Steps to getting your Therapeutic Massage license in South Dakota!
First and foremost: Request OFFICIAL transcripts from NAU AND your high school (do not open them or they will not be official) If you have transfer credits from another school you will need to request those official transcripts as well if those credits relate to massage therapy in any way i.e. anatomy, physiology, pathology, or kinesiology.
Apply to take the MBlex (licensing exam). As you may or may not know. National American University offers a one credit course TH 3000 Exam Review. In this class your instructor will walk you through the application process. You will also be given study guides and practice exams throughout the quarter that will help you study and prepare for the exam.
MBLEx (Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards $195)
https://www.fsmtb.org/mblex/
Schedule your exam date: Once you apply to take the MBLEx, you will receive an email with directions to schedule your test date. Please allow time to study! This is not an easy exam by any means. The majority of the questions will consist of Anatomy/Physiology, Kinesiology, and Pathology. However, you will need to know about the history of massage, energetic techniques, business practices, assessment, and general guidelines for professional practice.
There are several testing sites in South Dakota. When you receive the link to schedule your exam you will be given a list of testing sites. Please pick the site closest and most convenient to you.
Study, study, study!! Even when you think you’ve studied enough…..study some more!!! Make flashcards, have a friend test you, download an anatomy app onto your phone (these are GREAT), or do whatever you do best to help you remember things.
Pass the exam J. When you go to take your exam please do NOT forget to bring your driver’s license or some form of identification. If you do not bring this with you, you will NOT be able to take the test and you will need to reapply and pay the $195 again. Ouch!
Obtain proof of malpractice insurance (ABMP, AMTA, Massage Magazine) cost will vary by association. The following links will take you directly to each site:
AMTA: American Massage Therapy Association
www.amtamassage.org
ABMP: Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals
www.abmp.com
Massage Magazine offers liability insurance
http://www.massageliabilityinsurancegroup.com/
Apply for SD state licensure http://doh.sd.gov/boards/massage/assets/Application.pdf
What to include with your license application:
Money $120 ($45 licensing fee, $75 renewal fee)
Copy of driver’s license or birth certificate
If your name has been changed include any documentation of this
Transcripts
Proof of passing the MBlex (the piece of paper you got after you took the test saying whether you passed or not. But of course you did!!!)
Proof of malpractice liability insurance
You will need to have your application notarized (usually a bank will have someone on staff that can notarize)
Call Laura Woitte at 605-336-4696 to have her do a verification of education form to send to the board. Your application will not be approved unless I prove to the board that you have adequate education! That’s what the form “Verification of Education” form is for. This is NOT for you to fill out.
Do not practice massage therapy before getting your license in the mail!! Practicing without a license is ILLEGAL! Don’t do it!!!!!
Celebrate when you get your license in the mail!
About the author:
Laura Woitte has been with NAU for 12+ years. She was on the South Dakota State Massage Board for 9 years (about 7 as president) until it termed out. She has a Master’s degree in Administrative Studies, Bachelor’s in Behavioral Sciences and an AAS in Therapeutic Massage.