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Iowa Department of Health and Human Services

Iowa Board of Massage Therapy - Licensure

As of July 1, 2023,  Professional Licensing and other health and occupational licenses will become part of the Iowa Department of Inspections,  Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) as a new organizational structure for state government goes into effect. Government departments and agencies that provide related services or have similar business functions are aligning to better serve Iowans.  You can expect the same quality services you get now from HHS to continue as usual. 

Application Guidelines

Click here to Access Online Services or to Apply Online

Documents may be submitted electronically to the Board Office. The Board's fax number is 515-281-7969. Emailed documents should be sent to plpublic@idph.iowa.gov.

Continuing Education Guidelines

Licensees are responsible for meeting all continuing education requirements and should review the Rules carefully and frequently. Scroll through the Rules for detailed information about Continuing Education definitions, requirements, standards, criteria and other important specific to this profession.

Continuing Education Extension or Exemption for Disability or Illness

A licensee who had a physical or mental disability or illness during the licensee period may apply for an exemption. An exemption provides for an extension of time or exemption from some or all of the continuing education requirements. An applicant shall submit a completed application form approved by the board for an exemption.

The application requires the signatiure of a licensed health care professional who can attest to the existence of a disability or illness during the license period. If the application is from a license who is the primary caregiver for a relative who is ill or disabled and needs care from that primary caregiver, the physician shall verify the licensee's status as the primary caregiver. A licensee who applies for an exemption shall be notified of the decision regarding the application. A licensee who obtains approval shall retain a copy of the exemption to be presented to the board upon request.

Renewal

You can renew your license up to 60 days before your current license expires.

Renewal notifications will be emailed to your email address on file with the board at 60, 50, 40 and 30 days prior to the license expiration date. Renew your license early to avoid a late fee or lapse in licensure. All continuing education requirements must be completed pior to license renewal. 

School Curriculum

Application for approval of massage therapy education curriculum. In-state massage therapy schools may request curriculum approval or reapproval. Massage therapy schools seeking curriculum approval shall submit the application and fees in accordance with the requirements of sub rule 132.2(3). The curriculum approval shall be valid for up to two years with reapplication for approval due June 30 of each even-numbered year. The biennial renewal cycle shall begin July 1 of an even-numbered year and end June 30 two years later.

Related Links

AMTA (American Massage Therapy Association)
820 Davis Street, Suite 100
Evanston, IL 60201-4444
Tel: (847) 864-0123
Web: www.amtamassage.org


NCBTMB (National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork)
8201 Greensboro Drive, Suite 300
McLean, VA 22102
Tel: (800) 296-0664
Web: www.ncbtmb.com


ASI (Assessment Systems, Inc.)
Suite 300
Three Bala Plaza West
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004-3481
Tel: (610) 617-9300


ABMP (Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals)
1271 Sugarbush Drive
Evergreen, CO 80439
Tel: (800) 458-2267
Web: www.abmp.com


Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards
7111 W 151st S., Suite 356
Overland Park, KS 66223
Tel: (913) 681-0380
Fax: (913) 681-0391
Toll free: (888) 70-FSMTB
Web: www.fsmtb.org

 

 

Iowa HHS Bureau of Professional Licensure

Riverpoint Office Complex
400 SW 8th Street Suite D
Des Moines, Iowa 50309


Phone: (515) 281-0254
Fax: (515) 281-7969

Online Licensure Services: https://ibplicense.iowa.gov

Email: PLPublic@idph.iowa.gov

Office Hours:
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding state holidays