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
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One hundred twenty-five hours of additional training in an area or related field that theoretically completes a massage program of study.
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;
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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 an accredited facility by one or more of the following accrediting bodies: (ARSD 20:76:08:02)
- Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA)
- Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS)
- National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences (NACCAS)
- Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET)
- Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSCT)
- Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC)
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
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.