How to Become a Massage Therapist in Oklahoma

The State of Oklahoma Massage Therapist Requirements

Throughout the 69,898 square miles of the Sooner State, massage therapists work to help the more than 3.9 million people in their state find relief from pain, rehabilitation from injuries, and comfort in the midst of stress and anxiety.

With 643,692 people in Oklahoma City, 402,324 people in Tulsa, and 122,837 people in Norman, massage therapists who work in Oklahoma can find an engaged environment to open, continue, or join a massage therapy business.

How Do I Become A Massage Therapist in Oklahoma?

If you’re ready to move into your career as a massage therapist in Oklahoma, you must apply for a license with the Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering.

The application fee is $50. You must also supply an affidavit proving you are either a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, legal permanent resident alien or qualified alien. If you do not obtain a license, you will be working illegally and can receive a fine.

In order to receive this license, you must complete a minimum of 500 hours of supervised classroom and hands-on instruction from an approved massage therapy program and have passed the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx).

You can find application request forms on the state licensing website.

Where Can I Study?

Below are two approved schools in Oklahoma to help you get started on what you may be looking for in a massage therapy education.

• Integrated Massage Therapy College: With their 5 step massage program, students can build a career in massage in as little as five months. The program is 1300 hours, and can be enrolled for the entire thing or split to one program at a time. This school works with students’ flexibility needs, hoping their classes will fit everyone’s lifestyle.
• Clary Sage College: Students in this program will engage in supervised, hands-on training in traditional Swedish massage as well as a variety of other modalities. At the end of the program, students will perform an internship at the on-site massage clinic, allowing students to see clients and put the theories they learned in class to work under the supervision of a professional.

Other education options include Platt College and Community Care College.

How Much Will I Earn?

The average annual wage of a massage therapist in Oklahoma was $50,029 in 2021. This is on the lower side of state earnings, with the average national salary at $53,222. However, massage therapists who work in the non-metropolitan areas of northwestern Oklahoma have the opportunity to earn a higher salary, with the average for this area at $57,470 annually.

Educational Requirements

To get your massage therapy license in Oklahoma, you need to complete at least 500 hours of formal education from a state-licensed massage therapy school. The Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering oversees licensing and enforces the Massage Therapy Practice Act. Your massage therapy program will cover important topics like anatomy, physiology, pathology, ethics, and hands-on massage techniques to prepare you for a successful career. Whether you choose a leading massage school in Oklahoma City or a specialized program in Tulsa, you’ll receive the training needed to thrive in this growing field.

Unlike some states, Oklahoma does not require a state-specific laws and rules course. However, your training will include essential coursework on ethics and legal guidelines to help you meet state regulations. If you completed your massage therapy education outside of Oklahoma, you may need to apply for reciprocity, which involves submitting your credentials and paying an additional fee.

What is the MBLEx?

The Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) is a standardized test that assesses your knowledge and understanding of key concepts and practices in the field of massage therapy.

The MBLEx is administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB). It is designed to evaluate the competency of entry-level massage therapists and confirm they have the necessary skills and knowledge to practice safely and effectively. Passing the MBLEx is a requirement for licensure in most states, including Oklahoma.

Out-of-State License Transfer

If you hold a massage therapy license from another state and want to practice in Oklahoma, the Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering (OSBCB) will review your transcripts to assure they meet or exceed Oklahoma’s requirements.

To apply for reciprocity, you must submit proof of at least 500 hours of formal education, passing scores from the MBLEx or The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) exam, and a copy of your current liability insurance. Additionally, an OSBI background check and a valid government-issued ID confirming you are at least 18 years old are required.

An extra $15 reciprocity fee applies in addition to the standard application fee. Once approved, you’ll be licensed to practice massage therapy throughout Oklahoma.

Application Process for Licensure

After completing your massage therapy education and passing the MBLEx or NCBTMB exam, prospective massage therapists must apply for licensure in Oklahoma. The process includes:

• Submitting Proof of Education: Provide a certificate and transcript from a state-licensed massage school showing completion of at least 500 hours of therapeutic massage training.
• Exam Scores: Submit official passing scores from the MBLEx or NCBTMB exam.
• Application Form: Complete the application available on the Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering (OSBCB) website.
• Insurance: Applicants must provide proof of current professional liability insurance.
• Background Check: Get an OSBI background check, including sex offender and violent offender screenings.
• Application Fees: Pay the required fee for a two-year license.

Background Check and Fingerprinting

Oklahoma requires all prospective massage therapists to complete a background check as part of the licensing process. This includes:

• Background Check: Applicants must obtain an Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) background check, which includes screenings for sex offender and violent offender records.
• Fingerprinting: While fingerprinting is not required, the OSBI check provides eligibility to practice massage in the state.
• Fees and Processing: Applicants must pay the associated fees and allow time for processing before their license is issued.

Continuing Education Requirements

To maintain your license, Oklahoma requires massage therapists to complete continuing education:

• Hours Required: A minimum of five (5) continuing education units (CEUs) every year.
• Approved Courses: Courses must be relevant to massage and meet the standards set by the Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering (OSBCB).
• Renewal Process: Submit proof of completed continuing education with your license renewal application every two years, along with the renewal fee.

Oklahoma Massage Insurance Requirements

Oklahoma legally requires massage therapists to carry professional liability insurance to comply with state regulations and protect their practice. Whether you’re working in a bustling Oklahoma City spa, a wellness retreat in the scenic Ozarks, or running your own mobile practice, insurance provides important peace of mind.

Massage therapists must maintain professional liability insurance throughout their career and submit proof of coverage with their initial application and renewals. While Oklahoma does not mandate a specific coverage amount, it is recommended to have at least $1 million per occurrence and $3 million aggregate to provide comprehensive protection.

Here’s an in-depth look at why insurance is important, the types of Oklahoma massage liability insurance available, and additional resources for Oklahoma massage therapists.

Importance of Insurance

Massage insurance provides necessary protection against miscellaneous risks associated with the profession. Key reasons to consider obtaining insurance include:

• Professional Liability: Covers legal expenses and damages if a client sues you for malpractice or negligence. This is crucial as it protects you from claims related to injuries or dissatisfaction with your services.
• General Liability: Protects against accidents and injuries that may occur on your business premises. For instance, if a client slips and falls in your office, general liability insurance covers medical costs and potential legal fees.
• Identity Protection Coverage: Provides protection against identity theft and threat incidents that would put personal information at risk. Typically includes credit monitoring, dark web scans, and recovery services if your information is jeopardized.
• Personal and Advertising Injury Coverage: This coverage can help protect you if you’re accused of libel, slander, or false advertising.

Resources

For more detailed information on insurance requirements and recommendations for massage therapists in Oklahoma, consider the following resources:

• Interstate Massage Compact: The Interstate Massage Compact, or IMpact, is a multistate license option for massage therapists who work in more than one state. Currently only Nevada and Ohio have legislation enacted but therapists should keep a sharp eye on this for licensure reasons.
• Oklahoma Board of Cosmetology and Barbering: Regularly visit the state website for any updates on regulations and state laws.
• MBLEx Guide: Dependable educational platform for completing the MBLEx.

Employment and Career Opportunities

Once you become a licensed massage therapist in Oklahoma, a variety of career opportunities await across the state. From thriving urban centers like Oklahoma City and Tulsa to smaller towns with growing wellness communities, massage therapists are in demand. Here’s an overview of potential workplaces, salary expectations, and job search tips to help you start your career.

Workplaces

Massage therapists in Oklahoma can find employment in diverse settings, including:

• Spas and Wellness Centers: Common employers that offer therapeutic massage services focused on relaxation and stress relief in areas like Bricktown in Oklahoma City or the Blue Dome District in Tulsa.
• Clinics and Hospitals: Many massage therapists work alongside healthcare professionals to assist in pain management and patient recovery. Hospitals in cities like Norman and Edmond provide such opportunities.
• Chiropractic Offices: Complementary care to chiropractic treatments is in demand across the state, helping clients with pain relief and mobility improvement.
• Private Practice: Many therapists choose to establish their own businesses, offering services in-home or at private studios, particularly in suburban and rural areas.
• Fitness Centers and Sports Facilities: Oklahoma has a strong sports culture, with opportunities to work with athletes in gyms, sports therapy clinics, and even professional teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Salary Expectations

The salary for massage therapists varies based on location, experience, and place of employment. According to recent data:

• The median annual wage for massage therapists in the United States was $55,310 as of May 2023 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
• In Oklahoma, the average annual salary for massage therapists is approximately $49,260, with variations depending on the specific metropolitan area. For instance, in the Oklahoma City area, the annual mean wage is about $48,770 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Job Outlook

The demand for massage therapists is projected to grow significantly. Employment of massage therapists is expected to increase by 18% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth will result in approximately 22,000 new job openings each year, driven by increasing awareness of the health benefits of massage therapy and the need to replace retiring workers.

Job Search Tips

To successfully land a job as a massage therapist in Oklahoma, consider these effective strategies:

• Networking: Connect with industry professionals through local events, wellness expos. Online platforms like LinkedIn and community Facebook groups can also provide valuable connections and job leads.
• Professional Associations: Joining organizations like the Oklahoma Chapter of the Massage Therapy Association which offers resources, continuing education opportunities, and access to job listings tailored to the state’s market.
• Job Search Platforms: Use websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and specialized healthcare job boards to find job openings across Oklahoma, from urban areas like Tulsa to smaller communities seeking holistic wellness services.
• Continuing Education: Stay competitive by attending workshops and courses in therapeutic massage and specialized techniques such as deep tissue or sports massage. Keeping your skills up to date can make you a more attractive candidate to potential employers in settings like spas, medical clinics, and fitness centers.
• Marketing: If you are starting a private practice, invest in marketing efforts such as creating a professional website, using social media, and establishing partnerships with local businesses to attract clients.

Ensure Your Peace of Mind with Liability Insurance

As a massage therapist, protecting yourself and your practice is crucial. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a student starting your journey, liability insurance is an essential safeguard. Massage Magazine Insurance Plus offers comprehensive policies that cater to your specific needs, providing unmatched peace of mind. Here’s why you should consider this vital coverage:

Access to Continuing Education: Stay ahead in your field with access to a wide range of continuing education resources. Our policyholders enjoy exclusive benefits that help them keep their skills sharp and up-to-date.

Comprehensive Member Benefits: Join a community that offers more than just insurance. With Massage Magazine Insurance Plus, you gain access to numerous member benefits, including industry news, resources, and networking opportunities that can propel your career forward.

Why Wait? Protect Your Practice Today! Investing in liability insurance is a proactive step towards ensuring a successful and worry-free career. Don’t leave your practice vulnerable—choose Massage Magazine Insurance Plus and enjoy unparalleled protection and benefits.Visit Massage Magazine Insurance Plus to learn more and secure your policy. Your future self will thank you!