How to become a massage therapist in Nebraska
Nebraska massage therapists are licensed by the Nebraska DHHS Licensure Unit (Board of Massage Therapy). Here is what it takes to work as a licensed massage therapist in Nebraska, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become a massage therapist in Nebraska?
- At least 19 years old
- U.S. citizenship or lawful presence
- At least 1,000 hours of massage therapy training over at least 9 months
- Passing national exam score from FSMTB (MBLEx) or NCBTMB
- Applicants licensed in another state must also pass the Nebraska jurisprudence exam (75% or higher)
Nebraska massage therapist license requirements
| State license | Yes. Nebraska requires a state license, and licensees must practice in a Nebraska-licensed massage establishment or another approved setting. |
|---|---|
| Licensed by | Nebraska DHHS Licensure Unit (Board of Massage Therapy) |
| License name | Massage Therapist License |
| Education or training | A course of study and training in massage therapy of not less than 1,000 hours. |
| Exam | Pass the MBLEx (FSMTB) or an NCBTMB exam; a free, open-book 50-question jurisprudence exam also applies (required for applicants licensed in another state). |
| License term | Licenses expire November 1 of odd-numbered years. |
| Continuing education | 16 CE hours per renewal; up to 50% may be online or electronic. |
How much does it cost?
| Initial license (most months; $27.50 if issued May–October of an odd year) | $110 |
|---|---|
| Temporary license | $25 |
| Preliminary application conviction review (optional) | $100 |
Fees as listed by the state. Schools, courses, exam prep, insurance and equipment cost extra and vary by provider.
Steps to become a massage therapist in Nebraska
- Complete a 1,000-hour massage therapy program
- Register with FSMTB and pass the MBLEx
- Gather proof of lawful presence and have your school send an official transcript
- Submit the DHHS massage therapy application with the fee (fee waivers exist for some applicants)
- Once licensed, work at a licensed establishment or other approved setting
Apply on the official Nebraska site
How do you check a massage therapist's license in Nebraska?
- Search the name or license number on the official Nebraska massage therapist license lookup.
- Check that the status is active and the name matches the person or company you're hiring.
- Ask how long they've been licensed and whether any complaints or discipline are on record.