This government agency administers and enforces laws concerning the licensure and regulation of certain occupations and professions.
DOPL’s two “primary functions” are licensing and investigations. Eight bureaus, each assigned to oversee designated occupations, ensure that professionals earn licenses and renew them. One bureau establishes standards for massage therapy educational programs.
The division’s Investigators look into allegations of illegal or unprofessional conduct. They assess fines and take other disciplinary actions, such as license suspensions and revocations, when warranted.
The state Department of Commerce appoints the DOPL director, with the governor’s approval.
Minimum Education Requirements for Massage Therapy Programs in Utah
Postsecondary schools admit only applicants who have either graduated from high school or earned GEDs. Some institutions recommend taking college-level science, health, and business classes.
To become a massage therapist in Utah, it is necessary to enroll in an accredited school with an MT program that DOPL has approved. The agency mandates that curricula consist of 600 or more clock hours. This is to include:
- 125 hours of anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology
- 40 hours of pathology
- 15 hours of sanitation, first aid, and related topics
- 100 hours of work in clinics
- In addition, the state mandates 285 hours of instruction in massage theory, techniques, and hands-on instruction—plus 120 hours of basic Swedish massage strokes.
- There must be 50 hours of theory.
Programs conclude with apprenticeships of at least one year and 1,000 hours. There must be 300 hours of training in massage therapy services and 310 hours of hands-on instruction.
After graduating, the next step is to apply to DOPL for licensure. This entails paying a fee of about $100. The division requires an acceptable score on the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx).
The Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards administers the test, which also involves the payment of a fee. Students take the multiple-choice, 100-question MBLEx at Pearson VUE testing centers. In addition, prospective massage therapists must also pass the Utah Massage Therapy Law and Rule Examination—for another fee.
DOPL requires practitioners to renew their licenses every other year.