Massage therapy licensing guidelines: Rhode Island
In Rhode Island, the Department of Health oversees the guidelines for the administration of licenses for massage therapists by the Rhode Island Board of Massage Therapy. Reflecting similar standards as other states in the U.S. regarding massage therapy licensing, Rhode Island requires all massage therapists to qualify for licensure in order to practice massage therapy in the state. Examinations, education and good moral character are required for Rhode Island escorts and everyone else who wants to become licensed as a massage therapist in the state. Several guidelines exist, including:
Candidates must be 18 years of age or older.
Applicants must provide official transcripts showing completion of an massage therapy educational program or school approved by the Commission on Massage
Therapy Accreditation (COMTA). The curriculum must include at least 500 hours of massage therapy education including:
150 hours of applied, advanced anatomy and physiology classes and courses
100 hours of standard anatomy and physiology courses
150 hours of practical massage therapy instruction and practice
100 hours of elective courses that may include first aid, CPR, business, ethics and professionalism
Candidates must provide official test scores to the board proving the passage of the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodyworks (NCETMB).
Applicants are required to produce three letters of reference attesting to their good moral character. The letters must be original copies and not more than 6 months old.
Candidates must submit copies of their first aid and CPR certifications along with their completed applications.
Applicants are required to complete, sign and submit an application along with a non-refundable application fee. The fee may be paid by check or money order.
Candidates must include and affix a passport-type photograph to their license application.
Applicants must send in with their application an original or notarized copy of their birth certificate for proof of citizenship. Individuals not born in the U.S. may send in paperwork regarding their citizenship.
Candidates must register for a criminal background check from the Bureau of Criminal Identification of the State. The report of the nationwide criminal record check must be sent to the board. Any sexual offense conviction may cause the license application to be instantly denied.
Licensees may have their licenses revoked if it is discovered they are convicted of any felony while they are actively practicing massage therapy as a licensed professional.
