General Consumer Information

The North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy (Board) is committed to providing the public with information, resources and, when necessary, assistance in filing a grievance against a licensed massage and bodywork therapist.  An informative PowerPoint presentation is available for viewing on the Board’s Consumer Resources page.

In this section, the public may access the Board’s “Online Verification” section, which allows the public to search the Board’s database by licensee name or license number.  You may also view disciplinary reports associated with licensees who have been sanctioned by the Board. 

The Public Frequently Asked Questions section will assist the public with questions concerning the licensure process, how to determine if a massage and bodywork therapist is licensed, how to file a complaint, what a license looks like and other important information.

Public Service Videos

As part of the Board's Public Awareness Campaign, the Communications Committee was to create a series of brief Public Service Announcement videos. It was determined that the initial Public Service Announcement campaign would consist of 4 videos. Each video would be 3 - 5 minutes long. The topics chosen were (1) “How to find a Licensed Massage & Bodywork Therapist”; (2) “What you should know before receiving your first massage”; (3) “How to file a complaint with the Board”; and (4) “What is the difference between being licensed and certified?” Links to these videos are listed below.  Click on the video you would like to watch and a separate window will open containing the video of your choice.

Public Service Ads

English

Public Service Announcement from the North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy

 A person must be licensed as a massage and bodywork therapist (LMBT) by the North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy before they begin to practice massage and bodywork therapy in the State of North Carolina. 

 To be licensed, a person must have successfully completed a minimum of 500 hours of massage and bodywork therapy education at a school approved by the Board.  The person must also pass a Massage and Bodywork Therapy Licensing Exam approved by the Board, submit an application for licensure to the Board along with statements of moral character from four (4) licensed healthcare professionals, undergo a criminal background check, and pass an exam on the North Carolina Massage and Bodywork Therapy Practice Act and Rules of the Board.  To be licensed as a LMBT, a person must also be proficient in the English language.

 If you are unsure the school you have attended, or plan to attend, is approved by the North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy, you may contact the Board at admin@bmbt.org, or by calling (919)546-0500.  You may also check the Board's web site at www.bmbt.org for further information on becoming a North Carolina licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist.

Korean

노스캐로니이나 마사지, 바디웍 요법위원회의 공공 서비스 발표

 노스캐로나이나에서 마사지, 바디웍요법사로 일하기 원하는 사람은 일하기전에 먼저                                            주정부마사지, 바디웍 요법위원회에서 인정하는 면허를 받아야만합니다.

 면허를 받기위하여는 위원회에서 인정하는 학교에서 마사지,바디웍요법에 관한 교육을 최소한 500시간을 완전히 받아야하고 또 위원회에서 인정하는 마사지, 바디웍요법 면허시험에 합격을 해야합니다.   위원회에 면허신청서를  제출할때는 인준된 의료기관의 전문가들로부터 4개의 신분에관한 서류를 첨부해야합니다.  그리고 범죄배경검사를 받고 또한 노스캐로나이나 마사지, 바디웍 요법에관한 시험에도 합격해야합니다. 면허있는 마사지, 바디웍요법사가 되기위해서는 영어를 잘해야합니다

 무효하거나  기간이 지난 면허증을 가지고  노스 캐로나이나에서 일을 할 경우에는 형사법에 걸리고 또 처벌을 받게도됩니다.

 지금 다니고 있는 학교나 혹은 다니려고 계획하고있는 학교가 노스 캐로나이나 마사지,바디웍 위원회에서 인정하는 지를 확실히알지 못한다면  이메일 ( admin@bmbt.org) 이나 전화로 (919)546-0500 연락할 수 있습니다. 또한 노스 캐로나이나에서 면허증있는 마사지,바디웍 요법사가 되기위한 정보를 더 자세히 알기를 원한다면  이 위원회의 웹싸이트 (www.bmbt.org)로 알아볼 수 있습니다.

 

Russian

Объявление службы общественной информации от Комиссии по массажу и бодиворк штата Северная Каролина (вторая редакция)

 

До того как начать предоставление услуг массажа и бодиворк в штате Северная Каролина, необходимо получить лицензию массажиста и бодиворк-массажиста (LMBT) от Комиссии по массажу и бодиворк штата Северная Каролина. 

 

Для получения лицензии необходимо успешно пройти учебную программу по массажу и бодиворк в объеме как минимум 500 часов в утвержденном Комиссией учебном заведении. Необходимо также сдать утвержденный Комиссией экзамен на лицензию массажиста и бодиворк-массажиста, подать заявление на получение лицензии, к которому приложены 4 характеристики от лицензированных специалистов здравоохранения, пройти проверку на наличие правонарушений и сдать экзамен на знание законов штата Северная Каролина в отношении массажа и бодиворк.  Для получения лицензии LMBT необходимо знание английского языка.

 

Лицо, предоставляющее услуги массажа и бодиворк в штате Северная Каролина без действующей непросроченной лицензии LMBT, может быть привлечено к уголовной ответственности и может быть подвергнуто административным санкциям.

 

Если вы не уверены, что учебное заведение, в котором вы проходили или планируете проходить обучение, утверждено Комиссией по массажу и бодиворк штата Северная Каролина, вы можете обратиться в Комиссию по адресу  admin@bmbt.org или по телефону (919)546-0500.  Подробная информация о том, как стать лицензированным  массажистом и бодиворк-массажистом в штате Северная Каролина, предоставлена на сайте www.bmbt.org.

 

Chinese

來自北卡羅來納按摩與推拿委員會的公益廣告(第二稿):

欲在北卡羅來納州從事按摩與推拿的個人必須首先成為經北卡羅來納按摩與推拿委員會特許的按摩與推拿師(LMBT)。

若想獲得特許執照,該個人必須在由該委員會認可的學校順利完成至少500小時的按摩與推拿課程。該個人還需通過由該委員會認可的按摩與推拿執照考試,向該委員會提交執照申請及4份來自特許醫療保健專業人士的品德聲明,接受犯罪背景調查,并通過北卡羅來納按摩與推拿法律的考試。欲獲得執照成為LMBT的個人還必須能熟練使用英文。

若無有效的、未過期的LMBT執照而在北卡羅來納州從事按摩與推拿的個人可能會受到刑事起訴,並可能接受民事處罰。

欲了解您曾就讀或計劃就讀的學校是否受北卡羅來納按摩與推拿委員會認可,請發電郵至 admin@bmbt.org或致電(919)546-0500以聯繫該委員會。您亦可登陸該委員會網站www.bmbt.org以了解關於成為北卡羅來納特許按摩與推拿師的詳細信息。

Frequently Asked Questions

The Board licenses massage and bodywork therapists in the State of North Carolina. Anyone offering massage or bodywork therapy to the public or describing their services as massage or bodywork therapy must be licensed by the Board. The following list of Frequently Asked Questions may help you understand massage and bodywork therapy and why and how massage therapists and bodywork therapists are licensed in the State of North Carolina.

What is the difference between "massage therapy" and "bodywork therapy"?

Both are therapeutic methods for working with the human body to maintain or improve health.

Massage therapy is the use of hands and application of pressure to the soft tissue, known as "manual" therapy.   Massage therapy is one form of bodywork therapy. There are a variety of other therapeutic techniques that involve manipulation of the body

Massage therapy can take many forms, or "modalities." These forms include Swedish, Deep Tissue, Neuromuscular, Eastern, or medical massage, just to name a few. Often a therapist will combine several modalities to create an "integrated" massage, using a bit of several techniques to address a client's individual needs. 

Even a term like "deep tissue" may encompass several more specific massage techniques. That's why one deep tissue massage may not be the same as another. Deep tissue massage can include approaches such as the St. John Method of Neuromuscular Therapy™ or John Barnes Myofascial Release™ - two of many specialized programs of study that licensed therapists may choose to master as they enhance their skills.

Bodywork therapy involves manipulation of the soft tissues of the body as a way to maintain or improve health.  Bodywork therapy modalities use a fully designed systematic approach to treatment that follows certain principles and protocols. These therapies are used to meet specific needs for relaxation, pain relief, or improved health. A qualified therapist will determine the type of therapy that best matches your needs and recommend a treatment plan to achieve the desired results. Never hesitate to ask questions and communicate expectations to your licensed therapist. 

Why are massage and bodywork therapists required to be licensed in North Carolina?

Licensure sets and enforces standards for the safe and competent practice of massage and bodywork therapy.    Licensure enables the public to have confidence in the level of training and education of the Licensed Massage & Bodywork Therapists (LMBT) should they choose to engage the services of a massage therapist or bodywork therapist.

When did the requirement for licensing begin in North Carolina?

In 1998 a law was passed called the Practice Act, in which licensure became mandatory for all practicing massage and bodywork therapists. It is a crime to practice massage or bodywork therapy in North Carolina without a current license.

How can I tell if a therapist has a license?

All LMBTs are required by law to display their licenses in their offices or workplaces (click here to see a picture of a license). The only exception would be an outdoor location, such as a sports marathon, in which case therapists must have a copy of their license to show, if asked. 

You may also look up license status on the Board’s website. This database gives information on the licensure status of the person in question and also lists any disciplinary actions that may have been taken against the therapist by the Board.

If I am looking for a LMBT how will I know they are licensed?

All North Carolina licensed massage and bodywork therapists use the letters LMBT after their name and are required to list their license # and display their license.

Does the license expire or does it last forever?

A license must be renewed every two years and all continuing education requirements must be completed. An expired license is like having no license.  A therapist MAY NOT practice using an expired license.

My therapist is certified.  Is that the same as licensed?

No.  Certifications show skills, competencies, and professional achievements that your therapist has earned.  Certifications do not substitute for a North Carolina license.

Membership in a massage or bodywork association does not replace the requirement for licensure in North Carolina.

My therapist has a license in another state- can he/she practice in North Carolina?

No. Your therapist must have a North Carolina license in order to practice massage or bodywork therapy in North Carolina. There is a legal process, implemented by the Board, which allows persons licensed in another state and moving to North Carolina to obtain a license to practice here.

What kinds of techniques are and are not considered massage therapy or bodywork therapy (and thus require a license)?

Manipulation of the soft tissues of the human body, including use of machines /tools that mimic that manipulation, is considered massage and bodywork therapy. Use of modalities in which the client is not touched is not considered massage and bodywork therapy. 

The practices of movement educators such as dance therapists or teachers, yoga teachers, personal trainers, martial arts instructors, or movement re-patterning practitioners are not considered massage or bodywork therapy.

Certain other licensed healthcare professionals may be permitted to give a massage; however, they are not permitted to represent themselves as Licensed Massage & Bodywork Therapists.

If there is a question of whether a specific modality falls under the massage and bodywork therapy laws, the Board investigates and decides if licensure is required for the practice of that modality.

Is there a difference in licensing if I get a massage in a spa, in a private office, a chiropractor’s office, or even in the mall?

No.  In each case the person giving the massage must have a current North Carolina massage and bodywork therapy license and the license must be displayed.

Is Acupuncture the same thing as massage therapy?

No.  Separate licenses are needed for each.  Acupuncturists may offer some massage based on their training and licensure, but may not hold themselves out as Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapists.

I received some Reiki but that person did not have a massage and bodywork therapy license - is that allowed?

Yes. Energy work techniques that do not include soft tissue manipulation are exempt from licensure.

What training must LMBTs have in order to be licensed?

To apply for a license to practice massage or bodywork therapy in North Carolina, the applicant must graduate from an approved training program of at least 500 hours.  There are specific guidelines for school programs defining hours required in the study of anatomy and physiology, pathology, hands-on massage skills, ethics, and professionalism.  The successful graduate must pass a comprehensive national exam and provide documented references and proof of good moral character.  The Board reviews a criminal background report of each applicant before a license is issued.

What standards are in place for LMBTs?

LMBTs must obey all the laws and rules set forth in the North Carolina Massage and Bodywork Therapy Practice Act and the Rules and Regulations of the Board. LMBTs who fail to do so are subject to discipline by the Board. Discipline ranges from a letter of reprimand to the revocation of the LMBT’s license, depending on the seriousness of the infraction. 

Why do I have to sign a form to get a massage?

Health history and your informed consent are required before a LMBT is allowed to work with you. Your therapist is also required to take notes about your treatment and retain those notes for at least four years.

What are the rules about how much clothing I take off for a massage or bodywork therapy session?

A client may undress to their comfort level.  Clean drapes, towels, sheets or gowns should be provided and draping should be used to ensure the safety, comfort and privacy of the client.  The therapist should explain the draping procedures before the treatment.

The genitals of both men and women must be covered at all times during a session either through proper draping or by the person keeping on sufficient clothing.  For women, the breasts must be kept covered unless specific treatment for a medical reason is indicated and the therapist has specific training to provide competent treatment. In that case the breasts may, with your permission, be uncovered for the duration of treatment in the breast area. An example of when this might be appropriate is lymphatic massage following a mastectomy.

The “glutes”, the muscular area of your buttocks, may also be temporarily uncovered, with your permission, for the duration of treatment in this area. Many people have muscular tightness in this area and massage is often indicated.

What should I do if my therapist makes sexual advances toward me?

You should end the massage immediately and file a complaint with both the therapist’s employer and the Board. Refer to the “Filing a Complaint” question below.  If you are sexually assaulted, you may also consider filing a complaint with your local law enforcement agency.

My therapist refused to give me a massage because I was drinking alcohol- is that allowed?

Yes.  Licensees have the right to refuse or terminate a treatment in progress to protect their own safety and well-being, including situations such as:

(1) A client who is abusive; under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any illegal substance; or otherwise impaired; or

(2) A client who has violated the boundaries of the professional relationship by initiating or asking the licensee to engage in sexual activity; or

(3) A client who intentionally removes the draping during the massage session that exposes the male or female client's gluteal or genital areas or the breast area for female clients; or

(4) A client who does not disclose all health issues and information.

I was injured by my therapist- what should I do?

Conduct that results in harm to a client or that endangers the health or safety of a client should be reported to the Board by filing a complaint.  Of course, you may have other legal rights which you may discuss with your attorney.

How do I file a complaint about a therapist who has behaved in an unprofessional manner?

Click here to download a complaint form to your computer. Print out the form and fill it out. Sign it. (Unsigned complaints or anonymous complaints cannot be investigated by the Board.) Mail the form and any accompanying papers to the Board. The Board and/or Board attorney will contact you within ten days.

What do I do if my therapist or a therapist I know is not licensed?

File a complaint with the Board as outlined above.

How do I stop the massage if I change my mind and don’t want to continue?

You have the right to ask the therapist to stop the massage at any time.