This government agency, a division of the state Department of Labor and Industry, regulates the practice of massage. It establishes educational and examination criteria, and licenses prospective practitioners who meet the standards.
The board also determines license renewal and continuing education requirements. It investigates complaints of alleged illegal or unethical behavior, taking disciplinary action when warranted.
The governor names five board members, with the consent of the state Senate. One of the appointees represents the public and may not be a medical practitioner. One member is a licensed healthcare provider, and the other three are licensed massage therapists with at least three years’ experience. None of them can own a massage school.
Minimum Education Requirements for Massage Therapy Programs in Montana
Prospective Montana practitioners must first graduate from high school or earn a GED. They then need to apply to accredited postsecondary schools that offer MT programs meeting state standards.
The board mandates that a program feature 500 or more clock hours of instruction and hands-on training. According to state code, curricula must “meet or exceed guidelines established by any program or organization accredited by the national commission for certifying agencies or its equivalent.”
Both Montana schools provide more than 500 required hours. Their programs have additional classes related to massage techniques or business skills.
Graduates are eligible to apply for state licensure, which involves passing the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx). The Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards has an online application process to take the exam at a Pearson VUE testing center.
Montana massage therapists’ licenses expire every other year. Renewals entail getting 12 hours of continuing education.