Iowa Admin. Code r. 645-134.3

Current through Register Vol. 47, No. 6, September 18, 2024

Rule 645-134.3 - Continuing education criteria

(1)General criteria. A continuing education activity that meets all of the following criteria is appropriate for continuing education credit if the continuing education activity:

a. Constitutes an organized program of learning that contributes directly to the professional competency of the licensee;

b. Pertains to subject matters that integrally relate to the practice of the profession;

c. Is conducted by individuals who have specialized education, training and experience by reason of which said individuals should be considered qualified concerning the subject matter of the program. At the time of audit, the board may request the qualifications of presenters;

d. Fulfills stated program goals, objectives, or both; and

e. Provides proof of attendance to licensees in attendance, including:

(1) Date, location, course title, presenter(s);

(2) Number of program contact hours; and

(3) Certificate of completion or evidence of successful completion of the course from the course sponsor.

(2)Specific criteria. A licensee shall obtain a minimum of 16 hours of continuing education credit every two years. A minimum of 8 hours of the 16 hours must be earned by completing a program in which instruction is provided in person or through live, real-time interactive media. Although in-person continuing education instruction is not required, the board strongly encourages all licensees to obtain in-person instruction whenever feasible, especially when learning new techniques. Licensees may obtain continuing education hours of credit by:

a. Attending workshops, conferences, or symposiums.

b. Accessing online training, such as viewing interactive conferences, attending webinars, or completing online training courses.

c. Teaching curriculum at a school of massage therapy or presenting professional continuing education programs that meet the criteria listed in this subrule. One hour of credit will be awarded for each hour of presentation. A course schedule or brochure must be maintained for audit. A maximum of 4 hours may be awarded under this paragraph per biennium.

d. Completing academic courses that directly relate to the professional competency of the licensee. Official transcripts indicating successful completion of academic courses that apply to the field of massage therapy will be necessary in order for the licensee to receive the following continuing education credits:

1 academic semester hour = 15 continuing education hours of credit

1 academic trimester hour = 12 continuing education hours of credit

1 academic quarter hour = 10 continuing education hours of credit

1 academic clock hour = 1 continuing education hour of credit

e. Teaching in an approved college, university, or graduate school. The licensee may receive the following continuing education credits:

1 academic semester hour = 15 continuing education hours of credit

1 academic trimester hour = 12 continuing education hours of credit

1 academic quarter hour = 10 continuing education hours of credit

f. Authoring research the results of which are published in a recognized professional publication. The licensee will receive 5 hours of credit per page.

g. Taking courses directly beneficial to business practices necessary for operating a massage practice. Content areas include, but are not limited to, business management, financial management, accounting, tax preparation, marketing, human relations, communication skills, business ethics, and massage ethics.

h. Taking courses related to personal skills topics, such as career burnout, communication skills, human relations, and other like topics.

i. Completing programs that enhance a supplemental or complementary skill set directly related to promoting the public health while providing massage therapy. Content areas include, but are not limited to, CPR, first aid, contraindication training, sanitation, and geriatric care.

j. Completing mandatory reporter training pursuant to Iowa Code sections 232.69 and 235B.16. One hour of credit will be awarded for each hour of completed mandatory reporter training.

k. Passing a board-approved national examination administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards or the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork within the biennial continuing education compliance period. A copy of the applicant's official notification may be used by the board as verification.

Iowa Admin. Code r. 645-134.3

Adopted by IAB June 12, 2024/Volume XLVI, Number 26, effective 7/17/2024