How to Become a Massage Therapist in Maine - ME

By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: February, 15 2010

In Maine, massage therapy certification is necessary to receive a state-issued license.  To become a licensed massage therapist in the state of Maine you will need to finish the process of applying for licensure. 

You will need to submit proof of the following:

• All applicants must be at least 18 years old
• Application and background check
• High school diploma or equivalent
• 500 classroom or clinical instruction hours minimum
• The 500 required hours can be circumvented by receiving a passing grade on The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) or The Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (MBLEx).  Both can be found online.
• Supply a copy of First Aid accreditation
• Supply a copy of CPR accreditation
• A current 3x5 signed and dated photo
• $86 to cover the cost of the application ($25, non-refundable), the initial license ($40), and the background check ($21).  Checks are payable to the Maine State Treasurer.

As of November 2007, it is also a further requirement that anyone wishing to submit an application must also submit a National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDK) and Healthcare Integrity and Protection Data Bank (HIPDB) self-query report.  These reports are used to keep a record of movement between states of licensed practitioners who have been subjected to disciplinary action by the regulatory boards of that state.  To request the necessary self-query reports, go to the NPDK/HIPDB website: www.npdbhipdb.
hrsa.gov .  This website also contains information that may be useful to those that have further questions regarding the self-queries. 

License renewal must be done every year on the date that the initial license was issued.  The license renewal fee is $40, though there is a $50 late fee.  Requirements for a license renewal are a check or credit card authorization in order to pay the fee and a completed application.  If you submit a renewal application more than ninety days after your license has expired, you will be required to apply for a new license, including all fees and applications that were required initially.  License renewal applications can also be filed online.

To contact the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation Office of Licensing
And Regulation:

35 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333
Telephone: (207) 624-8500
Fax: (207) 624-8690
TTY: (888) 577-6690

To contact the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork:

1901 South Meyers Road, Suite 240
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
630-627-8000

To contact the Federation of State Massage Therapy Board

7111 W 151st Street, Suite 356
Overland Park, Kansas 66223
Toll Free: 888.70.FSMTB
Phone: 913.681.0380
Fax: 913.681.0391
Email: info@fsmtb.org