Requirements
This Frequently Asked Question page is designed for you to quickly find answers. If you do not find your question, please email us (massage.therapy@doh.wa.gov). Response times to emails can be up to 5 business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
General
- What are the continuing education requirements?
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You need to complete 24 hours every two years as outlined in in WAC 246-830-475.
The following categories of continuing education are mandatory:
(a) A minimum of eight hours must be in person and directly supervised involving the participation of the direct application of massage therapy as defined in RCW 18.108.010; and
(b) A minimum of four hours must be in professional ethics, client or patient communication, professional roles and boundaries, or Washington state massage laws and rules. Two of the four hours may be met by attending board of massage meetings in person. A maximum of one hour is allowed per board meeting; and
(c) A minimum of two hours must be in health equity continuing education training as described in WAC 246-12-800 through 246-12-830; and
(d) Maintenance of certification in American Heart Association CPR or equivalent. A maximum of four hours is allowed per reporting period. - How do I pick CEs that qualify for my massage therapy credential?
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Continuing Education is a requirement to support your ongoing understanding of massage therapy. As a massage therapist you can expand your understanding by choosing CEs that specifically support your massage therapy business and practice. The state cannot make recommendations for you. It is best practice to critically review the learning objectives and instructor qualifications before you commit to a course. It is your responsibility to choose appropriate courses that support your career in massage therapy.
- Does the eight hours of hands-on CE have to be in person? Or can it be done virtually?
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The hands-on CE requirement must be in person. It requires direct supervision in which the instructor must always be present to provide direction and feedback.
- Can I take online First Aid/CPR training for my CE requirements?
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Certification in American Health Association CPR or equivalent for initial licensure must be in person. The maintenance of this certification requirement for renewal does not need to be in person. There is not a specific level of certification that is required for renewal. Up to 4 hours of CEs can be applied to your overall CE requirements. For more information, please see WAC 246-830-0475(2)(d).
- I am getting a degree, will some of those courses apply to my CE requirements?
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The state does not evaluate transcripts. It is best practice to critically review the learning objectives and instructor qualifications before you commit to a course if you are planning on using it as a CE. Keep in mind that CEs are intended to specifically support your massage therapy business and practice.
- How do I become preapproved to offer continuing education?
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The Board of Massage does not approve specific continuing education (CE) courses, curriculum or providers. There is no certification or approval required to teach massage therapy continuing education.
The only requirement for the course to count for CE credit is that the instructor has at least three years of’ practical experience in the subject matter they are teaching, and that the instructor (or organization) provide to the student acceptable documentation of course completion. See WAC 246-830-475 subsections (1) and (4).
Subsection (4) identifies what counts as acceptable documentation.
Licensed massage therapists are required to take CE courses that meet the requirements of their rules. Licensed massage therapists also need to determine on their own which courses and providers meet the CE rules requirements.
- Where can I find information about the new health equity CE training requirement?
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Information about the new requirement for health equity continuing education is on the Massage Therapist Frequently Asked Questions webpage.
Starting in your first, full continuing education (CE) reporting cycle after January 1, 2024, you must complete a minimum of two hours of CE training in health equity per reporting period.
Free and low-cost health equity training is on the Health Equity Continuing Education webpage.
- May I get an extension of time to complete my continuing education?
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Extensions may be granted for emergency situations only, per WAC 246-12-210. It's not advisable to wait until the CE is due to request the extension. If you have exhausted all possibilities for fulfilling your continuing education requirements and are contemplating requesting an extension, keep in mind that requests may take three weeks to answer and if your request is denied, you will still have to complete the CE hours before your expiration date.
Health Equity Training
- What is the health equity requirement?
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Starting in your first full continuing education (CE) reporting cycle after January 1, 2024, you must complete a minimum of two hours of CE training in health equity per reporting period. For more information, please review part 15 of chapter 246-12 WAC.
- Where can I find health equity training?
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DOH has identified a list of free training courses that meet the minimum requirement. The list will be updated on a regular basis. The list is on the Department of Health's Health Equity Continuing Education webpage. In addition to listing and maintaining free courses, there is a categorized list of training courses that cost money.
- Can I take a course that is not listed on the Department of Health’s Health Equity Continuing Education website?
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Yes. However, it must meet the educational requirements in WAC 246-12-830. More information is on the health equity CE webpage.