- How many CEs do I need to renew my license?
- Can I “carry over” my CEs?
- Do CE’s I accumulate now count toward the required CEs?
- What kinds of CE courses are acceptable?
- Does the state approve CE courses?
- Does the state approve Providers?
- What kind of paperwork do I have to provide?
- How do I document my CE’s?
- How long do I need to keep my CE records for?
- If I apply for a massage license by grandfathering does this make me more likely to be audited by the Board?
- What if I can’t take 12 hours in CE courses by the due date?
How many CEs do I need to renew my license?
12 CE hours are required every 2 consecutive years.
This number is prorated if you’ve been licensed less than 2 years.
- If licensed less than 1 year: 0 CE hours are required.
- If licensed at least 1 but less than 2 years: 6 CE hours.
The specifics:
Every even numbered year, beginning in 2012, you will have to attest (sign a paper verifying) that you have completed 12 hours of continuing education when you send in your renewal. You do not have to submit proof of the CEs with your renewal. But, a few “lucky” participants will be audited each CE cycle and will have to submit proof of CEs. The rules require that everyone keep their CE documentation for 3 years after you’ve submitted them to the state with your renewal that requires continuing education reporting. This means that you could need to keep them up to 5 years as you only report CEs every other year. The BLMTB Board recommends that everyone keep their CE certificates/paperwork longer.
Applicable Rules:
========== Reference Rule No. on CEs as they are adopted =============
NEW RULE I CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS.
(4) A licensed massage therapist must earn at least 12 continuing education credits every two consecutive years by the licensee renewal date on even numbered years beginning in 2012.
(a) No continuing education is required for licensees licensed less than one full year on their first continuing education reporting date. Licensees licensed at least one year but less than two full years on the first continuing education reporting date shall submit six hours of continuing education.
(b) All licensed massage therapists must submit an attestation to the board on each even year's license renewal that they have obtained the required continuing education.
(c) The board will randomly audit between two percent and five percent of the licensees attesting to continuing education. Certificates of completion or program documentation for continuing education credits reported must be submitted upon request of the board.
(2) A continuing education activity must meet the following criteria:
(d) It is the responsibility of the licensee to establish and maintain detailed records of continuing education compliance for a period of three years, following submission of a continuing education report.
»» Back to top
Can I “carry over” my CEs?
No. The CEs must be obtained during the 2 year reporting period.
Applicable Rules:
========== Reference Rule No. on CEs as they are adopted =============
NEW RULE I CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS.
(4) A licensed massage therapist must earn at least 12 continuing education credits every two consecutive years by the licensee renewal date on even numbered years beginning in 2012.
(6) Notices will be considered properly mailed when addressed to the last known address on file in the board office. No continuing education programs used to complete the previous reporting period may be used to meet the continuing education requirements for the next continuing education reporting period.
»» Back to top
Do CE’s I accumulate now count toward the required CEs?
Only if you
- are licensed at the time you earn the CEs AND
- earned them after August 31, 2010.
The previous question points out that CEs cannot be carried over and must be accrued during the 2 year reporting period in which you use them. The first reporting period for CEs is with the August 31, 2012 license renewal. This means any CEs earned prior to 2 years before that (before August 31, 2010) won’t count.
Applicable Rules:
========== Reference Rule No. on CEs as they are adopted =============
NEW RULE I CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS.
(4) A licensed massage therapist must earn at least 12 continuing education credits every two consecutive years by the licensee renewal date on even numbered years beginning in 2012.
»» Back to top
What kinds of CE courses are acceptable?
Just about anything imaginable, as long as you can demonstrate that it has something to do with your massage therapy practice.
- Course formats allowed: courses, seminars, or workshops taken in person or online or by other electronic means; teaching a course; published articles or books; correspondence courses, books, or audio tapes; and CPR courses.
- Topics allowed: courses that deal with the application of massage therapy knowledge, skills, business practices, or ethical standards. Courses from other professional groups or academic disciplines are allowed if the massage therapist demonstrates that the activity is substantially related to his or her role as a massage therapist.
Applicable Rules:
==== Reference Rule No. on CEs as they are adopted ======
NEW RULE I CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
(2) A continuing education activity must meet the following criteria:
(a) The activity must have significant intellectual or practical content. The activity must deal with direct application of massage therapy knowledge, skills, business practices, or ethical standards. In addition, the board may accept continuing education activities from other professional groups or academic disciplines if the massage therapist demonstrates that the activity is substantially related to his or her role as a massage therapist.
(b) The activity itself must be conducted by an individual or group qualified by practical or academic experience.
(5) Acceptable continuing education courses include but are not limited to:
(a) courses, seminars, or workshops taken in person or by correspondence or online or by other electronic means;
(b) teaching a course, with one continuing education credit allowed for each hour of preparation time for each credit hour offered, and one credit of continuing education allowed for each hour of presentation time for each credit hour offered, all credit being subject to proper documentation and none of which may be reused for any future continuing education reporting period;
(c) published articles or books with the hours awarded as determined at the discretion of the board;
(d) books or audio tapes documented by notes summarizing the course content; and
(e) cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with certificate.
»» Back to top
Does the state approve CE courses?
No. However, it is the responsibility of the licensee to make sure that the CEs they choose meet the rules below. Please read them carefully.
Applicable Rules:
==== Reference Rule No. on CEs as they are adopted ======
NEW RULE I CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
(1) The board will not preapprove continuing education programs or sponsors. Qualifying criteria for continuing education are specified in these rules. It is the responsibility of the licensee to select quality programs that contribute to his/her knowledge and competence which also meet these qualifications.
(2) A continuing education activity must meet the following criteria:
(a) The activity must have significant intellectual or practical content. The activity must deal with direct application of massage therapy knowledge, skills, business practices, or ethical standards. In addition, the board may accept continuing education activities from other professional groups or academic disciplines if the massage therapist demonstrates that the activity is substantially related to his or her role as a massage therapist.
(b) The activity itself must be conducted by an individual or group qualified by practical or academic experience.
(c) Continuing education credit earned by courses, seminars, or workshops must be supportable through a certificate of completion containing the following information:
(i) full name and credentials of the presenter, including provider number, if applicable;
(ii) title of the presentation attended;
(iii) number of hours and date of each presentation attended;
(iv) description of the presentation format; and
(v) name of licensee.
(d) It is the responsibility of the licensee to establish and maintain detailed records of continuing education compliance for a period of three years, following submission of a continuing education report.
(3) In general, one continuing education credit will be granted for each hour of participation in the continuing education activity.
(4) A licensed massage therapist must earn at least 12 continuing education credits every two consecutive years by the licensee renewal date on even numbered years beginning in 2012.
(a) No continuing education is required for licensees licensed less than one full year on their first continuing education reporting date. Licensees licensed at least one year but less than two full years on the first continuing education reporting date shall submit six hours of continuing education.
(b) All licensed massage therapists must submit an attestation to the board on each even year's license renewal that they have obtained the required continuing education.
(c) The board will randomly audit between two percent and five percent of the licensees attesting to continuing education. Certificates of completion or program documentation for continuing education credits reported must be submitted upon request of the board.
(5) Acceptable continuing education courses include but are not limited to:
(a) courses, seminars, or workshops taken in person or by correspondence or online or by other electronic means;
(b) teaching a course, with one continuing education credit allowed for each hour of preparation time for each credit hour offered, and one credit of continuing education allowed for each hour of presentation time for each credit hour offered, all credit being subject to proper documentation and none of which may be reused for any future continuing education reporting period;
(c) published articles or books with the hours awarded as determined at the discretion of the board;
(d) books or audio tapes documented by notes summarizing the course content; and
(e) cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with certificate.
(6) Notices will be considered properly mailed when addressed to the last known address on file in the board office. No continuing education programs used to complete the previous reporting period may be used to meet the continuing education requirements for the next continuing education reporting period.
»» Back to top
Does the state approve Providers?
No. The law states that a provider is not required to be licensed as a massage therapist in order to teach in Montana. The proposed rules affirm that the Board will not approve CE providers.
However, a student taking courses will be looking for the following:
- The activity itself must be conducted by an individual or group qualified by practical or academic experience.
- Continuing education credit earned by courses, seminars, or workshops must be supportable through a certificate of completion containing the following information:
(i) full name and credentials of the presenter, including provider number, if applicable;
(ii) title of the presentation attended;
(iii) number of hours and date of each presentation attended;
(iv) description of the presentation format; and
(v) name of licensee.
Applicable Statutes:
37-33-404. Exemptions – rules (2) A continuing education course instructor is not required to be licensed as a massage therapist.
Applicable Rules:
========== Reference Rule No. on CEs as they are adopted =============
NEW RULE I CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS.
(1) The board will not preapprove continuing education programs or sponsors. Qualifying criteria for continuing education are specified in these rules. It is the responsibility of the licensee to select quality programs that contribute to his/her knowledge and competence which also meet these qualifications.
(2) A continuing education activity must meet the following criteria:
(a) The activity must have significant intellectual or practical content. The activity must deal with direct application of massage therapy knowledge, skills, business practices, or ethical standards. In addition, the board may accept continuing education activities from other professional groups or academic disciplines if the massage therapist demonstrates that the activity is substantially related to his or her role as a massage therapist.
(b) The activity itself must be conducted by an individual or group qualified by practical or academic experience.
(c) Continuing education credit earned by courses, seminars, or workshops must be supportable through a certificate of completion containing the following information:
(i) full name and credentials of the presenter, including provider number, if applicable;
(ii) title of the presentation attended;
(iii) number of hours and date of each presentation attended;
(iv) description of the presentation format; and
(v) name of licensee.
»» Back to top
What kind of paperwork do I have to provide?
When you renew your license, all that is necessary is to sign a piece of paper that says you’ve taken the 12 hours of continuing education.
If you are chosen for an audit (2-5% of licensees will be randomly chosen each reporting period), then you will have to “prove” that you’ve completed the hours.
In addition to the info below, scroll down to the next question to read about how to document your CEs.
- For any courses, seminars or workshops, provide certificates of completion.
- If you’ve taught a course, provide documentation that shows you’ve taught the class.
- If you’ve published an article or book – provide copies of it to the board.
- If you’ve reviewed any books, or audio tapes then provide notes summarizing course content.
- CPR certificate.
Applicable Rules:
========== Reference Rule No. on CEs as they are adopted =============
NEW RULE I CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS.
(4) A licensed massage therapist must earn at least 12 continuing education credits every two consecutive years by the licensee renewal date on even numbered years beginning in 2012.
(b) All licensed massage therapists must submit an attestation to the board on each even year's license renewal that they have obtained the required continuing education.
(c) The board will randomly audit between two percent and five percent of the licensees attesting to continuing education. Certificates of completion or program documentation for continuing education credits reported must be submitted upon request of the board.
(2)(c) Continuing education credit earned by courses, seminars, or workshops must be supportable through a certificate of completion containing the following information:
(i) full name and credentials of the presenter, including provider number, if applicable;
(ii) title of the presentation attended;
(iii) number of hours and date of each presentation attended;
(iv) description of the presentation format; and
(v) name of licensee.
(5)(b) teaching a course, with one continuing education credit allowed for each hour of preparation time for each credit hour offered, and one credit of continuing education allowed for each hour of presentation time for each credit hour offered, all credit being subject to proper documentation and none of which may be reused for any future continuing education reporting period;
(c) published articles or books with the hours awarded as determined at the discretion of the board;
(d) correspondence courses, books, or audio tapes documented by notes summarizing the course content; and
(e) cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with certificate.
»» Back to top
How do I document my CE’s?
In most cases, the Board is not clear how the CE’s should be documented. Only the certificates of completion are crystal clear. We have, however made suggestions as to what kind of documentation you could submit, then as the Board becomes clearer on what is acceptable and what is not, this item will be updated.
- Be sure that your certificates of completion contain the following information:
(i) full name and credentials of the presenter, including provider number, if applicable;
(ii) title of the presentation attended;
(iii) number of hours and date of each presentation attended;
(iv) description of the presentation format; and
(v) name of licensee.
The BLMTB Board Suggests:
- For classes you’ve taught, the Board is not clear what will be necessary to meet the criteria, and the rules do not specify what kind of documentation the Board will require. However, we suggest that you include proof/verification that you actually taught the course, the date it was taught, the length of the course, course objectives or course outline. Again, the Board may require other documentation, but you can start with this.
- For a published article, include a copy of the entire publication, with your article marked. Send the board a copy of your book.
- For books or audio tapes, provide notes summarizing course content.
- For CPR course, a copy of your CPR certificate.
Applicable Rules:
========== Reference Rule No. on CEs as they are adopted =============
NEW RULE I CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS.
(2)(c) Continuing education credit earned by courses, seminars, or workshops must be supportable through a certificate of completion containing the following information:
(i) full name and credentials of the presenter, including provider number, if applicable;
(ii) title of the presentation attended;
(iii) number of hours and date of each presentation attended;
(iv) description of the presentation format; and
(v) name of licensee.
(5)(b) teaching a course, with one continuing education credit allowed for each hour of preparation time for each credit hour offered, and one credit of continuing education allowed for each hour of presentation time for each credit hour offered, all credit being subject to proper documentation and none of which may be reused for any future continuing education reporting period;
(c) published articles or books with the hours awarded as determined at the discretion of the board;
(d) books or audio tapes documented by notes summarizing the course content; and
(e) cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with certificate.
»» Back to top
How long do I need to keep my CE records for?
Up to 5 years. CE info is submitted every two years and the rules require that you keep the documentation required for an audit for at least 3 years after you submitted the course hours. So if you took the course right at the beginning of your two-year cycle, you would need to keep the certificates for up to 5 years. The BLMTB Board recommends that you keep this information for longer.
Applicable Rules:
========== Reference Rule No. on CEs as they are adopted =============
NEW RULE I CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS.
(2) (d) It is the responsibility of the licensee to establish and maintain detailed records of continuing education compliance for a period of three years, following submission of a continuing education report.
(4) A licensed massage therapist must earn at least 12 continuing education credits every two consecutive years by the licensee renewal date on even numbered years beginning in 2012.
(b) All licensed massage therapists must submit an attestation to the board on each even year's license renewal that they have obtained the required continuing education.
(c) The board will randomly audit between two percent and five percent of the licensees attesting to continuing education. Certificates of completion or program documentation for continuing education credits reported must be submitted upon request of the board.
»» Back to top
If I apply for a massage license by grandfathering does this make me more likely to be audited by the Board?
No, our understanding as explained by the Department during a Rules/Board meeting is that licensees are randomly chosen. And remember, this audit is for the purpose of verifying your 12 hours of continuing education only.
This information was confirmed via the following statement that was in the FAQs agenda item in the June 22, 2010 Board book. It will be discussed at a future meeting to appear on the state website. We will keep you posted as to whether or not this information changes: “The only audit contemplated by the Board at this time is a continuing education audit in 2012. The license numbers for a CE audit are pulled randomly by a computer program and have nothing to do with the method of licensure.”
Applicable Rules:
========== Reference Rule No. on CEs as they are adopted =============
NEW RULE I CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS.
(4) (c) The board will randomly audit between two percent and five percent of the licensees attesting to continuing education. Certificates of completion or program documentation for continuing education credits reported must be submitted upon request of the board.
Excerpt from the January 25, 2010 Rules Committee Meeting Minutes:
"The audit process for continuing education (CE) used by all boards was briefly described"
»» Back to top
What if I can’t take 12 hours in CE courses by the due date?
You can apply for an exemption.
Comment: The BLMTB Board doesn’t think it’s a hardship to take 12 hours of CE over the course of two years, but emergencies do happen. It appears that the Massage Therapy Board recognizes this too.
Applicable Rules:
========== Reference Rule No. on CEs as they are adopted =============
NEW RULE I CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS.
(7) If a licensee is unable to acquire sufficient continuing education credits to meet the requirements, he or she may request an exemption. All requests for exemptions will be considered by the board and evaluated on an individual basis.
»» Back to top