This government agency is a division of the state Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. The department’s mission is “to promote the health, safety and economic well-being of the public through regulation, licensing, enforcement, training and education.”
The MT panel enforces the South Carolina Massage Therapy Act. It establishes licensure criteria, issues licenses, and ensures that therapists periodically renew their licenses and receive continuing education. The agency approves schools that meet standards regarding curricula.
The panel receives and investigates complaints of alleged violations of state laws and regulations. It submits license applicants and practitioners to drug tests, or other physical or mental assessments, when there are “reasonable grounds” to do so.
Minimum Education Requirements for Massage Therapy Programs in South Carolina
To become a massage therapist in South Carolina, it is necessary to begin by earning either a high school diploma or a GED. Then, a student needs to attend a postsecondary school with accreditation that offers an MT program the state authorities have approved.
The program has to consist of at least 500 content hours of instruction and practice. Courses are to cover anatomy and physiology, kinesiology pathology, basic massage techniques, business skills, hygiene, and laws and ethics.
Many curricula exceed the minimum requirements. Programs differ in the number and types of massage methods they teach. Some focus on medical massage; others on spa treatments. A curriculum’s hands-on component may be at an on-campus student clinic or in an externship at a massage facility in the community.
After graduating, a prospective practitioner must contact the state panel for a license. Officials require an applicant be at least 18 years of age, submit a transcript from an approved school, and post an acceptable score on the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx).
The Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards administers the test, charging an application fee of about $200. Pearson VUE offers the computer-based exam frequently at testing centers, and sends the results to the panel.
The renewal of a license is required every other year. This entails a fee of about $175. Another requirement is to take at least 12 continuing education hours between each renewal period, beginning with the second renewal. The panel accepts classes provided by recognized national associations or state-approved schools.