Nebraska Massage License
Updated for 2023
Massage therapy is regulated in Nebraska by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. To become a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) in the state of Nebraska, you must first complete the requirements as described on the Nebraska Board of Massage Therapists website. This includes completing 1,000 hours of massage education, passing a national massage exam such as the MBLEx, passing a state jurisprudence examination, and meeting other requirements.
We’ve provided a summary of these requirements below for a quick reference. When you’re ready to start preparing for the massage exam, check out MBLExGuide and how we can help. There are currently about 1,300 massage therapists in Nebraska.
Nebraska Quick Look
Massage License Required? Yes
Designation: LMT
Education hours: 1,000
Exam: MBLEx or NCBTMB
CEUs / Renewals: 16 CEUs/2yrs
Massage Education Requirements in Nebraska
Applicants for a Nebraska massage license are required to complete a minimum of 1,000 hours of in-class supervised instruction from an approved school. The program duration must be no less than 9 months.
- 100 hours of human anatomy
- 100 hours of physiology
- 100 hours of pathology
- 100 hours of massage therapy
- 100 hours of hydrotherapy
- 100 hours of health service management
- 100 hours of hygiene and practical demonstration
- 300 hours in subject areas related to the clinical practice of massage therapy
Additional details on educational requirements can be viewed on their website.
Examination Requirements
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services 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 (this exam are no longer offered)
If you have not yet taken the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam and are planning to seek licensure in Nebraska, simply select this state when registering for the MBLEx, and they will send your scores to the when you pass. Check out our About the MBLEx page to see how to apply and schedule your exam.
Additional License Requirements
Getting a license in Nebraska has additional requirements. The applicant must:
- Be at least 19 years of age
- Pass a Jurisprudence Examination with a score of at least 75%
- Pass a criminal background check
- Verify current CPR certification
Application Process
Nebraska massage license applicants may apply by examination or by reciprocity.
To apply by reciprocity, the applicant must have an active massage license in good standing in another state with similar licensing requirements. If the applicant does not have the full 1,000 hours of massage education requirements in Nebraska, then these hours may be obtained through additional massage training, college courses, work experience or continuing education. Applicants using the reciprocity method must still pass an approved board exam like the MBLEx or NCBTMB, and they must pass the state jurisprudence examination with a score of at least 75%.
A temporary license may be granted for applicants who have met all of the license requirements except passing the licensure examination or if applying by reciprocity. This temporary license will only be valid for 60 days, and the massage therapist must be supervised in his/her practice.
Massage License Fees
Here is a summary of the fees related to massage licensing in Nebraska:
- Application & license fee: $110
- Renewal fee: $110
- Temporary license: $25
Renewal Process
All massage therapy licenses expire on November 1, every odd-numbered year. Licensees will receive a renewal notice at least 30 days prior to the expiration date. The following must be done to complete your renewal application:
- Complete 16 CEU credit hours. 8 hours must be hands-on workshops (cannot be online). The remaining 50% of these hours may be gained through online or electronic media. 3 hours must be related to professional ethics ethics training.
- Complete the renewal application
- Send renewal fee of $110
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
Contact Information
Address:
Nebraska DHHS
Licensure Unit
PO Box 94986
Lincoln, NE 68509-4986
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.