Continuing Education Requirements

Training standards and Continuing Education requirements for massage therapists vary by state, locality and professional organization.

The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) requires 48 hours in 4 years, 6 hours must be ethics

The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) requires 48 hours in 4 years

The Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP) requires 16 hours in 2 years at a certified level

In 2015:

• 46 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands had laws regulating massage therapy. Most of the boards governing massage therapy require practicing massage therapists to complete a formal education program and pass an examination.
• States without licensure requirements were Kansas, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Vermont, and Wyoming.

Because laws often change, it is best to check information on licensing, certification, and accreditation on a State-by-State basis. The following state links will keep you updated for Continuing Education Requirements.