Education and Training
To be licensed as a massage therapist, an applicant must have at least 500 hours of specific education and training from a board recognized facility or instructor.
The 500 hours of education and training must include: (ARSD 20:76:01:06)
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One hundred twenty-five hours of training in the body’s system and anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology;
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Two hundred hours of training in massage and bodywork assessment, theory, and application;
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Forty hours of training in pathology;
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Ten hours of training in business and ethics, with a minimum of six hours in ethics; and
- One hundred twenty-five hours of additional training in an area or related field that theoretically completes a massage program of study.
At least 200 hours of hands-on training must be completed.
The board currently recognizes certain facilities as approved providers of the required education and training. These facilities include: (ARSD 20:76:08:01)
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Black Hills Health and Education Center;
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Headlines Academy aka Paul Mitchell The School Rapid City;
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National American University;
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Pam’s Massage School;
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SD School of Massage Therapy;
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Sioux Falls Therapeutic Massage & Education Center; and
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Springs Bath House School of Massage.
Additionally, the Board may recognize training from additional facilities if such a facility is either licensed or approved by a state board of massage therapy in the state where the facility is located or is accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. (ARSD 20:76:08:02) The South Dakota facilities accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education are:
- Paul Mitchell The School Rapid City – National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences
- Stewarts School – Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
- The Salon Professional Academy – National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences
Examinations
A passing score on a national exam is required for licensing. The board approved national examinations for purposes of licensure are:
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NCETM (National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage $225)
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NCETMB (National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork $225)
Examinations are computer-based. Candidates need to register directly with the national exam provider and request that results be provided to the Board of Massage Therapy.