This government agency oversees the practice of massage therapy in the state. It determines the educational, training, and examination requirements for practitioners; issues licenses to qualified applicants; and enforces license renewal and continuing education rules.
The board establishes curriculum standards, registering schools that comply. It also registers instructors who meet certain criteria. Even teaching assistants must be licensed massage therapists.
MT establishments undergo inspections, and are required to post complaint policies with information about how to contact the board. Allegations of illegal or unethical behavior may lead to investigations and disciplinary action.
Minimum Education Requirements for Massage Therapy Programs in New Mexico
To become a massage therapist in New Mexico, a student first must graduate from high school or obtain a GED. Taking college-level health and science classes might aid in gaining admission to a postsecondary school.
The board mandates that an MT program provide at least 650 clock hours of instruction and practical experience. This is to include:
- 165 hours of anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and pathology classes
- 150 hours of massage therapy theory and application, including contraindications
- 75 hours of “general instruction,” including 30 hours of ethics and four hours of first aid and CPR
- Hydrotherapy and business courses
- A clinical practicum involving as many as 150 hours
The remainder of the curriculum is at the discretion of individual schools. Some programs teach a wider array of massage techniques and related therapies. Others focus more heavily on business training, preparing students to open their own practices.
Graduates are eligible to apply to the board for licensure. One of the requirements is to pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx). Registering online for the test with the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards entails a fee of about $200. Students take the MBLEx on computers at Pearson VUE testing centers, which report results to the board.
Another licensing requirement is passing a jurisprudence exam concerning New Mexico laws.
Licenses must be renewed every other year. Practitioners have to receive 16 hours of continuing education, including four hours regarding ethics.