Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) in Alabama – Schools, Salary, and License Info

An increased number of people are in need of a therapeutic massage, making this field a good one to consider getting into if you’re searching for a job.

However, you’ll have to have a license to offer your services in Alabama.

Obtaining the Massage Therapy License

The Alabama Board of Massage Therapy is the body issuing licenses for this profession in this state.

There are a few requirements a candidate must meet these requirements:

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• Minimum 18 years old
• Complete a qualifying educational program
• Pass the exam
• Have a liability insurance policy that covers at least $1 million
• Not have offered erotic massages in the past

Educational Requirements

A future massage therapist must now complete 650 hours of education, which is more than in past years.

They must study the curriculum mentioned in the state rules and regulations.

Anatomy is one of the subjects, must extend at least 100 hours, and should cover at least the following topics:

• Myology: 35 hours
• Osteology: 15 hours
• Circulatory system: 10 hours
• Nervous system: 10 hours

Other subjects are:

• Pathology, for at least 40 hours.
• Massage therapy study – 250 hours
  • It must include supervised practice for at least 50 hours
  • It must also include contradistinctions, contraindications, and related touch modalities
• Business
• CPR and first aid
• Professional ethics
• Hydrotherapy

Of the required hours, 210 can be electives.

The school you attend must be approved by the board.

Examination Requirements

The exam for massage therapists is standardized in Alabama.

The Board accepted the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) as a test for obtaining the certification.

When checking the website of the Board, one should keep in mind that some of the changes to the examination mandates haven’t been updated.

Knowing about these changes is important because previously it was the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) who organized these exams.

According to the new policies and regulations, there is no examination designed for entry-level practice licensing.

Those who need an entry-level practice authorization, need to take the MBLEx.

The MBLEx is a computer adapted multiple-choice examination designed to show the knowledge of the candidate.

This test costs $195 and those interested in taking it must register for it through the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards.

Before applying, the candidate must read the outline of the content, and they don’t need to submit transcripts.

Now, there is a single test offered by the NCBTMB, that is meant as a simple, one step in a board certification process.

The requirements for earning the Alabama license are less strict than those for the board certification.

For instance, for the latter, a candidate must complete 750 hours of education and pay the $250 certification fee.

Some candidates that attended a shorter program can take this exam and continue their education afterward.

The certification will be issued only after 6 months of professional practice.

Those seeking certification through BCETMB will have to answer 160 questions from across 4 areas.

These will generally have the candidates to apply their knowledge to scenarios.

The NCBTMB requires transcripts before the examination.

Both the MBLEx and the BCETMB must be scheduled through Pearson VUE, after receiving the authorization.

They’ll receive an eligibility window of 90 days.

The scores from the MBLEx are generally reported automatically to the licensing agency, after the test.

Those who take the BCETMB exam must request the scores themselves.

The bulletins for the candidates are given through the respective organizations.

Application Process

Candidates must first download a request form from the Board’s website, and use it to apply.

They must also attach a cashier’s check or money order in the amount of $25, to the request.

The board will ask for official transcripts and in certain situations for alternative documents.

The transcript must be in English and accompanied by an affidavit from the translator if it needs a translation.

Two passport-style photographs and the license fee of $100 must also be provided by the applicant.

Animal Massage Qualification

Individuals can also perform professional massages on animals, under the supervision of a veterinarian.

These candidates must also receive certification from a nationally approved program.

However, they need an additional 100 hours, minimum,  of education and training related to animal anatomy, physiology, and pathology.

The education will address the type of animal to which the therapist will be providing services.

Massage Therapy Instructor Licensing

Massage therapists can become instructors in their field is they can prove at least 2 years of work experience.

For this purpose, the candidate must fill out another application, which can be found on the Board’s website.

They also must pay the fee of $10 and become familiar with the Section 34-43-20(5) of state code.

Extra Info

Below you can see the median salary earned by massage therapists in the major cities across Alabama.

Regional Salary in Alabama

The Alabama Board of Massage Therapy can be reached by telephone or by email.

These are 334-420-7233 or 866-873-4664, and ‘massage therapy at alstateboard.com’, respectively.

The massage therapy license must be renewed every 2 years.

Massage Therapy by State