South Dakota Massage Licensing

South Dakota Massage Licensing is handled by the South Dakota Board of Massage. As of October 15, 2007, there have been 554 licenses issued. 500 hours of training are required as well as a passing score on a national exam is required for licensing. An acceptable exam may be one of the following (SD State Board of Massage Website):

NESL (National Examination for State Licensing $175)
NCETM (National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage $225)
NCETMB (National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork $225)
NBCA Massage Therapy Certification Exam (AMMA $275)

Eight hours of compliant continuing education every two years is required for licensees.

SD Statutes define massage as:

(2) "Massage," the systematic mobilization of the soft tissues of the body through the application of hands or devices for the purposes of therapy, relaxation, or education through means which include:(a)Pressure, friction, stroking, rocking, kneading, percussion, compression, or stretching;(b)External application of water, heat, cold, lubricants, or other topical agents; (c) The use of devices that mimic or enhance actions done by hands;(3)"Practice of massage therapy," the performance of massage for a fee or other compensation or holding oneself out to the public as performing massage

(This information is not complete in any way but just a few notes on South Dakota Massage Licensing and it is subject to change. To keep up to date be sure to contact the SD State Board of Massage.)

If you are thinking of going to massage school to become a massage therapist, be sure that you read my Massage Career Guide - The Truth About Becoming a Massage Therapist to find out what massage schools and associations won't tell you about becoming a massage therapist.