Iowa Massage License
Updated for 2024
Massage therapists who want to practice in Iowa must first have a massage therapy license issued by the Iowa Board of Massage Therapy. The Board is part of the Bureau of Professional Licensure of the Department of Public Health. The main duties of the Board of Massage Therapy is to establish rules and regulations, as well as ensure the competence and integrity of Licensed Massage Therapists (LMT) in the state.
To become a licensed massage therapist (LMT) in the state of Iowa, you must first complete the requirements as described on the Iowa Board of Massage Therapists website. We’ve provided a summary of these requirements below for a quick reference.
Industry research from ABMP in 2016 estimated that there was about 2,721 massage therapists in Iowa. That’s 1 therapist per every 1,147 people in Iowa.
Iowa Quick Look
Massage License Required? Yes
Designation: LMT
Education hours: 600
Exam: MBLEx or NCBTMB
CEUs / Renewals: 16 CEs/2yrs
Massage Education Requirements in Iowa
Applicants for a massage license in Iowa are required to complete a minimum of 600 hours of in-class instruction and clinical training from a Board-approved school or program. An approved curriculum for a massage program includes:
- Fundamentals of massage therapy
- Clinical application of massage and bodywork therapies
- Client communication theory and practice
- Health care referral theory and practice
- Anatomy and physiology
- Kinesiology
- Pathology and skills in infection control, injury prevention and sanitation
- Iowa law and ethics
- Business management, including legal and financial aspects, documentation and record maintenance
- Wellness and healthy lifestyle theory and practice in areas such as hydrotherapy. hot and cold applications, spa techniques, nutrition, herbal studies, wellness models, somatic movement and energy work
Examination Requirements
The Iowa Board of Massage Therapy has approved the following exams:
- Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx) offered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB)
- NCETMB/NCETM credentialing exam offered by the NCBTMB
In preparing for the MBLEx, frequent use of MBLEx practice tests can be a strategic approach for candidates in Iowa. These tests simulate the actual exam environment, providing valuable insights into the types of questions and the exam format, thus enhancing preparation and boosting confidence for the real test.
If you have not yet taken the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam and are planning to seek licensure in Iowa, simply select this state when registering for the MBLEx, and they will send your scores to the Iowa Board of Massage Therapy when you pass. Check out our About the MBLEx page to see how to apply and schedule your exam.
Additional License Requirements
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Verify current CPR and first aid certification
Application Process
Applicants for a massage license in Iowa may apply through the examination or the endorsement process. Endorsement or reciprocity is available for massage therapists who are currently licensed in another state.
You can create an account and apply online, or you can download the application from their website and mail it back in. Official transcripts from your massage school must be sent directly from your school to the Iowa Board of Massage Therapy. Your examination scores from either the MBLEx or NCBTMB exam must also be sent directly from the examining agency to the Iowa Board.
Massage License Fees
Here is a summary of the fees charged by the Iowa Board of Massage Therapy regarding licensure:
- Nonrefundable application fee: $120
- License renewal fee: $60
- Temporary license fee for up to 1 year: $120
- Late fee for failure to renew before expiration: $60
- Reactivation fee: $120
- Duplicate license fee: $20
- Verification of license fee: $20
Renewal Process
All massage therapy licenses expire on the 15th day of the anniversary month, two years after the license was issued or previously renewed. You can renew your massage license up to 60 days before the expiration date. Renewal notifications will be emailed to your email address on record at 60, 50, 40, and 30 days prior to your expiration date. The following must be done to complete your renewal application:
- Complete the online renewal process. A link and instructions will be emailed to you in the email reminders. Or, you can download and complete the paper renewal application and mail it in with your payment.
- Complete 16 CE credit hours. 8 of these hours can be online.
Iowa Board of Massage Therapy
Contact Information
Address:
Iowa Board of Massage Therapy
Lucas State Office Bldg., 5th Floor
321 East 12th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319-0075
Note: The information on this website is for informational purposes. Please inquire directly with your state and local boards to verify requirements and regulations, as this may have changed. Contact information is listed above.