Becoming a Licensed Massage Therapist in Oregon
In Oregon, you must follow this process to become a Licensed Massage Therapist:
- Complete a minimum of 625 educational hours from an accredited massage therapy school or university
- Pass the MBLEx — a two-part standardized exam that evaluates a potential LMT’s ability to practice safe and competent massage therapy
- Complete and pass a background check via the state of Oregon
- Pass the Oregon Jurisprudence exam — an open book, 25 question test
Completing Your Massage Education Program in Oregon
Oregon, like most states, requires a minimum number of education hours to become certified as a massage therapist.
At NUNM, you can study to either 1) receive certification in massage therapy, or 2) earn your bachelor’s degree in massage therapy.
Massage certification is a 12-month, 38-credit program, and the Bachelor of Science in Massage Therapy is a 2-year, 97-credit program. Both meet the minimum education requirements to become licensed.
No matter which path you choose, you’ll receive a rigorous education in the art and science of massage, with hands-on training beginning on day 1.
At a minimum, you’ll complete training and education in the following areas:
- Anatomy, Physiology & Kinesiology:
- Mastery of Swedish, Deep Tissue, and Trigger Point Massage
- Pathophysiology & Pain Science
- Hydrotherapy & Movement Techniques: Integrate thermal and movement therapies.
- Professional Ethics & Business Practices
- Clinical Practice
NUNM takes an integrative, whole-person approach to all curriculum areas, including our massage education. This helps students learn how to approach cases from a perspective that includes a patient’s physical, emotional, nutritional, and environmental well-being.
Upon completion of massage therapy training at NUNM, graduates will demonstrate:
- Clinical Competence
- Integrated Biomedical Knowledge
- High Professional Standards
- Practice Readiness
Not only does massage therapy training at NUNM teach students safe and effective, evidence-based massage techniques, sharpen communication skills, and emphasize professional ethics, it also prepares students for their licensure.
Both the certificate and bachelor’s-level programs devote a portion of exam prep.
Passing the MBLEx
Completing the MBLEx is a critical step toward becoming an LMT in Oregon.
After passing the exam, you’re ready to apply for licensure with the state.
The administering body of the MBLEx, Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB), requires the following before you can take the exam:
- Submission of your completed MBLEx application, including the required fee
- Verification of program completion from your accredited massage school
- Agreement that you’ll follow the board’s examination policies
The MBLEx must be taken in person at a designated exam center. You’ll have 2 hours to complete the exam, and will be notified if you’ve either passed or failed the exam at the time of its completion.
Currently the MBLEx costs $265.
Once you’ve successfully passed the exam, you’re ready to apply for state licensure.
Registering with the State of Oregon
To obtain your license to practice massage in Oregon, you must first complete the application registration request.
During the state application process, you’ll undergo a background check that includes fingerprinting and processing.
Fees for Oregon state LMT registration include a $135 application fee, and a $47.25 fingerprint processing fee.
In Oregon, you’ll need to renew your registration every two years, and earn continuing education credits before renewal. This helps ensure you stay up to date with the latest developments in standardized massage therapy techniques and education.
Once you’ve completed your state registration, you’ll be eligible to practice as an LMT in Oregon.
Study Massage at NUNM in Portland, OR
Of course, we’re a bit biased, but we believe that Oregon is a great place to become a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) and that the National University of Natural Medicine located in Portland, OR is the perfect place to study massage.
Why? More options, a reputation for academic excellence, and a commitment to high standards. With decades of experience educating future healthcare professionals, NUNM brings its expertise in whole-person health to massage therapy education, preparing students with the knowledge, hands-on skills, and interdisciplinary perspective to succeed in the field.
Ready to learn more about becoming a Licensed Massage Therapist in Oregon? Contact us today. Our Admissions team is here to help you take the next step in your career.