Virginia Massage Therapy Continuing Education Requirements 2026
Virginia massage therapists must meet the state's continuing competency requirements every two years to renew their massage therapy license. Massage therapists can satisfy the requirement by maintaining current NCBTMB certification or by completing 24 hours of continuing education or learning activities during each renewal period, including at least 1 hour of professional ethics.
As an NCBTMB Approved Provider #409296-00, you can complete all 24 CE hours through us. We offer a wide variety of massage therapy courses and Virginia-specific packages that can help massage therapists complete their required CE hours. You can verify this information or contact the state with questions through the Virginia Board of Nursing – Massage Therapist.
Suggested courses for Virginia massage therapy license renewal:
- Virginia 24 Hour Package 1 – 24 CE hours
- Virginia 24 Hour Package 2 – 24 CE hours
- NCBTMB 24 Hour Package 2 – 24 CE hours
- NCBTMB 24 Hour Package 4 – 24 CE hours
- Massage therapists can also choose a combination of CE courses totaling 24 hours, including at least 1 hour of professional ethics.
Virginia Massage Therapy CE Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Virginia |
|---|---|
| CE Hours Required | 24 hours every 2 years, unless currently NCBTMB certified |
| Renewal Period | Every 2 years |
| Ethics Requirement | At least 1 hour |
| Qualifying Provider Hours | At least 12 of 24 hours |
| Online/Home Study | Allowed |
| Self-Directed Learning | No more than 12 hours |
| First Renewal | Exempt from continuing competency |
| Documentation | Keep records for 4 years |
| NCBTMB | Current certification may satisfy the requirement |
How Many CE Hours Does a Virginia Massage Therapist Need?
Virginia massage therapists must meet continuing competency requirements every two years.
A massage therapist may either:
- Hold current NCBTMB certification, or
- Complete 24 hours of continuing education or learning activities, including at least 1 hour of professional ethics.
The first biennial renewal following initial Virginia licensure is exempt from the continuing competency requirement.
Virginia CE Provider Requirements
Virginia requires at least 12 of the 24 hours to come from qualifying providers, including the NCBTMB. Home-study courses are specifically included among the permitted activities. MassageTherapyCEU.com is an NCBTMB Approved Provider #409296-00.
Can Virginia Massage Therapists Take CE Online?
Yes. Virginia allows home-study courses, and the Board states that its regulations do not specify whether continuing education may or may not be completed online.
Does Virginia Require Ethics Continuing Education?
Yes. Virginia requires at least 1 hour of professional ethics when completing the 24-hour continuing education pathway.
Does Virginia Require CPR Continuing Education?
Virginia does not have a separate CPR requirement for massage therapy renewal. CPR may count as a continuing learning activity, but it is included within the category of activities limited to 12 hours or less of the 24-hour requirement.
How to Complete Your Virginia Massage Therapy CE
Step 1: Check Your Renewal Date
Virginia massage therapy licenses renew every two years. Renewal is based on the licensee's birth month and whether the birth year is even or odd.
Step 2: Determine Your CE Requirement
Check whether you will satisfy the requirement through current NCBTMB certification or by completing 24 hours of qualifying continuing education.
Step 3: Complete Your CE
If using the CE pathway, complete 24 qualifying hours, including at least 1 hour of professional ethics and at least 12 hours from a qualifying provider.
Step 5: Renew Your License.
Renew your license on through the Virginia Board.
Virginia Massage Therapy CE FAQs
How many CE hours are required for Virginia massage therapists?
Virginia requires 24 hours every two years, including at least 1 hour of professional ethics, unless the massage therapist maintains current NCBTMB certification.
Can I take my Virginia massage therapy CE online?
Yes. Virginia allows home-study courses, and the regulations do not specify an overall online CE limit.
Does Virginia require ethics CE?
Yes. At least 1 hour of professional ethics is required when using the 24-hour CE pathway.
Does Virginia accept NCBTMB-approved CE?
Yes. NCBTMB is specifically listed as a qualifying provider in Virginia's continuing competency regulation.
Is the first Virginia renewal exempt from CE?
Yes. The first biennial renewal following initial Virginia licensure is exempt from continuing competency requirements.
How long should I keep my Virginia CE certificates?
Virginia requires supporting documentation to be retained for four years following renewal.
Does Virginia audit massage therapists for CE compliance?
Yes. The Board periodically conducts random audits. Licensees selected for an audit must provide the required documentation within 30 days.