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California—What do I do now? Just because a bill (SB
731) becomes law doesn’t mean it is quickly implemented. First, the
California Massage Therapy Organization (CMTO), which will provide oversight
of the certification process, needs to be formed and funded. When the CMTO is
ready to administer applications, ABMP will inform members. According to
the new law, the soonest the CMTO would be permitted to start processing
applications is September 1, 2009. SB 731 created a
VOLUNTARY certification program. If you choose to apply you will have to meet
general criteria. All applicants will be required to be at least 18 years old
and submit to fingerprinting and a background check. If you choose not to
apply for certification, you may continue to practice under your local requirements.
Please review the following to determine which
case applies to you: I have completed
a minimum of 500 hours of massage education, OR I have passed an exam that
may be approved by the CMTO. Title: Certified
Massage Therapist (CMT) There are 2 ways to
qualify for state certification as a Massage Therapist.
I have
completed 250 – 499 hours of massage training. Individuals may qualify for Certified Massage Practitioner status through December 31, 2015. After that date, CMP’s may renew their certification without having to obtain additional massage education, but no new CMP certifications will be issued. After December 31, 2015, in order to qualify for certification, all applicants will have to complete a minimum of 500 hours training or pass an exam approved by the MTO. In other words, only the certified massage therapist tier will be available after December 31, 2015. Title: Certified
Massage Practitioner (CMP) The CMP requires
successful completion, at a single state approved or registered school,
of a program that is no less than 250 hours. The program must include at
least 100 hours devoted to anatomy and physiology, contraindications, health
and hygiene and business and ethics. I have completed at least 100
hours of documented training but not 250 hours. Title: Certified
Massage Practitioner Before January 1, 2012,
you can qualify as a massage practitioner by meeting ONE of the following:
You will be able to
provide evidence of practice by providing either W-2 forms or employer’s
affidavit containing the dates of your employment OR tax returns indicating
self-employment as a massage practitioner or massage therapist. I have completed 100 hours of education but have not practiced long enough professionally to qualify.If you have completed a
100 hour massage course but have not obtained the 1000-1750 hours of practice
for compensation, prior to January 1, 2012, you may apply for a conditional
certificate. If you apply for a conditional certification you will be
required to complete at least 30 hours of additional education per year from
an approved or registered school until you have completed at least 250 hours
of education. Once you reach 250
hours of massage education, including the hours you already have completed,
the CMTO will grant you a certificate as a massage practitioner that is not conditional.
If you do not comply with the education requirement, your conditional
certification will be revoked. I have completed at least 250 hours of
massage education but not at a single approved massage school and/or not
including at least 100 hours in required subject areas.
You may apply for a conditional certificate. Once receiving it, you may submit to the CMTO a listing of additional massage education hours. Once the CMTO validates these hours, it will replace your conditional certificate with one that is not conditional. (NOTE: This seems an unnecessary two-step process. Potentially the CMTO may realize this and streamline the process.) How do
I know if my school is approved or registered? Schools approved by the state, part of the state higher education system, accredited by the Department of Education approved accreditation agency, or similarly approved by another state would be considered approved schools. The CMTO will have some flexibility in evaluating whether an applicant’s education is sufficient. California still has not reestablished a Bureau of Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education (BPPVE). What
will be the cost of a statewide massage certification? It will be up to the CMTO to decide specifics, but the legislation directs that organization to “establish fees reasonably related to the cost of providing services and carrying out its ongoing responsibilities and duties.” Looking at what other states charge for massage licenses suggests that the California cost likely should not exceed $100 per year. Local LicensingFor both tiers, SB 731 provides that those certified are exempted from local licensing. For certified practitioners who are considered to be sole proprietors and for businesses hiring only certified practitioners or therapists, SB 731 also requires that zoning and building requirements be the same as for other professional and personal service professions. Steps you can take
right now to become prepared:
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