Massage therapy licensing guidelines in Montana are much like those in many other states and require some basic elements such as a massage therapist to be at least 18 years old, pass a national certification examination and complete at least 500 hours of massage instruction. Overseen by the Department of Labor and Industry's Business Standards' Board of Massage Therapy, all applicants must meet certain guidelines, submit an application and wait for board processing. Escorts considering extending their services to include massage therapy services must become licensed before practicing their skills. The guidelines to become licensed include:
All applicants must be at least 18 years old. Proof is required and may be provided by a driver's license or birth certificate.
Each applicant must have a high school diploma. An official transcript or certificate of completion must be submitted with one's application.
A massage therapy license applicant must arrange for two letters of reference to be submitted on his or her behalf. The letters must address the applicant's moral character and must be from non-related references.
Massage therapists must submit proof of education. The education must include at least 500 hours of course instruction covering massage theory and practice, among other important subjects. The curriculum guidelines of the program must meet or exceed the regulations established by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. An official transcript with curriculum information must be submitted.
Applicants must submit a completed application and non-refundable application fee. The application includes self-disclosure about criminal behavior, chemical dependency and past discipline issues with other regulatory boards.
Massage therapists must arrange for official test scores to be sent for proof of passage of one of several examinations:
National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodyworks (NCETMB)
National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage (NCETM)
Massage and Bodyworks Licensing Exam (MBLEx)
Other equivalent state examination
Some applicants must undergo a personal interview with the board in order to become licensed.
The law of reciprocity applies to massage therapists who have licenses in good standing from other states.
Non-licensed massage therapists who use the terms "massage therapist," "licensed massage therapist," "L.M.T.," "masseur" or "masseuse" may be convicted of a misdemeanor. Penalties include a fine up to $500 or up to 6 months incarceration in the county jail.
