This regulatory agency is a division of the state Department of Health. It adopts rules for the licensure of massage therapists and issues licenses to applicants who qualify. The board also determines minimum criteria for curricula at massage therapy schools, approving educational programs that comply.
The agency establishes standards for professional and ethical conduct. It investigates complaints. Practitioners may be subject to license suspension or revocation. Illegal behavior can result in criminal charges. The board takes legal action against an owner, operator, or manager of an establishment who allows an unlicensed person to perform massages.
The director of the Health Department appoints seven board members, with the approval of the governor. As many as four of the examiners are licensed massage therapists. One member, who cannot have a financial interest in the profession, represents the public.
Minimum Education Requirements for Massage Therapy Programs in Rhode Island
To become a massage therapist in Rhode Island, it is necessary to either be a high school graduate or earn a general education diploma. By completing college-level science, health, and business classes, a student has a better chance of winning acceptance to a postsecondary school.
The state board approves massage therapy programs that consist of at least 500 clock hours. A curriculum must include 300 hours of MT theory and practice, 100 hours of anatomy and physiology, training in CPR and first aid, and an ethics class. Electives may make up 150 hours of the coursework. Programs vary in the types of massage techniques and other therapies they teach.
After graduating, the next step is to file an application with the board to practice in Rhode Island. The process involves posting an acceptable score on the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination, or MBLEx. The Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) charges an approximately $200 fee to take the test.
Pearson VUE administers the exam throughout the year at its assessment centers, one of which is in Warwick. Rhode Island students also may take the test at a center in Massachusetts or Connecticut. The FSMTB gives results of the exam to the state board.
The board mandates that practitioners renew their licenses every year. They are required to receive six continuing education hours in the form of classes at accredited postsecondary schools, self-study courses, online courses, formal presentations, or conferences. Continuing education is to include ethics instruction.