Illinois Massage Therapist State Requirements

Massage therapists in Illinois must meet specific requirements established by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) to practice within the state.

Whether you're exploring massage schools in Illinois or wanting to learn more about license renewal and reciprocity requirements, this guide on Illinois massage state requirements is for you!

Texas Massage Therapist State Requirements (6)

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How to Become a Massage Therapist in Illinois

To become a massage therapist in Illinois, you must complete at least 600 hours of massage therapy education, pass a national licensing exam, and successfully pass a criminal background check. Applicants have three years from the date of initial application to complete process or they will have to re-apply and meet any new requirements set. Continue reading for more details:

Illinois Education and Application Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old Must have a preliminary education of a high school level, GED is also acceptable

Must complete at least 600 clock hours of supervised massage therapy education passing each course with a 70% or higher

Pass either the Federation of State Massage Therapy Board (FSMTB) or the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) national license exam

Successfully pass a criminal background check and provide evidence of fingerprint processing from a vendor licensed by the IDFPR

Disclosure of your social security number Pay a non-refundable application fee of $170

Further details on licensing, including the Massage Licensing Act and specific rules for massage therapists, can be found on the IDFPR website.

Verifying this information with the latest guidelines provided by the Illinois Board and national certification board regulatory bodies is essential, as requirements can change.

See our blog on how to become a massage therapist for more tips and guidance!

Massage Therapy Schools in Illinois

Choosing the right massage school for prospective massage therapists in Illinois is a critical step in their career journey.

Here are some reputable schools from different regions in Illinois:

Northern Illinois -Midwest Technical Institute, Springfield, IL: This institute offers a hands-on approach to its massage therapy program, emphasizing practical skills and real-world experience.
Southern Illinois -Shawnee Community College, Ullin, IL: Known for its comprehensive curriculum, Shawnee Community College blends traditional massage techniques with modern clinical practices.
Eastern Illinois -Southwestern Illinois College, Belleville, IL: With a focus on holistic health, this college provides students with a well-rounded education in massage therapy, preparing them for various therapeutic settings.
Western Illinois -Waubonsee Community College, Sugar Grove, IL: This college stands out for its state-of-the-art facilities and a curriculum that balances theory with hands-on training.
Central Illinois -Soma Institute, Chicago, IL: Located in the heart of Illinois, Soma Institute is renowned for its specialized programs catering to various massage therapy techniques, from traditional to contemporary.

Each school offers unique attributes, making them excellent choices for those looking to start their clinical massage therapy education in Illinois.

Insurance Requirements

In Illinois, massage therapists are not required to have insurance but it is strongly recommended for massage therapists in any state.

The key insurance coverages are: Malpractice or Professional Liability Insurance
General Liability Protection

These insurance requirements are vital for practicing massage therapy in Illinois, helping to maintain a safe and secure environment for clients and meeting the state's regulatory standards.

For more detailed information, see our page about massage insurance in Illinois.

How Much Does Illinois Massage Insurance Cost?

1 year full-time Professional Rate

169

Cost to you: $0.46/day

2 year full-time
professional rate

299

Cost to you: $0.41/day

1 year part-time
professional rate

159

Cost to you: $0.43/day

Human score Trustpilot Stars number of reviews

License Renewals

Renewing your massage therapy license in Illinois is key to maintaining your professional status. Here's what to expect: Renewal Process Renewal Notice: Expect a notice from IDFPR 2-3 months before license expiration. Complete CEUs: Complete the necessary CEUs before renewal.

Application Submission: Fill out the renewal application from IDFPR and pay the associated fees. The fee is typically $87.50, due on December 31 of even-numbered years.

Background Check: Update your criminal background check if required.

Verification and Confirmation: Verify your license status and wait for IDFPR to process your renewal.

Following these steps guarantees a smooth renewal process, keeping your license up-to-date, and continuing your professional massage therapy practice in Illinois.

Continuing education

Continuing education is crucial to maintaining a massage therapy license in Illinois. Here's what you can anticipate:

Approved Courses: Choose courses approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). The Illinois Board of Massage accepts various courses, making sure you have various options to meet your educational needs.

CEUs Requirement: Illinois requires massage therapists to complete 24 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every two years. This includes specific courses such as 2 CEUs in ethics and 1 CEU in sexual harassment prevention training. These specialized courses are essential in promoting ethical practice and awareness of important societal issues within the profession.

Record-Keeping: Maintain thorough records of your completed CEUs. This is essential for verification during the license renewal process. Proper documentation ensures you can efficiently prove your completion of the required continuing education.

These requirements are designed to keep massage therapists up-to-date with the latest techniques, ethical standards, and professional knowledge, enhancing client care quality. Regularly check with the IDFPR for any updates or changes in continuing education requirements.

Transfer of License and License Reciprocity

For massage therapists seeking to transfer their license to Illinois or understand the state's reciprocity policies, here's what you need to know:

License Transfer Methods:

Acceptance of Examination: Applicants who have passed either the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx) or a credentialing exam offered by the NCBTMB can use this Illinois licensure method.
Endorsement: If you hold a current massage license in good standing from another state, you can apply for licensure in Illinois via endorsement. This method requires that the licensing requirements of your original state be substantially equivalent to or greater than those in Illinois at the time your original license was issued.

Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact):

About IMpact: The Interstate Massage Compact, known as IMpact, allows licensed massage therapists to practice in all states that join the compact. This initiative simplifies practicing in multiple states, requiring only one multistate license.
Illinois' Participation: Illinois currently does not currently have the IMpact enacted. However, the compact map on the official Interstate Massage Compact website offers the latest updates on which states have enacted, are pending, or have not introduced the relevant legislation.

Given the evolving nature of interstate compacts and licensure requirements, it's advisable for Licensed Massage Therapists (LMTs) in Illinois to regularly check for updates, especially regarding the state's involvement in the Interstate Massage Compact.

This participation could significantly alter licensure requirements and practice opportunities in multiple states. For the most current information, it would be beneficial to consult the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), the official Interstate Massage Compact website.

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