5.36.070 Massage Therapist Education Requirements – Exemption.
(A) To qualify for a massage therapist license, an applicant must demonstrate satisfaction of the educational requirements:
(1) Completion of a course of instruction, consisting of not less than five hundred (500) hours, in the theory, method or practice of massage, from one (1) or more accredited schools. All practical or modality instruction must be completed as hands-on, in-classroom instruction, while theory instruction can be completed online. Proof of completion must be made by certified transcript(s) signed by the school registrar, either presented with a raised seal or faxed or emailed directly to the City by the school; or
(2) Proof of passage of the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards or successor organization or the Board Certification exam administered by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) or successor organization; or
(3) Proof of certification by the NCBTMB or successor organization.
(B) To qualify for a massage therapist license, an applicant must provide written documentation of completion of an in-person (not online) certification program in American Heart Association (or successor organization) CPR and in American Red Cross (or successor organization) first aid, and of current certifications.
(C) Individuals licensed with the City as a massage therapist for at least five (5) consecutive years as of the effective date of this chapter may renew the license without satisfying the minimum education requirements set forth above, and continue to renew if there is no lapse in licensure and the individual continues to satisfy all other requirements of this chapter. (Ord. 20-37 § 4, 2020; Ord. 15-60 § 8, 2015.)