Massage therapy licensing guidelines: North Dakota
The licensing of massage therapists in North Dakota is regulated by the North Dakota State Board of Massage. The guidelines for licensure in North Dakota are much like other states with standard application procedures, educational requirements and a physician's clearance. Massage therapy is an excellent supplemental service for escorts to provide. Additionally, anyone who enjoys helping others feel good may wish to consider a career as a massage therapist.
All massage therapists in North Dakota must become licensed to practice. The guidelines to become licensed in North Dakota include:
Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
Candidates must have graduated from high school are achieved an equivalent education. Proof of education is required.
Applicants who may have past convictions in their criminal history will not be automatically disqualified from licensure proceedings. If the board determines the past convictions have no bearing on whether the applicant perform satisfactorily as a massage therapist, the licensing process may move forward.
Candidates must submit an "Affidavit of Compliance," in addition to their completed application and non-refundable application fee.
Applicants must prove they have received at least 750 hours of massage therapy education through a board-approved massage therapy school or program. The hours may be acquired from more than one school or program, but they must be earned with 5 years of application. Correspondence educations are not acceptable. Curriculum requirements include:
At least 150 hours of anatomy and physiology courses.
At least 45 hours of pathology courses.
At least 90 hours of kinesiology courses.
At least 10 hours of first aid, hygiene and CPR (CPR certification is required for licensing).
At least 30 hours of business practices.
At least 30 hours of professional ethics.
The remaining 125 hours may include electives such as contraindications, universal precautions, history of massage, draping techniques and benefits of massage.
Applicants must arrange for official transcripts to be sent to the Board.
Applicants must pass national testing such as the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodyworks (NCETMB) or the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEX) and ensure that official test scores are sent to the Board.
Candidates must present a physician's statement attesting to the fact the candidate is free from contagious diseases or has been educated to avoid spreading communicable disease.
All applications must be accompanied by a passport-sized photo (2 inches by 2 inches) of the candidate.
Candidates who are licensed in other states may gain their North Dakota licenses by reciprocity. Applicants must prove eligibility by meeting general education guidelines, proving possession of a license in good standing and having practice experience for at least 2 years.
Licensees may be subject to discipline, including denial or revocation of licenses for failing to live up to professional standards. Some acts that fall into the category of disciplinary issues are:
Engaging in criminal conduct leaving the client as the victim.
Initiating or engaging in sexual conduct, activities or behavior with current clients.
Consuming alcohol while providing services to a client or while visiting with a client in a professional setting.
