Navigating Continuing Education Requirements for Licensed Massage Therapists
The landscape of massage therapy is ever-evolving, and with it, the regulations governing Licensed Massage Therapists (LMTs). Staying abreast of continuing education (CE) requirements is crucial for maintaining licensure and ensuring professional growth. This article provides a comprehensive overview of CE requirements across various states, emphasizing the importance of verifying information with the respective state boards. Please take note that these laws and requirements are changing constantly but we will do our best to provide you with the latest information possible. To check your state’s massage therapy license requirements please select your state below.
State-by-State Breakdown of Continuing Education Requirements
It's important to note that the following information is based on the latest understanding and is subject to change. Always verify directly with your state's board of massage therapy for the most up-to-date and accurate details.
Alabama: Massage therapists in Alabama are generally required to complete 16 CE hours every two years. This can include 16 CE for online courses. Be advised that they do not allow Facial Massage, unless you are an esthetician . If you have further questions regarding your massage therapy continuing education requirements or if you want to verify this information, you may contact the Alabama Board of Massage directly.
Alaska: The proposed continuing educational proposal will be 12 CE by July 2017 and 24 Ce after which can be acquired online.
Arizona: Arizona typically requires massage therapists to complete 24 CE hours every 2 years for license renewal, with a split of 12 live and 12 online hours accepted. Arizona accepts NCBTMB approved Courses.
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Arkansas: Arkansas generally requires massage therapists to complete 18 CE hours every 2 years for license renewal. Arkansas only allows 6 CE online and they must be non-hands on CE related to massage, such as our Ethics course. Arkansas accepts NCBTMB approved courses.
California: There are two levels of massage therapy certification in California. A Certified Massage Therapist (CMT) must have at least 500 hours of formal education and training in massage therapy. A Certified Massage Practitioner (CMP) has completed between 250 to 499 hours of massage therapy training. There are currently no continuing education requirements for renewal of the CMT or CMP certification.
Colorado: The Colorado Board of Massage generally does not require continuing education for massage therapists’ license renewal, however, licenses need to be renewed by January 31st of each odd year.
Connecticut: Connecticut typically requires massage therapists to complete 24 CE hours every 4 years for license renewal, of which 6 may be obtained via our online courses. Connecticut accepts NCBTMB approved courses.
Delaware: As of 9/1/14, Certified Massage Technicians and Licensed Massage Therapists in Delaware must complete 24 CE hours, (6 CE can be obtained online) of continuing education every 2 years (unless they have been licensed or certified fewer than 12 months before the 8/31 expiration date). Delaware accepts NCBTMB approved courses.
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Florida: For license renewal Florida requires massage therapists to complete 24 CE hours of which 12 maybe obtained through our online courses and 12 CE of our live courses by August 31st of each odd-numbered year. Please take note that the HIV/AIDS CE requirement is no longer required for license renewal. It is just for initial licensure.
Georgia: Georgia typically requires massage therapists to complete 24 CE hours every 2 years, with 12 CE hours online and 12 CE hours live, obtainable by October 31st, for license renewal. Georgia accepts NCBTMB approved courses.
Hawaii: The Hawaii Board of Massage generally does not require continuing education for massage therapists’ license renewal, however, licenses need to be renewed by June 30th of each even year.
Idaho: Idaho generally requires massage therapists to complete 6 CE live or online hours every year beginning with the second license renewal. Of the 6 CE hours, 1 CE hour must be in ethics. Idaho accepts NCBTMB approved courses.
Illinois: Illinois typically requires massage therapists to complete 24 CE hours every 2 years for license renewal, with 12 live and 12 online hours accepted, of which 2 CE hours must be in ethics. Illinois accepts NCBTMB approved courses.
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Indiana: The Indiana Board of Massage Therapy generally does not require continuing education for massage therapists’ certification renewal, however, certifications need to be renewed by May 15th every 4 years.
Iowa: Iowa typically requires massage therapists to complete 24 CE hours every 2 years for license renewal, of which 6 can be online. Iowa accepts NCBTMB approved courses.
Kansas: There are no continuing education requirements for massage therapists in Kansas because the state is without finalized legislation.
Kentucky: Kentucky typically requires massage therapists to complete 24 CE hours every 2 years for license renewal, live or online, of which 3 CE hours must be in professional ethics. Topics relevant to ethics, business practices, science, and techniques related to massage therapy are accepted. Kentucky accepts NCBTMB approved courses.
Louisiana: Louisiana typically requires massage therapists to complete 12 CE hours every year for license renewal, live or online.
Maine: The Maine Board of Massage generally does not require continuing education for massage therapists’ license renewal, however, licenses need to be renewed every year.
Maryland: Maryland typically requires massage therapists to complete 24 CE hours every 2 years for license renewal, live or online, of which 1 CE hour must be in diversity or cultural competency, 3 CE hours must be in ethics, jurisprudence or risk management AND 3 CE hours must be in communicable diseases (to include HIV/AIDS). (The remaining 17 hours must be in massage-related courses.) Maryland accepts NCBTMB approved courses.
Massachusetts: Massachusetts requires massage therapists to renew their license every year. While the Board states that massage therapists must complete continuing education in order to renew, the laws regarding continuing education requirements are still being drafted and have not been made available.
Michigan: The Michigan Board of Massage Therapy generally does not require continuing education for massage therapists’ license renewal, however, licenses need to be renewed every 3 years.
Mississippi: Mississippi typically requires massage therapists to complete 24 CE hours every 2 years (12 hours per calendar year) for license renewal, of which 3 CE hours must be in Mississippi Law, Rules and Regulations and 3 CE hours must be in Ethics.
Missouri: Missouri typically requires massage therapists to complete 12 CE hours by January 31st of every odd year for license renewal, live or online. Missouri accepts NCBTMB approved courses.
Montana: For license renewal Montana requires massage therapists to complete 12 CE hours every 2 years, live or online.
Nebraska: Nebraska typically requires massage therapists to complete 24 CE hours every 2 years for license renewal, of which 3 CE hours must be in ethics.
Nevada: Nevada typically requires massage therapists to complete 12 CE hours every year for license renewal, live or online. Nevada accepts NCBTMB approved courses.
New Hampshire: New Hampshire typically requires massage therapists to complete 12 CE hours every 2 years for license renewal, live or online. New Hampshire accepts NCBTMB approved courses.
New Jersey: New Jersey typically requires massage therapists to complete 20 CE hours related to massage and bodywork therapy every 2 years for license renewal. Of the 20 total CE Hours, 2 hours must cover ethics.
New Mexico: New Mexico typically requires massage therapists to complete 16 CE hours by October 31st, every 2 years, for license renewal. Of the 16 CE hours, 4 CE hours must be in ethics.
New York: New York typically requires massage therapists to complete 36 CE hours every 3 years for license renewal, live or online. New York accepts our NCBTMB approved courses.
North Carolina: North Carolina typically requires massage therapists to complete 24 CE hours every 2 years for license renewal, of which 3 CE hours must be in ethics.
North Dakota: For license renewal North Dakota requires massage therapists to complete 32 CE hours every two years based on your year of licensure.
Ohio: The Ohio Board of Massage generally does not require continuing education for massage therapists’ license renewal.
Continuing Education Providers and Course Approval
It is crucial to select continuing education providers and courses that are recognized and approved by your state's board of massage therapy. A widely recognized organization is the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB). Many states accept NCBTMB-approved courses, simplifying the process of finding suitable CE opportunities.
Texas: All licensed massage therapy schools and providers and courses recognized by NCBTMB are accpted for continuing education. Courses must be Acceptable Course Curriculum.
To become approved as a massage therapy continuing education provider, you will need to submit a completed Continuing Education Provider Application (PDF) along with the required fee of $200, and all requirements must be met. The department recognizes the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) as an accepted continuing education provider. If you are an approved continuing education provider by the NCBTMB, you are not required to become a massage therapy continuing education provider. The department does not pre-approve continuing education programs. It is your responsibility as an approved provider to read and understand the Massage Therapy Administrative Rules. Approved provider must also issue a certificate of attendance to each participant in a course program.
Acceptable Course Curriculum
Continuing education courses must be developed and presented by qualified persons. It is essential to ensure that the courses you choose align with the acceptable course curriculum as defined by your state's regulations.
Texas: Most massage and bodywork modalities are acceptable, provided the sponsor is acceptable. Unacceptable modalities would include activities which are not part of providing a massage (e.g. ear candling) or that require another license (e.g. Most energy work classes are acceptable, provided the sponsor is acceptable. They must be designed to enhance the provision of massage, and they may not involve any false or misleading health claims (e.g. Courses in first aid and/or CPR will be accepted if the course is taught or presented by a certified First Aid Instructor or certified CPR instructor who was certified by the American Heart Association, American Red Cross or National Safety Council. The department does not pre-approve CE programs. Please consult the Acceptable Course Curriculum section of this page (above) and the Massage Therapy Administrative Rules to determine whether or not the program is acceptable. All licensed massage therapy schools are also approved to provide continuing education, and may issue either continuing education certificates, or transcripts showing advanced course work (as described in the rules, §117.60. Massage School Advanced Course Work).
Methods of Continuing Education
- Traditional Classroom Settings.
- Destination Workshops: Seminars at Sea, or find some “Pura Vida” magic in Costa Rica.
- Online Courses: Several states allow a portion of CE hours to be completed online, offering flexibility for therapists with busy schedules.
Reporting and Auditing
Texas: TDLR uses a random audit system for continuing education reporting. A sample of LMTs will be selected each year for an audit each year. If you are selected, you will need to provide proof of completion of course hours. It is the sole responsibility of the licensed therapist to remain informed of and comply with the current rules and regulations of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations. This information is provided for assistance only and does not constitute a final legal authority on state law.
Specialized Programs
For massage therapists seeking to enhance their skills in specific areas, specialized programs are available:
- MEDICAL MASSAGE PRACTITIONER PROGRAM: Develop the clinical skills needed to treat specific pathologies. This comprehensive series includes 4 classes across two levels:
- Professional Level: Day of the Back & Lower Extremity
- Masters Level: Day of the Neck & Upper Extremity
- Flexibility & Value: Classes can be taken individually, but enrolling in the full series offers the best results and the greatest savings.
- MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE SERIES: Learn to incorporate techniques designed to support the body’s immune and detoxification systems.
- LYPOSSAGE® BODY CONTOURNING: Transform your earning potential by adding this high-demand, non-invasive body contouring modality to your menu.
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