This government agency sets standards for the massage therapy profession. It issues licenses to practitioners and private massage therapy schools.
The board requires prospective therapists to obtain a minimum amount of postsecondary education and post acceptable scores on a pre-licensing test. It ensures that practitioners regularly renew their licenses and receive continuing education. In addition, the panel determines criteria concerning school curricula. It approves programs that comply.
Another board function is to look into complaints of misconduct. Investigations target practitioners and schools that allegedly violate rules and regulations. This can result in a range of penalties, including license suspension or revocation.
The board has nine members, six of whom the governor appoints. Four members represent schools, two come from business and industry not connected to private schools, and three represent other state agencies.
Minimum Education Requirements for Massage Therapy Programs in Oklahoma
To become a massage therapist in Oklahoma, a student needs to obtain either a high school diploma or a GED. The following step is to enroll in an accredited postsecondary school that the state board has approved.
A school’s MT program must provide at least 500 clock hours of instruction. Curricula generally cover anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, pathology, massage history and theory, business skills, and laws and ethics. Most programs provide instruction in Western and Eastern massage modalities, but they vary in the types of techniques.
After graduating, a prospective practitioner applies to the board for a license. This entails passing one of two tests: the Board Certification Examination for Massage and Bodywork (BCEMB), which the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork administers; or the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), governed by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB).
The BCEMB addresses technique and application; planning, evaluation, and documentation; communication; and laws and ethics. The MBLEx tests students’ knowledge of anatomy and physiology, the benefits of soft-tissue techniques, massage and bodywork, professional practice guidelines, massage for special populations, client assessment and treatment planning, and laws and ethics.
Most people choose the MBLEx, which has 100 multiple-choice questions. They register online with the FSMTB, paying a fee of about $200; and take the test at Pearson VUE assessment centers. The company sends exam results to the state board.
Practitioners must get license renewals every two years. They are required to receive 16 hours of continuing education, which can include classes, workshops, and webinars.