In Maryland, a massage therapist can seek licensure as a Licensed Massage Therapist or register as a massage practitioner. Unless an escort or someone else entering the business has a desire to practice within a medical facility, registration is all that is needed. However, if someone wishes to work in a hospital, provider's office or clinic, he or she must become licensed. The guidelines are nearly the same, but they require different application fees.
The Maryland Board of Chiropractic and Massage Therapist Examiners regulate the following guidelines for Licensed Massage Therapists (L.M.T.) and Registered Massage Practitioners (R.M.P.):
Applicants must complete and submit an application form along with a photograph of him or herself. The photo must be a head/shoulders type of picture (much like a passport photo) against a white background. The application requires self-disclosure of any criminal history. A certified check or money order must accompany the application to cover the application fee.
Applicants must provide proof of passage of a national exam. The exams accepts are the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodyworks (NCBTMB) and the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). Official score reports are required.
Applicants must arrange for official transcripts to be provided by their schools of education. Education requirements include at least 500 hours of training from an accredited massage therapy program.
All applicants must submit proof of CPR certification.
Continuing education is required for all renewals. At least 3 hours of professional ethics, jurisprudence or risk management courses is required, along with at least 3 hours of communicable diseases instruction and 18 hours of other massage-related courses.
Licenses or registrations may be revoked, suspended or denied if:
A practitioner or massage therapist engages in illicit sexual actions under the guise of massage therapy.
A practitioner or massage therapist engages in fraud.
A practitioner or massage therapist fails to uphold professional standards set forth by the board.
A practitioner or massage therapist violates any other rules or obligations set forth by the board.
Applicants who have practiced in other states may provide their previous credentials, including information about their previous license for approval from the board.
