Hawaii Massage Therapist licensing (real estate, transfer, schools)

[bdkelii]

I have looked on the web and emailed the Hawaii Board of Massage Therapy (I don't quite understand their response email, so they could have answered my questions and I don't know) and can't find the answer to whether or not someone can do their schooling/apprenticing hours for their Hawaii licensing in another state. I know they don't accept licenses from another state, but if I'm licensed in AZ and have worked in the field for over a year, do I need to retake schooling and everything when I move to Hawaii or just pass their test and such?

Mahalo!

[bdkelii]

Well, ya know! My daughter is part Hawaiian and I just LOVE the culture. Don't worry, I'll probably be a Medical Assitant as well...

[hothulamaui]

call the schools for massage on one of the islands. they will know

[mdand3boys]

The daily, Massage Therapist or Real Estate Agent question... There is one of both on every corner.

[hotzcatz]

In general, Hawaii doesn't like to accept mainland certificates or licenses. I've always suspected it is a protectionist sort of thing to keep Hawaii licensed folks from being run over by mainland imports but for whatever reason very few mainland licenses are valid in Hawaii. Regular driver's licenses are valid but I'd check any other license before just assuming it would transfer. I know contractor licenses don't transfer, those folks have to do an apprenticeship with someone local for rather a long time before their paperwork will transfer. I don't know if it is the same for massage folks or not, but there's probably something involved in getting them transferred if they are transferable at all.

[bdkelii]

Thank you to those who responded with ACTUAL help, not just random criticism. Hothulamaui, I will try to call a school and ask. And hotzcatz, that's a good point. I guess if someone really wants to go there they'll make the sacrifice.

[Calico Salsa]

It's not just Hawaii. Not all states will accept certifications & licenses from another state. I would guess it's easier to verify whether a certificate or license is legitimate, if it comes from one's own state. And of course every state looks out for the financial interest of the businesses in their own region. Not just other massage therapists, but the schools and county revenue too.

[hwyngrl4u]

Aloha...if you never found out about your question, I think I can help. The education you have should count towards the hours you are supposed to have. You don't have to go to school again, unless you're short the hours needed to total the requirements from the state regulations for massage therapy in Hawaii. You're Arizona license will be no good, that's why you have to get a Hawaii's license. I'm taking the National Exam, and even with that, when I come home, I would still have to take Hawaii's licensing exam for Massage Therapy because it will cover my work in Hawaii. A certificate may allow you to work as an independent massage therapist, but a license I feel is better and may be more expensive, but to hold your license there will be guidelines to keeping your license. If these guidelines are not followed in any way, your license can be taken.