This government office, part of the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. regulates the practice of massage. Its purpose is to “protect the health, safety, and welfare” of state residents.
The board establishes licensure requirements for massage therapists concerning education, training, and examinations. It issues licenses to applicants who qualify, ensures that practitioners renew their licenses, and investigates and prosecutes allegations of illegal and unethical behavior.
The board also licenses the owners of massage businesses, and sets standards for MT school curricula. A list of approved educational programs is posted online.
There are eight board members, five of whom must be licensed massage therapists. Two come from state executive departments, and one represents the public.
To become a massage therapist in New Jersey, the first prerequisite is either a high school degree or a GED. College-level classes in health and science are recommended.
Minimum Education Requirements for Massage Therapy Programs in New Jersey
A student needs to enroll at a postsecondary school that has earned state board approval. The institution must be authorized by the state Education Department, Labor and Workforce Development Department, or the Commission on Higher Education.
Board-approved MT programs provide 500 or more clock hours of education.
This must include:
- 90 hours of classes in anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology
- Ethics and law courses
- Theory and practice of massage techniques
- Electives directly related to massage and bodywork therapy
- 100 hours of clinical practice supervised by a faculty member
One semester credit equals 15 hours.
The remainder of the curriculum varies. Some programs feature instruction in a wider range of massage modalities and related therapies. Others require general education courses or business classes.
A graduate needs to apply to the state board for licensure to practice massage therapy in the state. This entails passing the computer-based Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx). The Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards assesses a fee of about $200 to register for the test at a center operated by Pearson VUE.
Another license requirement is to be certified in CPR, first aid, and the use of a defibrillator.
MTs have to renew their licenses every other year. Each time, they must receive 20 hours of continuing education from approved providers.