While we have posted on the educational and assessment requirements for becoming a massage therapist in the state of Oregon, we’ve never discussed the actual process of applying for a license, which is complex. As this step is crucial in any Oregon massage therapy career, we encourage those working toward LMT status to bookmark this page for easy reference.

What is the process for applying for a massage therapy license in Oregon?

As in most government procedures, there are multiple steps to follow. A helpful frame of mind is to go step by step, crossing off one item at a time.

The Oregon State Board of Massage Therapists (OMBT)has established the following steps to apply for a license of massage therapy:

  • Complete electronic fingerprinting. Follow the instructions from the state for electronic fingerprinting. (See Fingerprinting section below.) By doing your fingerprints when you start your application, you let the OMBT begin your background check immediately.
  • Receive email with login info. After submitting your online registration request and fee, the website will redirect you to your application. You will also receive an email notification with your log-in information, namely your customer ID and a pin. 
  • Complete your online application, including documentation. Fill out your application on the state’s massage application site, here. (See below to learn which documentation is required in the application.)
  • Note: If you said “yes” to any of the character questions on your application, you’ll need to submit documentation and a narrative. So gather court records, arrest reports, and other official documents before starting the application. 
  • Wait for the Board to review. Sit back and kick your feet up as you wait for the Board to look over your application, fees, and supporting documents. 
  • Look for an email with the Jurisprudence Exam login info. The state will send you an email with the link and login you’ll need to fill out the online Jurisprudence Examination. 
  • Pay for your Initial License. If the above steps are completed, the state will send you a payment request for $100-$200. (See section below for costs.)
  • Receive your license! Once your initial license payment is received, your license will be issued as an electronic document via email.

What documentation will I need to apply for my initial Oregon massage therapy license?

Here are the items you’ll need to gather to support your LMT application:

  • Official transcripts, which must be in a sealed envelope
  • A passport-sized color photograph (2”x2”) that’s no more than 12 months old
  • A valid ID issued by the government; examples include a driver’s license or passport
  • A list of three character references who do not live with you; however they may be relatives
  • A copy of your current BLS (Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers) certification
  • National Written Examination results. Qualifying exams including the MBLEX, NCBTMB, and CESI.
    NOTE: The exam results must come straight from the exam provider; you cannot submit them yourself.

How do I complete Electronic Fingerprinting for my initial Oregon LMT license?
All new massage therapy license candidates in Oregon must complete a national criminal background check. This process requires electronic fingerprinting, including a $47.25 processing fee paid to the Board when you register your application, as well as a $12.50 fee paid to the fingerprinting service (Fieldprint). 

Here are the steps you’ll need to follow to schedule an appointment for electronic fingerprinting for an Oregon massage therapy license:

  1. Go to www.FieldprintOregon.com  and enter the Fieldprint code FPORMassTherapistsDAS. 
  2. Select the “Schedule an Appointment” button.
  3. Create a new profile by entering your email address under “New Users/Sign Up,” and hitting the “Sign Up” button. Create a Password, select a security question, and select “Sign Up and Continue.” 
  4. Fill out the contact and demographic information (which is mandated by the FBI) and select a fingerprinting appointment and location. 
  5. When you’re done, print the confirmation page, and bring it with you to your fingerprinting appointment, as well as two forms of ID.

Questions about this process may be directed to Fieldprint; their customer service number is 877-614-4364, and their email address is customerservice@fieldprint.com.

How much does it cost to apply for a massage therapy license in Oregon?

As of August, 2022, you can expect to pay $259.75-$359.75 to apply for your Oregon massage therapy license. That breaks down to $100 for the application fee, $47.25 for the fingerprint processing fee, a $12.50 fee for the electronic fingerprint provider, and $100-$200 for the initial license fee. Why the range? Because renewal is based on your birth month and year. If you were born in an even numbered year, you will renew in your birth month even numbered year, no matter when your license was granted. Therefore, the fee is $100 if your first renewal will occur less than 12 months from the date of issuance for your initial license, and $200 if your first renewal will occur more than 12 months from your initial license. Note that these costs do not include your tuition, the costs of your written licensing exam, nor any costs incurred in obtaining your BLS-CPR certification.

If you’re still in the early days of researching how to become a massage therapist in Oregon, it’s smart to keep your end goal in mind. Becoming an LMT in the Beaver State requires 625 hours of massage education, a passing score on two different exams, and more, as our article on Oregon massage therapy license requirements explains. We recommend that you bookmark this site, as well as our earlier article, so that you can prepare early, and check off milestones as you go. 

Finally, if you’re graduating from East West College of the Healing Arts, we invite you to reach out to our Alumni Services Department for assistance with the application process. Our Alumni Services Coordinator would be happy to help you figure out exactly what you need to submit, as well as advise you on timing, how to navigate the OBMT website, and more. Visit.eastwestcollege.com/alumni-services/ to learn more.