A department of the state Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing, this board imposes massage therapist licensure requirements regarding training and testing. It grants licenses and license renewals, and determines continuing education rules.
The board adopts standards of professional and ethical conduct by practitioners, as well as minimum curriculum criteria for massage therapy schools and regulations governing MT establishments. Investigating complaints is another responsibility. The board holds hearings and punishes those found guilty of legal or ethical violations.
The panel is composed of five members, whom the governor appoints. Four of the officials are licensed massage therapists with at least three years of experience practicing in Alaska. The other member represents the public. No more than one member may be an owner of a massage school.
Minimum Education Requirements for Massage Therapy Programs in Alaska
A high school education or a general education diploma is necessary for a resident seeking to become a massage therapist in Alaska. Science and health classes make prospective practitioners more qualified to continue their studies.
The state board gives licenses only to those who graduate from nationally accredited MT schools that provide at least 625 contact hours of instruction. There must be 125 hours of classes in anatomy, physiology, pathology, and kinesiology; 275 hours of basic massage therapy techniques and clinically related modalities; 50 hours in ethics and professional boundaries; and 138 hours of clinical practice.
Some programs feature additional courses in massage methods, health topics, business practices, or other subjects. The amount of time getting real-world clinical experience also varies.
Before looking for a job, graduates must obtain licenses from the state board. This entails filling out an online application, paying a fee, submitting to a criminal history record check, being fingerprinted, providing school transcripts, showing proof of CPR certification, and taking at least two hours of safety education about bloodborne pathogens and universal precautions.
Another requirement is to pass the MBLEx (Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination). The Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards registers students to take the test.
Licenses need to be renewed every second year, with 16 continuing education credits from providers the board has approved.