon Massage Ethics CEU’s – https://www.oregonmassageceu.com/
5. Oregon Massage Continuing Education | Massage CE Learning Tree – https://massagecelearningtree.com/product/oregon-massage-continuing-education/
6. How to Become a Licensed Massage Therapist in Oregon – Beauty Academy – https://beautyce.com/how-to-become-a-licensed-massage-therapist-in-oregon/
7. Oregon Massage License Requirements and Renewals (2024) – MBLEx Guide – https://www.mblexguide.com/massage-license/oregon/
8. How to Apply for Massage Therapy Licensure in Oregon – https://www.eastwestcollege.com/how-to-apply-for-massage-therapy-licensure-in-oregon/
9. Oregon Massage License Exam, OR Massage Therapist CertificationTest – https://www.tests.com/Oregon-Massage-Therapist-Exam
10. OR_Licensing_Info_15D.pages – https://www.oregonschoolofmassage.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/OR_Licensing_Info_15D.pdf
11. Oregon Massage Therapy Licensure: How to Become an LMT in the Beaver State – East West College – https://www.eastwestcollege.com/oregon-massage-therapy-licensure-how-to-become-an-lmt-in-the-beaver-state/
12. PDF – https://paul-mitchell-schools-website-lightsail.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/sites/261/List-of-State-Reciprocity-Requirements-Massage_820rapid.pdf
13. Oregon Secretary of State Administrative Rules – https://secure.sos.state.or.us/oard/displayDivisionRules.action?selectedDivision=1400
14. Is Your Massage License Valid When You Cross State Lines? – https://www.massagetherapy.com/articles/your-massage-license-valid-when-you-cross-state-lines
15. Oregon Massage License Requirements and Renewals (2024) – MBLEx Guide – https://mblexguide.com/massage-license/oregon/
16. Oregon State Board of Massage Therapists : Frequently Asked Questions : State of Oregon – https://www.oregon.gov/obmt/pages/faqs.aspx
17. Oregon Massage Therapist License and Board Exam Resources for 2019 – https://www.massage-exam.com/oregon-massage.php
18. Oregon Secretary of State Administrative Rules – https://secure.sos.state.or.us/oard/viewSingleRule.action?ruleVrsnRsn=65523
19. Oregon Massage Therapist State Requirements – MMIP – https://www.massageliabilityinsurancegroup.com/state-requirements/oregon/
20. Oregon – Massage Therapy – https://www.beautyschoolsdirectory.com/programs/massage-school/or
21. Frequently Asked Questions – https://www.robertbike.com/OMTA/faq.htm
22. Oregon Continuing Education Requirements – https://www.massagetherapyceu.com/oregon.php
23. PDF – https://oregonschoolofmassage.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/OR_Licensing_Info.pdf
24. Oregon Secretary of State Administrative Rules – https://secure.sos.state.or.us/oard/displayDivisionRules.action?selectedDivision=3666
25. No title found – https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors677.html
26. Oregon Attorney General Opinion OP-8282 – https://www.doj.state.or.us/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/op8282.pdf