South Carolina Massage Licensing

South Carolina Massage Licensing is handled by the S.C. Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation and the SC Massage and Bodywork Panel.

They require 500 hrs of classroom training and NCETMB or MBLEx exam to become a professional massage therapist. To renew your license you will need 12hrs of continuing education classes every 2yrs.

Notes from their laws and regulations from their website (Massage ractice Act):

"Massage/bodywork therapy" means the application of a system of structured touch of the superficial tissues of the human body with the hand, foot, arm, or elbow whether or not the structured touch is aided by hydrotherapy, thermal therapy, a massage device, human hands, or the application to the human body of an herbal preparation.
SECTION 40-30-110. (1) be at least eighteen years of age and have received a high school diploma or graduate equivalency diploma
Reciprocity :SECTION 40-30-150. License from other state.
The department shall issue a license to a person who holds an active license in another state if the standards for licensure in that state are at least the substantial equivalent to the licensing standards provided for in this chapter, and the person satisfies any other requirements the department may prescribe in regulation.
SC Code of Regulations77-140. Communicable Disease Control.
1. Individuals suffering from infectious or contagious skin diseases such as impetigo shall not be treated by any licensed massage practitioner.
2. Any individual known to be infected with active tuberculosis that is not under the treatment of a licensed physician, registered nurse practitioner or licensed physician's assistant or who has an infected wound or open lesion or skin disease such as impetigo on any exposed portions of his body, shall be excluded from practicing massage as a licensed massage practitioner.
3. Massage lubricants shall be dispensed from containers in such manner as to prevent its contamination and shall be stored in impervious, enclosed containers which shall prevent spillage and contamination from outside sources.

(This in NOT the complete rules and regulations but only highlights of what is required to become a massage therapist in SC. Information is subject to change. Please contact the SC Massage/Bodywork Panel for complete information or any questions.)

If you are researching careers in massage be sure to see my Massage Career Guide to help you in deciding if you want to go to massage school. It will give you some insights into the massage profession so that you can make a more informed decision about becoming a massage therapist. This will greatly increase your chances of success.