Rhode Island Code of Regulations
Title 216 - Department of health
Chapter 40 - Professional licensing and facility regulation
Subchapter 05 - Professional Licensing
Part 10 - Massage Therapists
Section 216-RICR-40-05-10.5 - Qualifications for Licensure

1. Be a graduate of an approved school as defined in § 10.3 of this Part.

2. The curriculum shall have consisted of at least six hundred fifty (650) hours which included study and practical training specifically designed to provide knowledge and skills necessary for the practice of massage. The content of the six hundred fifty (650) hour program shall include no less than the following classroom subjects, including practical training:

3. Successfully completed the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx); or other examination as approved by the Department.

4. Online and/ or correspondence courses shall not be recognized as acceptable equivalents for practical training and curriculum.

1. A license to practice massage therapy by endorsement may be issued to an applicant if the state or territory in which the applicant received their education is equal to or exceeds the requirements set forth in R.I. Gen. Laws §23-20-8-5 and this Part.

1. An applicant who has completed a program in a school or institute of massage outside of the United States shall submit evidence of having graduated from a school or institute of massage whose curriculum substantially meets the requirements of § 10.5(B) of this Part and of holding a valid license, permit, certificate or registration to practice massage issued by a foreign country, and in addition may be subject to an examination.