In order to find out what the massage therapy licensing renewal requirements are, you will need to check your state health department's website.

Each state that requires a license for massage therapists has different CEUs requirements to renew that license.

For California and Colorado, check with your city health department, either online or by phone to see what they require.

Some states renew each year and CEUs must be taken that year prior to getting the new license. Some states renew once every two years and CEUs can be taken all at once or spread out over the two years. Texas now does the two year renewal with a minimum of 12 CEUs during the two year period.

Always check with your local or state health department for the most updated information.
Another important item--Always make sure that the health department for your state or city has your most current address. Renewal forms will be sent to the address on file. If you move, notify them right away so you do not have any trouble getting this important paperwork.

Massage therapy licensing requirements are currently found in 39 states plus the District of Columbia in the United States of America. More and more states are pushing massage regulations so eventually, everyone will have to have either a state or a national license to practice massage.

Read about information on what is known as The National Certification Board For Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork.

This list may not be current when you read it so check with your state health department online or by phone for the most current information. This list was first posted on 9/1/06 and most recently updated in September 2008.

Alabama requires 650 hours of school and NCETMB certification.

Alaska does not have licensing requirements. There are massage therapy schools in Alaska, just no massage therapy licensing board.

Arizona requires 500 hours of school and NCETMB certification.

Arkansas requires 500 hours of school.

California state does not have currently have massage therapy licensing requirements, but some of the cities in California do have licensing requirements. For 2009, there are new state regulations going into effect. So, for 2008, in this state, you will need to check with the city health department to see what requirements, if any, you will have to meet.
For 2009, read this and check with the California Department of Health.

Colorado requires 500 hours of school effective July 1, 2008. Prior to this, Colorado state did not have massage therapy licensing requirements, but some of the cities in Colorado did. So in this state, you will need to check with the city health department to see what requirements, if any, you will have to meet. As of July 1, 2008, Colorado now has massage therapy regulations.

Connecticut requires 500 hours of school.

Delaware requires 500 hours of school.

Florida requires 500 hours of school.

Georgia requires 500 hours of school.

Hawaii requires 570 hours of school.

Idaho has freedom of access laws so there may be city or county requirements.

Illinois requires 500 hours of school.

Iowa requires 500 hours of school.

Kansas does not regulate massage therapy at this time.

Kentucky requires 600 hours of school.

Louisiana requires 500 hours of school.

Maine requires 500 hours of school.

Maryland requires 500 hours of school.

Massachusetts requires 500 hours of school.

Michigan does not regulate massage therapy at this time.

Minnesota has a freedom of access law. Some cities or counties may have requirements.

Minneapolis does not require a license to work in the city. However, its twin city of St. Paul requires a written and technical test. Neighboring suburbs each have their own individual licensing guidelines to follow.

Missouri requires 500 hours of school.

Montana does not regulate massage therapy at this time.

Nebraska requires 1000 hours of school.

Nevada requires 500 hours of school.

New Hampshire requires 750 hours of school.

New Jersey requires 500 hours of school.

New Mexico requires 650 hours of school.

New York requires 1000 hours of school.

North Carolina requires 500 hours of school.

North Dakota requires 750 hours of school.

Ohio requires 750 hours of school as of 1/01/06.

Oklahoma does not have massage therapy regulation at this time.

Oregon requires 500 hours of school.

Pennsylvania has pending legislation as of June 2008.

Rhode Island requires 500 hours of school.

South Carolina requires 500 hours of school.

South Dakota requires 500 hours of school.

Tennessee requires 500 hours of school.

Texas requires 500 hours of school as of September 2007. Prior to this, it was 300 hours of school. Those massage therapists who were already licensed were grandfathered into the new requirements.

Utah requires 1000 hours of school or apprenticeship.

Vermont does not regulate massage therapy at this time.

Virginia requires 500 hours of school.

Washington requires 500 hours of school.

Washington, D.C. requires 500 hours of school.

West Virginia requires 500 hours of school.

Wisconsin requires 600 hours of school.

Wyoming does not regulate massage therapy at this time.