Moving your Massage Therapy License to Tennessee

             Reciprocity Licensure – Massage Therapy                                                        

 

Navigate the process of Massage Therapy Reciprocity to Tennessee. This page provides essential information and detailed steps for massage therapists seeking to transfer their massage license to Tennessee, ensuring a smooth transition and compliance with state rules and regulations for Massage Therapists and Establishments.

 

In the state of TN, you are required to have a Massage Therapy license from this state in order to perform any massage therapy services (soft tissue manipulation) or a license to own a massage therapy establishment.

 

Our educational advisor can walk you through the process of reciprocity and ensure that you have the proper documentation prepared and in order to apply for licensure.  Reach out to secret@nashvilleschoolofmassagetherapy.com for more information or to set up a professional consultation to discuss your particular reciprocity journey.

 

Educational Requirements for Massage Therapy Reciprocity Tennessee

 

You are required to have an official transcript from a massage therapy school that includes a minimum of 650 clock hours divided into separate categories notated below in this section.Your transcript must clearly reflect the following hours specifically in the following subjects upon review from the board member or board consultant.  Any missing hours will have to be completed at an approved massage therapy school in accordance with the board’s requirements.  **The board will not accept CE certificates as educational hours**

 

Our program director can also run a preliminary audit of your school transcript to check for missing requirements as a part of the consultation process. **Disclosure – This is an unofficial audit and the board has the authority and final say in what hours they will or will not accept or approve once your transcripts are submitted for evaluation**

 

TN Educational Requirements completed by an approved school are as follows:

 

200 hrs Sciences – including, but not limited to, anatomy, physiology-Western and/or Eastern, kinesiology, pathology, HIV/AIDS and blood-borne pathogens, and hygiene (including standard precautions). Other sciences related to the human body may be included with Board approval.  

300 hrs Basic Massage Theory and Practice – including, but not limited to, history, benefits, indications, contraindications, demonstration and supervised practice, client assessment/evaluation, soft tissue manipulations including: gliding, kneading, friction, compression, vibration, percussion, stretching, joint movements, draping, positioning, turning, feedback, charting/documentation, proper body mechanics, and self-care. Intern Clinic  

125 hrs Related Subjects – including, but not limited to, business standards of practice, communication skills, CPR/First Aid, the Americans with Disabilities Act, referral methods, specialized populations, and specialized and adjunct therapies/ Massage modalities such as eastern theory, lymphatic, prenatal, infant, sports, craniosacral and hydrotherapy. This also may include Spa modalities which include but are not limited to: Hot Stone and Cupping

20 hrs Ethics Instruction – Must be clearly outlined separately on a transcript or course outline from official program handbook

5 hrs Tennessee Massage Statutes and Regulation – Must be completed in a live format and by an approved TN Massage Therapy School

 

Classes we offer at Nashville School of Massage Therapy

 

We teach the 5 hour Tennessee Massage Statutes and Regulations Class twice a month via live zoom on Fridays from 9am-2pm CST with a cost of $150 (flat fee) https://www.eventbrite.com/o/nashville-school-of-massage-therapy-16070548859

 

We also teach additional class hours that you may need to qualify for licensure.  This can include: Sciences, Massage Theory and Massage Practice, Related Subjects (adjunct modalities) and Ethics. These classes are charged at a rate of $12.90/hr.  **You are only required to pay for the hours needed to complete your requirements with the state of TN** Reach out for more information on how to enroll in these specific subjects.

 

We strongly recommend that you start with the 5 hr law class to get the overview of the rules and laws and then complete any additional hours needed. 

 

We send an official transcript to the TN massage board on your behalf once you have completed the class hours and paid your balance in full.

 

Day and evening classes are available Monday through Thursday to work around your schedule

 

Information about licensure process – Massage Therapy Reciprocity Tennessee

 

Checklist for licensure application (online) – Massage Therapy Reciprocity Tennessee

 

You will need the following information:

• • • Passport style photo (upload to application)
    • Birth Certificate or Equivalent (upload to application)
    • Drivers license (upload to application)
    • Declaration of Citizenship document (printed off, filled out, notarized and signed, upload to application)
    • 2 letters of recommendation from healthcare professionals (must be in correct format) (See format options below)
    • Massage School Transcript (or NCBTMB licensed for the preceding 5 years) Sent directly from the school to the TN Massage Board
    • Verification of Examination (MBLEx or National) Sent directly from the organization to the TN Massage Board
    • Certificate of Fitness/Licensure Verification of any license held by any state. Sent directly from that board to the TN Massage Board
    • Result of a background check from Identigo ( https://www.identogo.com/ )  using the OCA code #2680
    • Disclosure of convictions, denials, disciplinary actions, civil suits, and failure of licensure exam

 

Remember for Letters of Reference:

 

• • • Must be a healthcare professional (with credentials)
    • Must be on letterhead (can be a self made letterhead or school letterhead/logo)
    • Must include the date (must be within the last 12 months)
    • Body of letter should talk about your personal character and professional ethics
    • Originally signed (wet signature, not stamped or computerized)
    • Include the professionals licensing credentials (ex. LMT, RN, DO, MD, DC) and license number
    • Include the writers contact information