The Road to Becoming a Licensed Massage Therapist

Here is a quick rundown of all the steps, from day 1 of massage school, to being successfully licensed and ready to enter the workforce. Valid for the state of Oklahoma in 2024.

1. You’re in! You start massage school! The length of this process depends on which program you attend. By the end of school you will have a transcript with at least 500 hours.

2. Take the MBLEx. Here’s how you are registered and approved to test. Your school must submit your transcript to the FSMTB (The Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards), the organization that runs the MBLEx. The FSMTB will email you an “Authorization to Test” (ATT) that will allow you to schedule your test. You will click a link, enter your zip code, pick your testing center, and schedule a day and time. If you live near multiple, check the dates at all of them as demand can push out scheduling availability.

3. Apply for licensure. In Oklahoma we are regulated by the Board of Cosmetology and Barbering. You will need to fill out their application, which is on their website. It needs to be notarized, and you must include the citizenship affidavit which also needs to be notarized. 

4. Get a Background Check. You need an OSBI background check dated within 30 days of you turning in your application. This can be done at the OSBI office, and usually takes no more than 10 minutes. You can also request it through their website. 

5. Buy Liability Insurance. AMTA and ABMP are the two national organizations for massage therapists. They offer liability insurance as well as other benefits. There are a lot of companies that offer professional liability insurance. If you’d like to be as cost effective as possible, reach out to an insurance agent who can find you the best rate.

6. Get a passport photo. A newer requirement is that we must provide a passport size photo. They are not as concerned about all the parameters than true passport photos, but just read the instructions on the application and obtain a photo that fits them.

7. Mail in your application - or - turn it in in person in OKC at Shepherd Mall. If you mail it in, I recommend you take it to the Post Office and have it certified. That will give you a slip guaranteeing it was delivered. If you take it in person they will give you a receipt. Here are all the documents you need:

   1. Application (Notarized)

   2. Citizenship or Legal Alien Affidavit (Notarized)

   3. OSBI Background Check (Dated within 30 days)

   4. Certificate of Liability Insurance

   5. MBLEx Pass Examination Result Form

   6. Transcript showing at least 500hrs (from an OBPVS Certified School)

   7. Passport Photo

8. Get your File Number. If you obtain a receipt when you turn your application in in-person, it will have your File Number on it. That will allow you to legally work in the state of Oklahoma. If you mailed your application in, once they have received it they can give you a File Number when you call.

Congrats! You are a Licensed Massage Therapist!

-Lindsay ✨