Massage Therapy
Initial Licensure Requirements

Any person who wishes to practice massage therapy must obtain a license. The criteria for issuance of licenses and the documentation required by the Department are set forth below.

Initial License Requirements: An applicant for an initial license must:

1. Have completed a course of study and training in massage therapy as specified in 172 NAC 81-002;
2. Have attained at least the age of 19 years and have good moral character;
3. Have established residence in the State of Nebraska; and
4. Have received a passing score on the licensure examination as set by NCBTMB and approved by the Board.

Application Process:  The following must be submitted to the Department:

1. A completed application, on Attachment A attached to these regulations and incorporated by this reference or an alternate form that contains the same information. Only applications which are complete will be considered;
2. An official transcript showing that he/she has completed a course of study and training in massage therapy;
3. Evidence that he/she is at least 19 years of age, such as:
1. Driver’s license;
2. Massage therapy transcript which states date of birth;
3. Birth certificate;
4. Marriage license; or
5. Other similar documentation;

4. If any disciplinary action was taken against the applicant’s license by another state, an official copy of the disciplinary action, including charges and disposition;
5. If the applicant has been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony:
1. Official Court Record, which includes charges and disposition;
2. Copies of arrest records;
3. A letter from the applicant explaining the nature of the conviction;
4. All addiction/mental health evaluations and proof of treatment; and
5. A letter from the probation officer addressing probationary conditions and current status, if the applicant is currently on probation;

6. Evidence of residency in the State of Nebraska;
7. Attestation by the applicant:
1. That s/he has not practiced in Nebraska prior to the application of his/her license; or
2. To the actual number of days practiced in Nebraska prior to the application of his/her license; and

8. The required license fee.

Pro-rated Fee: When a license will expire within 180 days after its initial issuance date, the Department will collect $25, and the Licensee Assistance Program fee of $1, and the license will be valid until the next subsequent renewal date.

Administrative Penalty/Other Action:  An individual who practices prior to issuance of a credential is subject to assessment of an Administrative Penalty pursuant to 172 NAC 81-013, or such other action as provided in the statutes and regulations governing the credential.

Department Decision:  The Department will act within 150 days upon all completed applications for licensure.

Withdrawn/Rejected Application: An applicant for a license who withdraws his/her application or whose application is rejected by the Department prior to administration of the examination will be allowed the return of his/her fee, except for an administrative fee of $25.00 to be retained by the Department.

To apply for an initial license, you must submit the completed application to:

Licensing & Regulatory Affairs
Massage Therapy
P.O. Box 94986
Lincoln, NE 68509-4986