This seven-member panel is part of the DIvision of Professional Regulation, within the Delaware Department of State. Its “primary objective” is “to protect the public from unsafe practices and practices which tend to reduce competition or fix prices for services.”
The board issues licenses to massage therapists and massage establishments, and awards certificates to massage technicians. It develops standards for professional competency, enacts rules and regulations, and investigates complaints that sometimes lead to disciplinary action.
Minimum Education Requirements for Massage Therapy Programs in Delaware
To become a massage therapist in Delaware, a student must first earn a high school diploma or GED. The next step is to enroll in an accredited school with a massage therapy program that the state board has approved.
Delaware recognizes two career levels. One of them, massage technician certification, requires 300 hours of coursework. This includes at least 60 hours of anatomy and physiology; 140 hours of technique and theory of massage or bodywork therapy; 75 hours of elective massage classes; 25 hours of ethics, laws, and contraindications; and 75 hours of electives.
The second career level is massage therapist licensure. It involves 200 additional hours of coursework, including at least 50 hours of anatomy and physiology and 110 hours of theory and technique.
Students learn a variety of massage bodywork techniques, also called modalities. Delaware’s statute lists the following examples: acupressure, craniosacral therapy, manual lymphatic drainage, myofascial release, reflexology, rolfing, Shiatsu, and Swedish massage. Among other modalities are sports massage, neuro-myo-muscular therapy, warm wood massage, fibromyalgia, and massage for special populations. Most programs feature classes in several techniques.
The state board issues licenses to those who meet educational standards and pass one of two tests: the National Certification Examination, administered by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB); or the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx), administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB).
Every two years, massage therapists must renew their licenses by receiving 24 hours of continuing education. Certificate holders are required to obtain 12 hours of continuing education.