Students, faculty and staff members from Broadview University are asking Idaho lawmakers to strengthen the state's licensing requirements for massage therapists.

(BOISE) Broadview University is joining forces with the Northwest Career Colleges Federation (NWCCF) in an effort to strengthen Idahos massage therapy programs and the laws surrounding the current practice. Faculty, students and staff members from both organizations will take their message to lawmakers in Boise on Wednesday, February 8, as part of Idahos Hill Day.

Broadview University opened its doors to students one year ago as the newest career college in the Treasure Valley to offer a variety of in-demand associate, bachelors and masters degrees. Students in Idaho earn degrees in four high-growth sectors: business, health sciences, information technology, and legal sciences. Students who successfully complete the universitys massage therapy program graduate with between 700 and 1,200 hours of trainingdepending on degree programand the knowledge to test for national certification.

Idaho currently does not have licensing requirements for massage therapists. The way the laws stand, anyone can make a decision to establish a massage therapy practicedespite formal training.

We are trying to raise public awareness and provide an industry standard, Barb DeHaan, Broadview University Campus Director, said. Raising the standard will validate what students have learned through their education and ensure that qualified people are working in the field.

Idaho lawmakers have taken a very hands-off approach on massage therapy licensure for far too long. Its far too critical for such a hands-on profession, Justin Kobbe, the universitys massage therapy program chair, said. Setting a state licensing standard would improve the consistency of education, better integrate massage with the medical community, and raise the professions credibility.