Nebraska Massage Therapist License Exam

To get licensed in Nebraska, massage therapists are required to take a massage exam that covers such subjects as anatomy, physiology, pathology and kinesiology. Whether you live in Lincoln, Omaha, North Platte or another city or county, the resources below will help you get started on the path to receive your massage license.

Need of a Massage License: A massage therapist needs a license to practice massage therapy in Nebraska.

Who Grants a License: Licenses are granted by the Nebraska Office of Behavioral Health and Consumer Services.

Qualifications to receive a License: A candidate needs to complete a minimum of 1000 hours of study and training in massage therapy.

The candidate must also pass the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx).

For more information on qualifications, see Nebraska Massage Therapy Application.

Applying for the Massage Exam: Candidates can apply online to take the MBLEx. More information can be found on the MBLEx in a Candidate Handbook.

Test Content: The MBLEx exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions with four choices provided for each question. Test takers have 110 minutes to complete the computer-based exam.

The exam is divided into eight content areas:

-          Anatomy & Physiology
-          Kinesiology
-          Pathology, Contraindications, Areas of Caution, Special Populations
-          Benefits and Physiological Effects of Techniques that Manipulate Soft Tissue
-          Client Assessment, Reassessment, & Treatment Planning
-          Overview of Massage & Bodywork History/Culture/Modalities
-          Ethics, Boundaries, Laws, Regulations
-          Guidelines for Professional Practice

How to Apply for the License: Candidates must provide the Board the following documents: (1) completed application; (2) transcript of completed course of study; and (3) verification of passage of the MBLEx. The documents should be sent to:

                    Department of Health and Human Services
                    Division of Public Health – Licensure Unit
                    PO Box 94986
                    Lincoln, NE 68509-4986

                    Phone: (402) 471-4918

Fees: There are fees to apply to become a licensed massage therapist.

Who Administers the Massage Tests: The MBLEx is administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and Pearson Vue.

License Renewal Requirements: A massage therapist must renew their license every 2 years and complete at least 24 hours of continuing education in that time period.

Applicable Regulations: Massage therapists in Nebraska are regulated by 172 NAC 81.