On July 10, Governor Phil Murphy signed into law Assembly Bill 4587, changing the state’s minimum education hours required for an individual to obtain licensure as a massage and bodywork therapist. The bill increases training hours from 500 to 600 and is effective immediately.
Due to changes issued last fall in the federal Gainful Employment rules, aid-eligible schools would not have been able to offer programs in excess of the 500-hour state requirement and maintain federal aid eligibility as of July 1—meaning students entering massage programs would no longer qualify for federal aid.
If you’re interested in regulating the practice of massage and bodywork therapy and safeguarding practice compliance, such as ensuring applicants meet educational licensing requirements, the New Jersey Board of Massage & Bodywork Therapy is seeking three new members. Learn more about board positions and how to apply here.