Massage Therapy Certification in Chicago
A massage therapist who wishes to work in Chicago must acquire an Illinois state massage license. Individual schools may provide a certificate of completion of a massage program but this does not qualify a person to legally work as a massage therapist in Chicago or anywhere else in Illinois.
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Licensing By Education
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To be licensed as a massage therapist in Illinois through education, you must show proof of having had at least 500 hours of supervised instruction from an approved school. Course material must include massage therapy techniques and theory, contraindications, precautions, ethics, communications, anatomy, physiology, pathology and kinesiology. A minimum grade of 70 percent must be maintained for all courses related to clinical work and massage therapy.
Licensing By Examination
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It is possible to be certified in Illinois by showing proof of education as well as proof of passing the national massage exam administered by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB). If you have held a license in another area, you must supply documentation regarding this. If you worked in a state with no requirements for licensing, you must show proof of passing the NCBTMB exam as well as proof of current certification with that board.
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Licensing By Endorsement
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To qualify for licensing by endorsement, you must have passed the NCBTMB examination as well as hold a valid and current license from an area that has requirements meeting or exceeding those of Illinois. You will also need to supply proof of your education. You may be requested to provide additional information if there are any questions regarding your application. You may also be required to take additional coursework if your education is not deemed sufficient.
Illinois State Licensing
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To receive your state license and be eligible to work as a certified massage therapist in Chicago, you will need to complete the application and provide the documentation that is appropriate for the licensing method you are applying for. The cost for the license is $175, payable to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. This fee must be sent to the department along with your entire application. You must also provide proof of LiveScan Fingerprinting from a state-approved facility. This will be subject to a fee as determined by the vendor.
Licensing Exceptions
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Certain types of practitioners are exempt from needing a massage license. This includes those whose practice is limited to styles that do not manipulate soft tissue such as feldenkrais, reiki, Alexander technique and therapeutic touch. Practitioners who specialize in styles such as rolfing, trager, polarity or orthobionomy are exempt if they are approved by their governing body. Asian bodywork practitioners are exempt if they are certified by the American Organization of Bodywork Therapies of Asia or are approved by an Asian bodywork organization. Also exempt are types of bodywork that are restricted to the ears hands and feet, such as reflexology, and styles during which the client remains clothed.
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References
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