Massage therapists practicing in North Carolina must have a massage license before practicing in this state. Massage therapy licenses are issued by the North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy (BMBT). The primary purpose of the NC board is to regulate the practice of massage and bodywork therapy, ensure standards of competency, and to protect public health, safety and wellness.
To become a Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist (LBMT) in the state of North Carolina, applicants must first complete the requirements as described on the North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy website. We’ve provided a summary of these requirements below for a quick reference. Find out more about MBLExGuide to see how we can help you prepare for the massage exam.
Industry research from ABMP in 2016 estimated that there was about 8,022 massage therapists in North Carolina. That’s 1 therapist per every 1,252 people in NC.
Massage License Required? Yes
Designation: LBMT
Education hours: 500
Exam: MBLEx or NCBTMB
CEUs / Renewals: 24 CEUs/2yrs
Applicants for a North Carolina massage therapy license are required to complete a minimum of 500 hours of supervised classroom instruction from a board approved school. The program must be at least 24 weeks in length. The curriculum must contain the following content at a minimum:
An official massage therapy school transcript must be submitted directly by the massage school as part of the application process.
The North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy will accept the MBLEx and NCBTMB exams for out-of-state applicants. In-state applicants must pass the MBLEx. As part of your preparation, utilizing MBLEx practice tests can be an invaluable tool. These tests are structured to closely mimic the actual exam, providing a realistic overview of what to expect.
If you have not yet taken the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam and are planning to seek licensure in North Carolina, simply select this state when registering for the MBLEx, and they will send your scores to the North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy when you pass. Check out our About the MBLEx page to see how to apply and schedule your exam.
Getting a North Carolina massage license has additional requirements. The applicant must also:
View the NCBMBT Rules and Regulations on their website.
Massage therapists seeking a license to practice in North Carolina may apply for a regular license process or through the licensure by endorsement process. The requirements are almost identical, as you can see in the application instructions and checklist. Applicants should also review the NC Massage and Bodywork Therapy Practice Act.
