South Dakota Massage License
Updated for 2024
Massage therapists in South Dakota must be licensed in order to practice. Licenses are issued by the South Dakota Board of Massage Therapy, which is under the Department of Health.
To become a licensed massage therapist (LMT) in the state of South Dakota, applicants must first complete the requirements as described on the South Dakota Board of Massage Therapy website. These requirements include completing a massage education program of at least 500 hours, and passing a recognized examination like the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx), or one offered by the NCBTMB. We’ve provided a summary of these requirements below for a quick reference.
South Dakota Quick Look
Massage License Required? Yes
Designation: LMT
Education hours: 500
Exam: MBLEx or NCBTMB
CEUs / Renewals: 8 CEUs/2yrs
Massage Education Requirements in South Dakota
Applicants for a South Dakota massage license are required to complete a minimum of 500 hours of massage education and training from a board recognized school or program. The program curriculum must include the following courses at a minimum:
- 125 hours of anatomy, physiology and kinesiology
- 200 hours of training in massage and bodywork assessment, theory and application
- 40 hours of pathology instruction
- 10 hours of business and ethics (minimum of 6 hours in ethics)
- 125 hours of additional training related to massage therapy
- Black Hills Health and Education Center
- Headlines Academy aka Paul Mitchell The School Rapid City
- National American University
- Pam’s Massage School
- South Dakota School of Massage Therapy
- Sioux Falls Therapeutic Massage & Education Center
- Springs Bath House School of Massage Therapy
Examination Requirements
The South Dakota Board of Massage Therapy has approved the following exams:
- Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx) offered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB)
- NCETMB or NCETM credentialing exam offered by the NCBTMB (no longer offered)
- NBCA Massage Therapy Certification Exam, offered by AMMA
As you move forward in your journey to become a licensed massage therapist in South Dakota, readying yourself for the MBLEx is essential. Preparing with MBLEx practice tests offers significant benefits, helping you to fully understand the format and variety of questions you’ll encounter on the actual MBLEx. This method of preparation not only sharpens your understanding but also increases your confidence as you approach your exam date.
If you have not yet taken the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam and are planning to seek licensure in South Dakota, simply select this state when registering for the MBLEx, and they will send your scores to the South Dakota Board of Massage Therapy when you pass. Check out our About the MBLEx page to see how to apply and schedule your exam.
Additional License Requirements
Getting a South Dakota massage therapy license has additional requirements. The applicant must also:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have a high school diploma or its equivalent
- Provide proof of malpractice or professional liability insurance of at least $250,000
- Verify current CPR certification
Application Process
Download and complete the application for license, verification of education or other relevant forms from the Board’s Applications and Documents page.
Massage License Fees
Below is a summary of the fees charged by the South Dakota Board of Massage Therapy.
- Nonrefundable application fee: $100
- Licensing fee: $65
- License renewal: $65
- Temporary permit application & fee: $125
Renewal Process
South Dakota massage therapy licenses may be renewed during the renewal period (August 1 through September 30 of even-numbered years). The following must be done to complete your renewal application:
- Complete the renewal application online
- Verify current CPR certification
- Complete 8 CEU credit hours. The number of CEUs required for your first renewal depends on when the first license was issued. See their FAQ page for details.
- Send renewal fee of $65
South Dakota Board of Massage Therapy
Contact Information
Address:
South Dakota Board of Massage Therapy
217 W Missouri Ave.
Pierre, SD 57501
Note: The information on this website is for informational purposes. Please inquire directly with your state and local boards to verify requirements and regulations, as this may have changed. Contact information is listed above.