This regulatory agency’s mission is “to promote the highest possible standards of professionalism for all licensed massage therapists, and to ensure quality of care to safeguard public health.”
The board determines the education and examination requirements for licensure, issues licenses, and enforces license renewal and continuing education rules. It approves CE courses and providers.
Another duty is to establish MT school curriculum standards regarding clock hours committed to certain subjects. The board maintains a list of approved schools on its website.
The board also receives and investigates complaints about alleged violations of laws, rules, regulations, and ethics by practitioners, schools, and businesses. Disciplinary actions include license suspensions and revocations.
There are six board members, including four licensed massage therapists.
Minimum Education Requirements for Massage Therapy Programs in Mississippi
Graduating from high school or earning a GED is the first step to become a massage therapist in Mississippi. A prospective practitioner then needs to enroll in an accredited postsecondary school offering an MT program that complies with state standards.
The Board of Massage Therapy approves curricula with 600 or more clock hours of classes and labs. This is to include at least 20 hours in each of the following: anatomy, myology/kinesiology, physiology, pathology, and neurology. Students need to learn Western, European, and Eastern theories and methods; infrared therapy, hydrotherapy; documentation and charting; client referral, and first aid and CPR.
There also must be instruction in evaluation and draping; soft tissue techniques like kneading, percussion, and stretching; indications and contraindications; and laws and ethics. In addition, students are required to spend at least 100 hours in clinical settings, including 50 hours of giving massages to the public. Instruction and evaluation make up the other 50 hours.
Some programs exceed the minimum number of clock hours. They may feature more business classes, provide training in a wider spectrum of massage techniques, or require additional practical experience.
Graduates apply to the board for licensure. To qualify, they must pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx). The Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards charges about $200 to take the exam at a Pearson VUE testing center.
Prospective practitioners also have to pass the Mississippi State Law Exam (MSLE), which involves a fee of about $100.
Massage therapists in this state renew their licenses every year, which entails 12 hours of continuing education.