Frequently Asked Questions

A.  Massage is defined by state statute (SDCL 36-35-1) as “the systematic mobilization of the soft tissues of the body through the application of hands or devices for the purpose of therapy, relaxation, or education through means which include:

         (a) Pressure, friction, stroking, rocking, kneading, percussion, compression, or stretching;

         (b) External application of water, heat, cold, lubricants, or other topical agents; or

         (c) The use of devices that mimic or enhance actions done by hand [.]

If you are performing massage for compensation, you are required to be licensed by the Board of Massage Therapy. (Application for License)

The licensure requirement does not apply to any person performing massage for compensation if the massage is done under one of the following circumstances: (SDCL 36-35-25)

        (1) As part of a licensed practice as a physician, physician assistant, chiropractor, nurse, physical therapist, athletic trainer, or other health care profession licensed or certified under Title 36;

        (2) As part of a licensed practice pursuant to chapter 36-14 or 36-15, if the licensee is performing within the scope of the licensed practice and the licensee does not hold himself or herself out to be a massage therapist or to be engaged in the practice of massage therapy;

        (3) In furtherance of duties as an employee of the United States;

        (4) As part of a course of study with a facility or instructor recognized and approved by the board to provide training in massage or the provision of such instruction;

        (5) As part of providing a course of instruction or continuing education in the practice of massage therapy on a temporary basis not in excess of ten days; or

        (6) Manipulation of the soft tissues of the human body is restricted to the hands, feet, or ears and the person does not hold himself or herself out to be a massage therapist or to be engaged in the practice of massage therapy.

Reflexology, acupuncture and aesthetics are not subject to regulation and licensure by the Board of Massage Therapy.

A.  Anyone who is 18 years of age or older, with a high school diploma or its equivalent who has completed at least 500 of specified education and training in massage therapy from a recognized facility and passed an examination by an approved national certification board can apply to be a licensed massage therapist. In addition to meeting the educational requirements, the person must also provide proof of at least $250,000 in malpractice insurance with an absence of professional misconduct. (SDCL 36-35-12)

A.  Once a completed application is submitted to the Board of Massage Therapy, the Board has up to 6 months to approve the application. (ARSD 20:76:01:03) An application is considered completed when all of the necessary documentation is provided to the Board.

If all of the requirements of licensure are met and all of the required documentation is provided, this time period can be substantially reduced and your license can be issued without action by the full Board. However, if your application requires full Board review because of unique circumstances, it may take longer for your application to be acted on.

A.  An applicant for licensure is required to show verification of education from a recognized training facility that includes at least: (ARSD 20:76:01:06) 

• One hundred twenty-five hours of training in the body’s systems and anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology;

• Two hundred hours of training in massage and bodywork assessment, theory, and application;

• Forty hours of training in pathology;

• Ten hours total of training in business and ethics, with a minimum of six hours in ethics, and

• One-hundred twenty-five hours of additional training in the area or related field that theoretically completes a massage program of study.

An applicant must submit a Verification of Education Form as part of the initial application. This form should be completed by an official at the school where the education was received. Transcripts from the school should also be submitted with your application.

A.  There is a non-refundable fee of $100 to process your initial application for licensure. Your annual licensure fee is $65. When you submit your application, you may submit both the non-refundable fee of $100 to process the application and the $65 annual licensure fee. If your application is denied, the $65 licensure fee will be returned. If your application is approved, your $65 licensure fee allows the Board to send your license to you upon approval.

A.  No. You are not licensed to practice massage therapy until you are officially notified by the Board and provided with a license. If your application is denied, the $65 licensure fee will be returned to you. The Board allows you to submit the annual licensure fee with an application for licensure to reduce the time it takes to get you your license if you are approved. Accepting this fee does not constitute licensure absent official notification from the Board.

A.  The Board of Massage Therapy recognizes the following South Dakota facilities that may provide the required training for licensure: (ARSD 20:76:08:01)

            (1)  Black Hills Health & Education Center;

            (2)  Headlines Academy;

            (3)  National American University;

            (4)  Pam's Massage School;

            (5)  SD School of Massage Therapy;

            (6)  Sioux Falls Therapeutic Massage & Education Center; and

            (7)  Springs Bath House School of Massage

The Board also recognizes the required training for licensure from a facility, if: (ARSD 20:76:08:02)

(1)  The facility is licensed or approved by the state board of massage therapy where that training facility is located; or

(2)  The facility is accredited by one of the following:

For purposes of meeting the education required for initial licensure, the Board also recognizes facilities that are accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education.  

A.  The Board will recognize other proof of education from an institution that has closed. If you have copies of your transcript, curriculum information, or other evidence of attendance, the Board will consider that in assessing your application for licensure.

A.  South Dakota does not have a reciprocity application at this time. Please locate and complete the “Application for Licensure” form under the Applications & Documents section. Please remember that in order to become licensed in South Dakota, you will be required to have the school you attended provide us with a Verification of Education form; you will need to have passed a national exam, and the state where you are currently licensed will need to provide us with a verification of that licensure. If you attended a school which is now closed, please contact the Department of Education or Massage Therapy Board in the state where you attended school or the school’s parent company to see if you can locate your records. Remember you must hold a valid South Dakota Massage Therapy license before you can practice in South Dakota, even if you have a valid license in another state.

A.  Beginning July 1, 2013, all licenses were reset to a universal renewal/expiration date. Your current license is valid through September 30. You will need to renew your license before September 30th each year.

A.  Yes. Your license must be displayed when you are conducting business. If you would like to frame or laminate your license for display you may do so.

A.  To obtain a new copy of your license please contact the Board at 605-773-6193 or via e-mail at massagetherapy@state.sd.us and request a replacement copy. Please be sure to include your name and current address information in the e-mail so that it is sure to reach you.

To update your name please submit the Name and/or Address Change Form. With this form you will provide proof of the name change to the Board so your massage license can be issued in your legal name. Proof of your name change can be provided by a copy of your marriage license, divorce decree or other legal documents noting the change.

There is no charge for a duplicate license.

A.  Qualifying continuing education is any course with a clear purpose and objective which maintains, improves, or expands the skills and knowledge relevant to massage therapy of the human body. Qualifying continuing education must meet the definition of massage therapy pursuant to § 36-35-1(3) or be education presented by an approved provider of the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, American Medical Massage Association, or Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards. College courses used to meet continuing education requirements must not replicate courses submitted by the licensee to meet the required licensing coursework. An academic semester credit equals 15 continuing education hours and a quarter credit equals 10 continuing education hours.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification from the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross or another course deemed equivalent by the board is qualifying continuing education for up to four hours in each continuing education cycle. In person attendance of a board meeting is qualifying continuing education for up to two hours in each continuing education cycle. No other qualifying continuing education may be repeated in consecutive continuing education cycles.

In person attendance of a board meeting is qualifying continuing education for up to two hours in each continuing education cycle. (ARSD 20:76:03)

Any or all of the required 8 hours of continuing education may be obtained electronically (online or by other electronic means).

Continuing education requirements must be met every two years. The current continuing education cycle runs from October 1, 2016 through September 30, 2018. Continuing education used to meet renewal requirements must be taken during the current continuing education cycle.

Because continuing education is required every two years, continuing education is prorated based on the initial date of your licensure. If you were licensed before October 1, 2016, you must show proof of 8 hours of continuing education to renew your license by September 30, 2018. If you were licensed after October 1, 2016, please refer to the following for the continuing education hours required to renew your license by September 30, 2018:

A.  You are required to submit proof of your continuing education every two years.

You will need to show proof of the 8 hours of required continuing education in even-numbered years.

You are responsible for maintaining proof of your continuing education to submit to the Board. (ARSD 20:76:03:05)

A.  The Board does not maintain a list of continuing education opportunities. Licensees are responsible for finding continuing education that meets the Boards' requirements. The Board accepts continuing education that has a clear purpose and objective which maintains, improves or expands the skills and knowledge relevant to massage therapy. Qualifying courses must meet the definition of massage or be presented by an approved provider of NCBTMB or AMMA. If you have questions about whether a continuing education course qualifies, please contact the Board.

A.  You may choose to let your license become inactive if you are no longer planning to practice massage therapy for a period of time. (ARSD 20:76:06:01)

You can reactive your inactive license to full license status at any time by showing proof of continuing education for the preceding two year period, proof of liability insurance and completing the Application to Reactivate License.

Inactive status is most beneficial to licensees who received their license through the original grandfather provisions of the massage therapy licensing laws.   Those massage therapists grandfathered into licensure did not have to provide proof of education at the time of initial licensure.  If a grandfathered licensee were to allow that license to lapse, the licensee would be subject to licensure under the current education standards.  By electing to allow the license to go inactive, the grandfathered licensee maintains the original licensure which can be reinstated as a full license at a later date without having to meet the current education standards.

A.  In order to move your license to inactive status, you need to complete the Application for Inactive License and send your current license and $25 to the Board.

A.  No. You are not required to show proof of a sales tax or business license to the Board as a condition of your license.

Massage services are subject to sales tax in South Dakota. If you are actively practicing massage therapy, you need to have a sales tax license issued by the South Dakota Department of Revenue. You can contact the Department of Revenue at http://dor.sd.gov or 605-773-3311 to learn about the requirements for sales tax licenses.

A.  Anyone can file a complaint with the Board. Complaints can be filed against a licensed massage therapist or against someone practicing massage therapy without a license.

To file a complaint, please complete the Complaint Form, or contact the Board at massagetherapy@state.sd.us.

A.  The Board of Massage Therapy is made up of five individuals, all of whom are appointed to serve by the Governor. The Board members may serve up to 3 three-year terms.

Current Board Members:

Christine Ellwein, LMT, Pierre

Fallon Helm, LMT, Aberdeen

Lorin Pankratz, Lay Person, Sioux Falls

Kallyn Reinert, LMT, Mobridge

Al Trace, LMT, Hermosa

You can contact a board member via e-mail by clicking on the board member's name above.

A.  The Board can be reached via e-mail at massagetherapy@state.sd.us or via telephone at 605-773-3440 to help answer any additional questions.