This government agency, a division of the state Department of Health, regulates massage therapists and establishes criteria for postsecondary schools.
The board issues MT licenses to state residents who successfully complete educational programs at accredited, approved schools. It ensures that license applicants pass a required exam, and that practitioners periodically renew their licenses and obtain continuing education.
To receive state approval, a school must comply with state requirements concerning curriculum components and faculty qualifications.
The governor appoints five board members, four of whom are licensed to practice massage therapy in the state.
Minimum Education Requirements for Massage Therapy Programs in South Dakota
Obtaining a high school diploma or GED is the initial step to become a massage therapist in South Dakota. Taking college-level classes in health, science, and business may help win admission to schools with competitive enrollment policies. Next, a student needs to enroll in an accredited training school that satisfies state requirements.
The board approves institutions that offer programs with 500 or more clock hours of instruction and training. This must include at least:
- 125 hours of courses in the body’s system and anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology
- 200 hours in massage and bodywork assessment, theory, and application
- 40 hours in pathology
- 10 hours in business and ethics, with a minimum of six hours in ethics
The remainder of curricula is at individual schools’ discretion. Some programs cover a wide range of massage techniques, while others provide additional instruction for students who plan to open massage businesses.
Upon graduation, a prospective practitioner must pass the National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage (NCETM), the National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCETMB), the NBCA Massage Therapy Certification Exam, or the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx).
Fees for the computer-based tests range from about $200 to $275. Students need to register with one of the exam providers, and request that results be sent to the state board.
Most people take the MBLEx, which the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards administers. Students take the multiple-choice exam at Pearson VUE testing centers.
License renewal is required every two years, which involves eight hours of continuing education. The courses may be online, but the board must approve them and their providers.