North Carolina Massage Therapy Continuing Education Requirements 2026
North Carolina Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapists must complete 24 hours of continuing education during each two-year licensing period to renew their license. At least 3 of the 24 hours must be in professional ethics, and a maximum of 12 hours may be completed through distance learning. The remaining 12 hours must be completed through qualifying classroom education.
MassageTherapyCEU.com is an NCBTMB Approved Provider #409296-00. North Carolina recognizes continuing education courses offered by NCBTMB Approved Providers, so our qualifying online courses can be used for up to 12 hours of your North Carolina continuing education requirement.
Because continuing education rules can change, we recommend verifying current requirements with the North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy before completing your renewal.
Suggested Courses for North Carolina Massage Therapy License Renewal:
- Acupressure Basics – 9 CE hours
- Cupping Therapy for Massage Therapists – 9 CE hours
- Myofascial Release Techniques – 9 CE hours
- Ethics Refresher – 3 CE hours
- Ethics, Beliefs and Regulations – 3 CE hours
- Ethics, Boundaries and Client Relationships – 3 CE hours
- Therapists can also combine CE courses to complete up to 12 hours of education for North Carolina.
North Carolina Massage Therapy CE Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | North Carolina |
|---|---|
| CE Hours Required | 24 hours every 2 years |
| Ethics Requirement | At least 3 hours of professional ethics |
| Online/Distance Learning | Maximum of 12 hours per licensing period |
| In-Person CE | At least 12 hours must be completed in the classroom |
| Live Webinars | Do not count as classroom/in-person education |
| Provider Requirement | Course must be offered by an approved provider or otherwise meet Board requirements |
| NCBTMB Providers | NCBTMB Approved Providers are recognized |
| Business Management | Maximum of 8 hours |
| CE Carryover | Excess CE cannot be carried over |
| CE Audits | The Board may audit licensees for compliance |
How Many CE Hours Does a North Carolina Massage Therapist Need?
North Carolina requires licensed massage and bodywork therapists to complete 24 hours of approved continuing education every two years.
For an initial license, the CE requirement depends on the length of the initial licensing period. A licensing period of two years or more requires 24 hours. If the initial licensing period is more than one year but less than two years, 12 hours are required. Subsequent renewals require 24 hours.
Of the 24 hours required for a standard renewal:
- At least 3 hours must be professional ethics.
- No more than 12 hours may be completed through distance learning.
- At least 12 hours must be completed through classroom education.
- Business management may account for no more than 8 hours of the 24-hour requirement.
North Carolina CE Provider Requirements
North Carolina requires continuing education courses to meet the requirements established by the North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy.
The Board's rules recognize courses offered by an approved continuing education provider. The Board's continuing education information specifically identifies providers approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) as an accepted source of continuing education.
MassageTherapyCEU.com is an NCBTMB Approved Provider #409296-00. Our qualifying courses can therefore be used toward the North Carolina continuing education requirement, subject to the state's 12-hour maximum for distance learning.
North Carolina does not pre-approve individual continuing education courses. Licensees are responsible for making sure the provider and course meet the Board's requirements. The Board also states that the provider approval designation must be in effect when the course begins and remain in effect through completion.
Can North Carolina Massage Therapists Take CE Online?
Yes. North Carolina allows licensed massage therapists to complete up to 12 hours of continuing education through distance learning during each licensing period.
You can complete up to 12 qualifying CE hours online through MassageTherapyCEU.com. The remaining 12 hours must be completed through qualifying classroom education.
Does North Carolina Require In-Person Continuing Education?
Yes. North Carolina requires at least 12 of the 24 CE hours to be completed through classroom education.
The Board defines classroom instruction as learning conducted in the physical presence of an instructor. The Board's continuing education information also states that beginning with the renewal period ending December 31, 2024, a minimum of 12 hours must be completed in the classroom.
A live webinar or other distance-learning course does not replace the required classroom hours.
Does North Carolina Require Ethics CE?
Yes. North Carolina requires at least 3 hours of professional ethics as part of the 24 hours required for license renewal.
Can North Carolina CE Hours Be Carried Over?
No. North Carolina does not allow excess continuing education hours to be carried over to the next licensing period.
If you complete more than the required 24 hours during one licensing period, the additional hours cannot be applied toward the next renewal.
How to Complete Your North Carolina Massage Therapy CE
Step 1: Check Your Licensing Period
Determine when your current North Carolina massage therapy license expires and identify the two-year licensing period for which CE is required.
Step 2: Complete 24 CE Hours
Complete the required 24 hours of approved continuing education during your licensing period.
Step 3: Complete at Least 3 Ethics Hours
Make sure at least 3 of your 24 hours are professional ethics.
Step 4: Complete Up to 12 Hours Online
You may complete up to 12 qualifying distance-learning hours through an approved provider such as MassageTherapyCEU.com.
Step 5: Complete at Least 12 Hours In Person
Complete the remaining 12 hours through qualifying classroom education with an instructor physically present.
Step 6: Renew Your License
Submit your North Carolina massage and bodywork therapy license renewal and required continuing education documentation before your license expires.
North Carolina Massage Therapy CE FAQs
How many CE hours are required for North Carolina massage therapists?
North Carolina requires 24 hours of continuing education every two years for standard license renewals. At least 3 hours must be professional ethics.
Can I take North Carolina massage therapy CE online?
Yes. North Carolina allows up to 12 of the required 24 hours through distance learning.
Can I complete all 24 hours online?
No. North Carolina limits distance learning to 12 hours per licensing period. At least 12 hours must be completed through classroom education.
Can I take my 3 ethics hours online?
Yes. North Carolina specifically allows the required 3 ethics hours to be completed through either supervised classroom instruction or distance learning.
Does a live webinar count as classroom CE?
No. North Carolina's classroom requirement involves participation in the physical presence of an instructor. Distance learning, including electronic or web-based courses, is subject to the 12-hour maximum.
How many North Carolina CE hours can I take through MassageTherapyCEU.com?
You can complete up to 12 qualifying North Carolina CE hours online through MassageTherapyCEU.com. Our courses are offered through NCBTMB Approved Provider #409296-00, which North Carolina recognizes as an approved source of continuing education.
Does North Carolina accept NCBTMB-approved courses?
Yes. The North Carolina Board's continuing education requirements specifically identify courses offered by NCBTMB Approved Providers as an accepted source of continuing education.
Can I carry extra North Carolina CE hours into my next renewal?
No. Excess CE hours cannot be carried over to the following licensing period.
How many business CE hours can I take?
North Carolina limits business management education to 8 hours of the 24-hour requirement.
Where can I verify North Carolina massage therapy CE requirements?
Current requirements can be verified through the North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy.