Washington Massage Therapy Continuing Education Requirements 2026
Washington massage therapists must complete 24 hours of continuing education during each two-year licensing period. Of the 24 hours, Washington requires 4 hours in ethics, communication, professional roles and boundaries, or Washington massage laws and rules, plus 2 hours of health equity education. 16 CE hours can be completed in online/home study/distance learning format; 4 CE hours in ethics and 12 CE hours in other topic matters. So you can take a maximum of 16 CE hours from us for your Washington license renewal.
MassageTherapyCEU.com offers NCBTMB-approved online massage therapy continuing education courses that can be used toward the qualifying portion of the Washington continuing education requirement. You can verify this information or contact the state of Washington with further questions by visiting the Washington Board of Massage Therapy.
Suggested courses for Washington massage therapy license renewal:
- Evidence Based Massage – 12 CE Hours
- Managing Pain with Massage – 12 CE Hours
- Assessment and Treatment Methods for Manual Therapists – 12 CE Hours
- Ethics, Business and Working with Professionals – 4 CE Hours
- Ethics for Massage Therapists – 4 CE Hours
Washington Massage Therapy CE Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Washington |
|---|---|
| CE Hours Required | 24 hours every 2 years |
| Hands-On CE | Minimum 8 hours in person and directly supervised |
| Ethics/Communication/Laws | Minimum 4 hours |
| Health Equity | Minimum 2 hours |
| Online/Home Study | Allowed for qualifying CE |
| CPR | Current CPR certification required; up to 4 hours may count |
| CE Provider | Instructor must have at least 3 years of professional experience in the subject |
| NCBTMB | NCBTMB approval does not replace Washington's hands-on requirements |
How Many CE Hours Does a Washington Massage Therapist Need?
Washington massage therapists must complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years to renew their license.
The 24 hours must include:
- 8 hours of in-person, directly supervised hands-on massage therapy education.
- 4 hours in professional ethics, client or patient communication, professional roles and boundaries, or Washington massage laws and rules.
- 2 hours of health equity continuing education.
- The remaining hours may be completed through other qualifying continuing education activities.
Washington CE Provider Requirements
Washington does not pre-approve individual CE courses or providers. Instead, the instructor must have at least three years of professional experience in the subject area being taught, and the course must meet Washington's continuing education requirements. Massage therapists are responsible for making sure their courses qualify.
MassageTherapyCEU.com is an NCBTMB Approved Provider #409296-00 and offers courses designed for massage therapy continuing education.
Can Washington Massage Therapists Take CE Online?
Yes, with restrictions. Washington allows up to 16 CE hours of qualifying online, home-study, and distance-learning education for applicable portions of the CE requirement.
However, the 8-hour hands-on requirement must be completed in person and directly supervised. The instructor must be present to provide direction and feedback.
Does Washington Require Ethics Continuing Education?
Yes. Washington requires at least 4 hours in professional ethics, client or patient communication, professional roles and boundaries, or Washington state massage laws and rules. Up to 2 of these hours may be earned by attending Board of Massage meetings in person, with a maximum of 1 hour per meeting.
Does Washington Require CPR Continuing Education?
Yes. Washington requires current CPR certification from the American Heart Association or an equivalent organization.
How to Complete Your Washington Massage Therapy CE
Step 1: Check Your Renewal Date
Determine your Washington massage therapy license renewal date and the two-year CE reporting period that applies to you.
Step 2: Complete Your Required Hands-On CE
Complete at least 8 hours of in-person, directly supervised hands-on massage education.
Step 3: Complete Your Remaining CE
Complete the remaining qualifying CE, including 4 hours in the required ethics, communication, roles and boundaries, or Washington laws categories and 2 hours of health equity education.
Step 4: Renew Your License
Keep documentation of your completed CE and renew with the board.
Washington Massage Therapy CE FAQs
How many CE hours are required for Washington massage therapists?
24 CE hours every two years. At least 8 must be in-person and directly supervised hands-on education.
Can I take all 24 hours of Washington massage therapy CE online?
No. At least 8 hours must be completed in person and directly supervised. The remaining qualifying hours may include online or home-study education.
Does Washington require ethics CE?
Yes. 4 hours must be in professional ethics, communication, professional roles and boundaries, or Washington massage laws and rules.
Does Washington require health equity CE?
Yes. Washington requires 2 hours of health equity continuing education during each reporting period.
Does Washington require CPR?
Yes. Massage therapists must maintain current CPR certification. Up to 4 hours may count toward the 24-hour CE requirement.
Does Washington approve CE providers?
The Washington Board does not pre-approve individual CE courses or providers. The instructor must have at least three years of professional experience in the subject being taught, and the course must meet the state's requirements.