Montana Massage Therapy Continuing Education Requirements 2026
Montana massage therapists must complete 12 continuing education credits every two years by the applicable license renewal date. Continuing education must contribute to the therapist's professional knowledge and competence and must have significant intellectual or practical content related to massage therapy knowledge, skills, business practices, or ethical standards.
MassageTherapyCEU.com offers online and home-study massage therapy continuing education courses that may be used toward the Montana CE requirement when they meet Montana's qualifying criteria. As an NCBTMB Approved Provider #409296-00, we offer a variety of courses designed for massage therapists.
Because licensing and continuing education rules can change, we recommend verifying current requirements with the Montana Board of Massage Therapy before completing your renewal.
Montana requires 12 CE credits every two years. Massage therapists can choose a 12-hour course or combine qualifying courses to reach the required 12 hours.
Suggested Courses for Montana Massage Therapy License Renewal:
- Assessment and Treatment Methods for Manual Therapists – 12 CE hours
- Chair Massage – 12 CE hours
- Evidence Based Massage – 12 CE hours
- Introduction to Thai Yoga Massage – 12 CE hours
- Massage for the Elderly and Ill – 12 CE hours
- Shiatsu Therapy – 12 CE hours
- Massage therapists can also choose a combination of CE courses totaling 12 hours.
Montana Massage Therapy CE Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Montana |
|---|---|
| CE Hours Required | 12 CE credits every 2 years |
| CE Timing | CE must be completed by the applicable renewal date |
| Qualifying CE | Must have significant intellectual or practical content related to massage therapy knowledge, skills, business practices, or ethical standards |
| Ethics Requirement | No separate ethics-hour requirement |
| Online CE | Online and other formats may qualify when the activity meets Montana's CE requirements |
| Provider Approval | The Board does not pre-approve CE providers or programs |
| NCBTMB Courses | NCBTMB-approved courses may qualify when they meet Montana's CE criteria |
| Documentation | Certificates or program documentation must be provided to the Board upon request |
| Record Keeping | Maintain detailed CE records for 3 years after submitting the CE report |
| First Reporting Period | Less than 1 year licensed: no CE required; 1 to less than 2 years: 6 CE hours required |
How Many CE Hours Does a Montana Massage Therapist Need?
Montana massage therapists must earn at least 12 continuing education credits every two years by the applicable renewal date. One CE credit is generally awarded for each hour of participation, and credit is not awarded for activities lasting less than one hour.
Newly licensed therapists may have a reduced requirement during their first reporting period. Therapists licensed for less than one full year on their first CE reporting date are not required to complete CE. Those licensed for at least one year but less than two years must complete 6 hours.
Montana CE Provider Requirements
Montana does not pre-approve continuing education programs or sponsors. Instead, the Board requires licensees to select quality educational programs that meet the criteria established in the rules.
A qualifying CE activity must have significant intellectual or practical content and relate directly to massage therapy knowledge, skills, business practices, or ethical standards. The Board may also accept education from other professional groups or academic disciplines when the activity is substantially related to the therapist's role as a massage therapist.
MassageTherapyCEU.com is an NCBTMB Approved Provider #409296-00. Our courses are designed specifically for massage therapists and cover a wide range of massage therapy topics.
Can Montana Massage Therapists Take CE Online?
Yes. Montana's CE rules recognize multiple course formats, including online education. The important requirement is that the educational activity meet Montana's qualifying CE criteria and be substantially related to the therapist's professional role.
MassageTherapyCEU.com offers online and home-study courses that allow Montana massage therapists to complete qualifying continuing education from home and at their own pace.
Does Montana Require Ethics Continuing Education?
No separate number of ethics hours is required.
Montana does allow continuing education dealing with ethical standards and professional conduct to qualify toward the 12-hour requirement. Ethics courses may therefore be included as part of a therapist's 12 required CE hours when they meet the Board's criteria.
How Long Should Montana Massage Therapists Keep CE Records?
Montana requires licensees to establish and maintain detailed records of continuing education compliance for three years following submission of a continuing education report. Certificates or other program documentation must be provided to the Board if requested.
How to Complete Your Montana Massage Therapy CE
Step 1: Check Your Renewal Date
Montana massage therapist licenses have an annual renewal deadline of August 31. Check your license information and determine the CE reporting period that applies to you.
Step 2: Complete 12 CE Credits
Complete 12 qualifying CE credits during your two-year reporting period.
Step 3: Save Your Documentation
Keep your certificates and CE records for at least three years after submitting your CE report.
Step 4: Renew Your License
Complete your Montana massage therapy license renewal and affirm your compliance with the continuing education requirement.
Montana Massage Therapy CE FAQs
How many CE hours are required for Montana massage therapists?
Montana requires 12 continuing education credits every two years by the applicable renewal date.
Can I take Montana massage therapy CE online?
Yes. Online education may qualify when it meets Montana's continuing education requirements.
Does Montana require ethics CE?
No specific number of ethics hours is required. Education covering ethical standards may count toward the 12-hour requirement.
Does Montana pre-approve CE providers?
No. The Montana Board of Massage Therapy does not pre-approve CE providers or programs. Licensees are responsible for selecting courses that meet the Board's requirements.
Can I use NCBTMB-approved courses for Montana CE?
NCBTMB-approved courses may qualify when they meet Montana's continuing education criteria. Montana's rules focus on the content and quality of the educational activity rather than automatic approval of every course from a particular provider.
How long should I keep my Montana CE certificates?
Montana requires CE records to be maintained for three years following submission of a continuing education report.
Is there a reduced CE requirement for a newly licensed Montana massage therapist?
Yes. A therapist licensed for less than one full year on the first CE reporting date is not required to complete CE for that reporting period. A therapist licensed for at least one year but less than two years must complete 6 CE hours.
Where can I verify Montana massage therapy CE requirements?
You can verify current requirements through the Montana Board of Massage Therapy.