Maryland Massage License
Updated for 2024
Massage therapists practicing in Maryland must be licensed by the Maryland State Board of Massage Therapy Examiners (BOMTE). The primary mission of the board is to protect the public safety, health and welfare. Also, the board works to assess applications, issue licenses, and investigate violations of laws or regulations related to licensees.
Massage therapists in Maryland have the option to apply to become a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), or a Registered Massage Practitioner (RMP). The LMT credential has additional education requirements. LMT may practice in medical or health care offices while a RMP cannot. All applicants must first complete the requirements as described on the State Board of Massage Therapy Examiners website.
We’ve provided a summary of these requirements below for a quick reference.
Maryland Quick Look
MD Massage License Required? Yes
Designation: RMP or LMT
Education hours: 600 or 750
Exam: MBLEx or NCBTMB
CEUs / Renewals: 24 CEUs/2yrs
Massage Education Requirements in Maryland
Applicants to be a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) in Maryland are required to complete a minimum of 750 contact hours of in-class instruction from an accredited school. Applicants to be a Registered Massage Practitioner (RMP) in Maryland are required to complete a minimum of 600 contact hours of in-class instruction from an accredited school. A registered massage practitioner is registered by the Board to practice massage in a setting that is not a health care setting. The massage school or education program must be approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) or comparable authority of the state or country where the school is located. The educational program must also be accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA) or by another accrediting agency that is recognized by the US Department of Education. Applicants can view the details of these requirements on their website. The massage program hours must be supervised classroom and clinical study covering the following content areas:
- Anatomy, physiology and kinesiology
- Massage theory, techniques and practice
- Contraindications to massage therapy
- Professional ethics
Licensed Massage Therapists (LMT) need to meet additional education requirements:
- 60 hours of education at an institute of higher education
- 24 hours of advanced massage therapy continuing education
Official transcripts must be sent directly from the school to the licensing board.
Examination Requirements
The Maryland State Board of Massage Therapy Examiners 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 previously offered by the NCBTMB
If you’re preparing for the MBLEx, consider using an MBLEx practice test as part of your study strategy. This type of test offers a practical way to review the material and familiarize yourself with the exam format.
If you have not yet taken the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam and are planning to seek licensure in Maryland, simply select this state when registering for the MBLEx, and they will send your scores to the Maryland State Board of Massage Therapy Examiners when you pass. Check out our About the MBLEx page to see how to apply and schedule your exam.
Additional MD License Requirements
Getting a license in Maryland has additional requirements. The applicant must:
- Be 18 years of age or older, and of good moral character
- Criminal History Records Check (CHRC), which includes fingerprinting
- Verify current CPR certification. LMT must have Healthcare Provider level. RMP must have Basic CPR.
- Pass the State Board of Massage Therapy Examiners Jurisprudence Exam with a score of at least 75%.
Application Process
Download and complete the Maryland massage therapy license application packet available on their website.
Massage License Fees
Here is a summary of the fees charged by the Maryland Board of Massage Therapy Examiners. The total fees due with the initial application is $250.
- Application fee: $300
- Jurisprudence exam fee: $100
- Biennial renewal fee: $276 (LMT), or $250 (RMP)
- Background check costs approximately $50 (Live Scan)
Make money order or cashier’s check payable to: MD State Board of Massage Therapy Examiners.
Renewal Process
Massage therapy licenses and registrations in Maryland need to be renewed every two years. The following must be done to complete your renewal application:
- Complete the renewal application online
- Verify current CPR certification
- Complete 24 CEU credit hours:
- 3 hours must be in professional ethics or jurisprudence
- 3 hours in communicable disease education which includes AIDS/HIV
- 17 hours in massage-related courses approved by the Board
- 1 hour in diversity or cultural competency
- Send renewal fee of $276 (LMT), or $250 (RMP)
Maryland State Board of Massage Therapy Examiners
Contact Information
Address:
Board of Massage Therapy Examiners
Metro Executive Bldg.
4201 patterson Ave., Suite 301
Baltimore, MD 21215-2299
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.
