Frequently Asked Questions- New Mexico Massage Therapy Board
What are the minimum educational requirements for licensure?
The minimum educational requirements are: 650 hours of massage therapy training to include:
165 hours of Anatomy and Physiology (including Kinesiology and 40 hours of Pathology)
150 hours of Massage Therapy instruction (including Contraindications)
75 hours of General Instruction (to include Hydrotherapy, Business, 30 hours of Professional Ethics, a minimum of 4 hours of First Aid, and a minimum of 4 hours of CPR).
The maximum number of Clinical Practicum hours is 150.
Do you accept Massage Therapy education obtained outside of New Mexico?
If you attended a Massage Therapy School outside New Mexico, you are required to have your School complete Form A, available on the Forms page, along with your official transcript. Form A provides the Board with a breakdown of the courses and hours you took, enabling us to determine whether you meet New Mexico's minimum education hours. Also required is documentation/verification that the school is approved to operate as a private post-secondary educational institution or its equivalent.
My massage therapy school issued me a transcript. Will you accept my copy of the transcript?
No. The official transcript must be mailed in a sealed envelope directly from the Massage Therapy School to the Board office.
What are the requirements for and how do I obtain a temporary massage therapy license?
The requirement for a temporary license is that you have not yet taken a national examination and that you meet the Board’s minimum education requirements. You must complete the Massage Therapist Application (available on the Forms page), including the Temporary Licensure section, and pay the Temporary License fee in addition to the other fees outlined on the application. The temporary license cannot be extended.
What examinations are required for licensure?
New Mexico requires a national examination, either the NCE/NCETMB, offered by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork or the MBLEx, offered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards. The Board also administers a state Jurisprudence examination. You must contact the testing agency to sign up to test. The Federation can be reached at 1-866-962-3926 or at mblex@fsmtb.org and the National Certification Board can be reached at 1-800-296-0664 or at info@ncbtmb.com. The State Jurisprudence exam will be mailed to you when your application for licensure is received by the Board office.
I just took and passed the National Examination will the Board accept the score report I received at the testing site as proof of taking and passing the examination?
No. You must request to have your exam score sent directly to the Board office.
How long does the application process take?
If the Board Office has received all required documentation, the application process may take two (2) weeks.
I have a massage therapy license in another state and I am nationally certified. May I practice in New Mexico with my out-of-state license?
No. You must be licensed by the New Mexico Massage Therapy Board in order to practice massage therapy as a Massage Therapist in New Mexico.
How do I obtain a duplicate license and or notify the Board of my new Address?
The Board will issue a duplicate/replacement license or wall certificate upon receipt of a written request which states the reason for such duplication or replacement (for example: it was lost, stolen, destroyed, or name changed). You may obtain a change of address form by downloading it from the Forms page, or you may change that information online by following this link: https://mylicense.rld.state.nm.us/.
How do I file a complaint against a licensee or report unlicensed activity?
Download a Complaint Form from the Forms page.
How many continuing education hours are required for renewal?
Four (4) hours of Ethics and twelve (12) additional hours, for a total of 16 hours
When are renewals notices mailed?
Renewal notices are mailed approximately 45 days prior to the expiration date noted on the license. If you do not receive your renewal notice, contact the Board Office to make sure we have your correct/current mailing address. Because licenses are renewed for a two-year period, be sure to check your license for the year it is scheduled to expire.
What happens if I fail to renew my license?
61-12C-18.B provides that a massage therapy license not renewed shall be placed on Inactive Status for a period not to exceed two years. At the end of two years, if the license has not been reactivated, it will automatically expire.
