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How to Become a Massage Therapist in New Jersey - NJ
By an allied health world contributing writerPublished: February 15th, 2010
As more people begin to use massage therapists and other holistic methods for treatment of illnesses and diseases, massage therapy has grown and developed. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that this profession will grow greater than average through the year 2016. Massage therapy has branched out to where therapists can work for themselves or with a company (medical office, spa, etc), allowing for plenty of opportunity for the profession.
How to Become a Massage Therapist in New Jersey
New Jersey requires certification by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) or by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and certification by the New Jersey Board of Nursing, Massage, and Bodywork & Somatic Therapy Examining Committee.
The NCBTMB offers two exams, the NCETM (National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage) or the NCETMB (National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork). Both are national certifications, the only difference between the two is that the NCETMB includes questions on assessment and application of bodywork. To sit for either exam, candidates must have a minimum of 500 hours of instruction (to see the breakdown of the instruction hours go to http://www.ncbtmb.org/applicants_what_you_need_to_know.php) and graduate from a school that has an NCBTMB assigned code (this means that the board approves the educational provider). If the candidate does not fulfill these requirements they can opt for a portfolio review, which allows them to be eligible for the exam if the NCETM approves their application. To sit for an exam, candidates must submit a completed application, a copy of a government issued ID, copy of official transcript, and payment of $225.
National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) offers a certification in Asian Bodywork Therapy. Candidates must fulfill one of the two eligibility routes to sit for the exam. One is through 500 hours of formal education where 160 contact hours are required in education and at least 70 hours of clinical experience in Asian bodywork (transcripts must be provided with application). The other route is through apprenticeship where candidate must complete 500 contact hours with an approved supervisor, known as a preceptor (for specific requirements of the candidate and preceptor see the candidate handbook at http://www.nccaom.org/handbooks/HB2009v1.pdf). Proof of either route must be submitted with the application with a $400 application fee and $300 exam fee.
When applying for massage therapy certification in New Jersey, the Board has several options for certification:
- Massage Therapy Certification in New Jersey with Education
- Applicants either graduated from an educational program or have worked (full time for two years or part time for 5 years) with clients using massage, bodywork or somatic therapy and have at least 200 hours of training and education in these therapies.
- Massage Therapy Certification in New Jersey with Examination
- Applicant has passed an exam with the NCBTMB or NCCAOM
- Massage Therapy Certification in New Jersey by Endorsement based on licensure in another state
- Applicant has been licensed/certified to practice in another state
If the applicant fits into one of these categories they must submit an application, an authorization for a criminal background check, proof of current basic life support certification by an approved provider, two character affidavits, proof of citizenship, a passport sized photo, and a check or money order for $195. Depending on category of certification, other materials will need to be submitted: for certification with education a transcript or proof of work and training hours, for certification with examination proof of successful completion of the exam from the examination provided, and for certification by endorsement verification by the state that the applicant holds certification/licensure and a copy of that state’s statues and regulations. On approval of the board, certification shall be granted to the applicant.