South Carolina Massage Therapist State Requirements

Starting your massage therapy career in South Carolina? This guide offers a detailed route for both aspiring and established therapists. Tackling the challenges in navigating South Carolina's unique licensing and requirements, we've gathered this information to support your achievement.

Discover everything you need to secure your South Carolina massage therapy license, making sure you fulfill all necessary qualifications. With insight into these important elements, you can effectively initiate your South Carolina massage therapy career, concentrating on providing outstanding service to your clients.

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How to Become a Massage Therapist in South Carolina

In South Carolina, to become a licensed massage therapist, one must complete an educational program that will require 650 hours of instruction from May 26, 2024, forward. This program must include courses in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, massage and bodywork applications, professional ethics, and boundaries, with a significant portion dedicated to hands-on clinical practice. Applicants need to pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), provide a comprehensive set of documents including a Social Security card, ID, high school diploma or equivalent, and undergo state and federal criminal background checks with fingerprinting. Keep reading to learn more:

Education and Training Requirements:

Completion of Training: To be eligible for licensure in South Carolina, applicants must graduate with 650 hours of massage therapy education from a school that meets the state's requirements. This change will take effect on May 26, 2024, prior to which 500-hour transcripts from completed programs are acceptable. The curriculum must encompass anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, practical massage and bodywork applications, professional ethics, and boundaries, with at least:

250 hours of coursework required before student clinic participation.
Note that a minimum of 75 hours within the 100 hours of clinical practice must involve full-body massages for the public under licensed supervision (SCLLR).
Examination: Aspiring massage therapists must pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx).The examination is administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) (SCLLR).

License Requirements:

Age Requirement: Applicants must provide proof of age to confirm they meet the minimum age requirement set by the state.
Background Check: State and federal criminal history records checks supported by fingerprints are required for initial licensing, endorsement licensing, reinstatement, and as otherwise requested by the South Carolina Board of Massage Therapy (SCLLR).
Application Process: The licensure application process includes submitting an application along with required documentation such as a copy of a Social Security Card, Driver’s License or State ID, passport-size photo, legal name change documents if applicable, proof of a High School Diploma or equivalent, and examination scores. Additionally, a non-refundable application fee is required, payable to the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation Board of Massage Therapy (SCLLR).

For more detailed information on the education, examination, and license requirements for massage therapists in South Carolina, please visit the official South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation Board of Massage Therapy website at https://llr.sc.gov/mas/.

Massage Therapy Schools in South Carolina

South Carolina offers several notable massage therapy schools across the state, each with its unique programs to cater to diverse interests and career goals within the field of massage therapy. Here's an overview of what some of these institutions offer:

Carolina School of Massage & Wellness Center: Provides a comprehensive 650-hour program that can be completed in approximately 4.5 to 6.5 months, offering both day and night classes to accommodate different schedules.

Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC): Emphasizes a balance of academic knowledge, technical skills, and clinical proficiency. The college aims to prepare students for certification and entry-level positions as professional massage therapists.
Technical College of the Lowcountry: Offers a unique 750-hour program spread over three semesters. This program is notable for being the only one in South Carolina accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA), highlighting its commitment to high standards in massage therapy education. Courses cover a wide range of techniques, including Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue, and more, with a focus on preparing students for the MBLEx licensure exam.
Central Carolina Technical College: Provides a 12-month full-time day program with a hospital-based curriculum that includes providing massages to the public in an on-campus clinic. The program also offers a specialist certificate in massage therapy for integrative healthcare.
Southeastern Institute-Charleston: A for-profit medical school offering a Professional Clinical Massage Therapy certificate program requiring 900 hours. The program includes 700 hours of massage and neuromuscular therapy classes, with 100 hours dedicated to an on-campus clinic.
Strand College: Features a 650-hour Massage Therapy/Bodywork program that prepares students for the FSMBT licensure exam (MBLEx), necessary for working as a massage therapist in South Carolina. The curriculum includes theory, practice, and clinical experience.
Midlands Technical College: Offers a Clinical Massage Therapist Certificate through a 10-month, 600-contact-hour program. This program prepares students for the national licensing exam and state licensure, focusing on treating various physical conditions through massage.

For more detailed information on each program, including admission requirements, it is recommended to contact the schools directly or visit their websites.

Insurance Requirements

In South Carolina, massage therapists are required to carry liability insurance, which serves as protection for both the therapist and their clients against unforeseen incidents during sessions. The state specifies minimum coverage amounts that may vary based on whether therapists work independently or within an establishment, typically ranging from $1 million to $3 million per incident, with an annual aggregate limit.

For massage therapists in South Carolina, Massage Magazine Insurance Plus (MMIP) offers a policy that provides $2 million in coverage per occurrence with a total aggregate coverage of $3 million, surpassing the state's minimum liability insurance requirements. This extensive protection not only meets South Carolina's legal standards but also offers massage therapists additional financial security and peace of mind.

For more detailed information, check out our South Carolina Massage Insurance page.

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License Renewals

In South Carolina, massage therapy licenses must be renewed every two years. Here's the process based on South Carolina regulations:

License Renewal Steps:

Renewal Deadline: Licenses expire June 30th of every even-numbered year (e.g., 2024, 2026). The state sends a reminder before expiration.

Renewal Fee: $75
Online Processing: Renewal can be done online through the SCLLR system.
Late Renewal: There may be additional fees for late renewals. If your license is inactive for more than four years, it expires completely and you'll need to reapply.

Continuing Education (CE) Requirements:

CE Hours: 12 hours of continuing education needed every two years, starting with your second renewal cycle.
Approved Providers: CE hours must come from courses approved by:

National massage therapy associations
Approved massage therapy schools
Board-approved instructors

CE Broker: Course completion should be reported to CE Broker.

Important Notes:

First Renewal: No CE is required for your first license renewal in South Carolina.
Record Keeping: Keep track of your CE certificates for at least five years as the Board may randomly audit licensees.

Following these guidelines ensures a smooth renewal process, maintaining your license, and continuing your professional practice in South Carolina.

MMIP offers over 60 hours of free online continuing education when you sign up for a policy.

Transfer of License and License Reciprocity

South Carolina offers licensure by endorsement for therapists moving from other states. Here's what you need to know:

License Transfer Requirements:

Available by Endorsement: This means they recognize licenses from other states if certain conditions are met.
Hold Current License in Another State: Must be in good standing.
Education and Exam: 650 hours of massage education and have passed the MBLEx or an equivalent exam.
Other Requirements: Additional requirements may include a criminal background check, proof of English language proficiency, and other documentation as determined by the Board.

Costs per day represents the cost of the total policy amount divided by policy days. Daily payments are not available.