How Oklahoma massage therapy laws changed this year - Tulsa World

[massage]

Are you a massage therapist or thinking of entering that field soon? If so, you should be aware that, as of May 1, 2017, the State of Oklahoma requires that all massage therapists be licensed in order to practice.

At present, Clary Sage College, a non-profit, private institution, is the only major institution in the Tulsa area offering coursework to qualify for licensure.

“Our program includes 820 credit hours and prepares students to take the state Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx),” says Derek Ball, head of the Massage Therapy department at Clary Sage, which is also a branch of Community Care College. “Once students complete the course, pass the state exam and receive their license, they have enough credit hours to take the test to qualify for national board certification if they wish.”

The program at Clary Sage spans 37 weeks and includes both coursework and clinical hours. The $195 cost of taking the state exam is included in the cost of tuition. Students can enter the program easily since a new class begins every Monday.

Until this year, Oklahoma was one of only five states that did not regulate massage therapists. Legislators cited several reasons for drafting the new law, including:

• Establishing standards of minimum competency

• Ensuring therapists are qualified to represent themselves to the public as licensed therapists

• Helping consumers identify the responsibilities and services unique to a massage therapist

• Enhancing public safety by enforcing disciplinary actions against non-compliant practitioners

• Setting a formal grievance process for consumers

To be licensed by the state, applicants must be 18 years of age and must produce a transcript showing that they’ve completed at least 500 hours of coursework at a state-approved school. Additionally, students must pass the MBLEx and show that they carry liability insurance to practice. A criminal background check is also required.

Educators view the new law as a positive step in bringing massage therapists the same level of professional recognition as others in the healthcare field.

“Licensure offers the therapist acceptance as a professional who’s fulfilled a prescribed curriculum and proven themselves as competent in the field,” says Derek Ball. “It demonstrates that they have the knowledge and the skill to properly care for your body and keep you safe and protected.”

He adds, “Certification also provides a level of confidence for the consumer that the therapist they choose is ethical and skilled in their practice.”

As the health benefits of massage therapy gain more recognition, career opportunities are opening up in such varied facilities as sports clinics, fitness centers, high-end spas and chiropractic offices. The U.S. Department of Labor projected that the job outlook in the field was expected to grow by 22 percent between 2014 and 2024.

For students seeking a quality program to fulfill the current state requirement, consider Clary Sage College. Just last year, their massage therapy program posted an 85 percent job placement rate. Clary Sage College has also been named one of the five best community colleges in Oklahoma by Best Colleges.com.

To get started, call 918-298-8200 or email admissions@clarysagecollege.edu.

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