Maryland Massage Therapy Continuing Education Requirements 2026
Maryland licensed massage therapists and registered massage practitioners must complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years to renew their license or registration. The required 24 hours must include 3 hours of ethics or jurisprudence, 3 hours of communicable disease education including HIV/AIDS, 2 hours covering diversity, cultural competency, or implicit bias, and 16 hours of massage-related continuing education. Maryland also requires a current CPR certification at renewal. In addition, Maryland now requires Implicit Bias and Structural Racism training at the first renewal after April 1, 2026, with the implicit bias training counting toward the continuing education requirement.
Suggested Courses for Maryland Massage Therapy License Renewal:
- Maryland 24 Hour Package 1 – 24 CE hours
Includes 16 hours of Myofascial Release plus the required ethics, HIV/AIDS, cultural competence, and implicit bias courses. - Maryland 24 Hour Package 2 – 24 CE hours
Includes 16 hours of massage-related education plus the required ethics, HIV/AIDS, cultural competence, and implicit bias courses. - Maryland Ethics, HIV, and Diversity Package 1 – 8 CE hours
Covers the required 3 hours of ethics, 3 hours of communicable disease/HIV, and 2 hours of cultural competence and implicit bias. - Maryland Ethics, HIV, and Diversity Package 2 – 8 CE hours
Provides the required ethics, communicable disease/HIV, and diversity-related hours so you can combine them with your choice of massage-related courses.
Maryland Massage Therapy CE Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Maryland |
|---|---|
| CE required | 24 hours every 2 years |
| Ethics/Jurisprudence | 3 hours |
| Communicable Disease/HIV/AIDS | 3 hours |
| Diversity/Cultural Competency/Implicit Bias | 2 hours |
| Massage-related CE | 16 hours |
| CPR | Current certification required |
| First renewal | Special requirements may apply |
| CE documentation | Keep certificates and records |
How Many CE Hours Does Maryland Require?
Maryland requires 24 hours of continuing education during each two-year renewal period. The 24 hours must include:
- 3 hours of ethics or jurisprudence
- 3 hours of communicable disease education, including HIV/AIDS
- 2 hours of diversity, cultural competency, or implicit bias
- 16 hours of massage-related continuing education
A current CPR certification is also required at renewal. CPR is separate from the 24 CE hours.
Maryland Online CE Requirements
Qualifying Maryland continuing education may be completed through approved electronic or distance-learning formats when the course meets Maryland's continuing education requirements.
Ethics, HIV/AIDS and Diversity Requirements
Maryland requires specific subject areas within the 24 CE hours.
3 hours – Ethics or Jurisprudence - These courses address professional ethics, legal responsibilities, boundaries, and related issues in massage therapy practice.
3 hours – Communicable Disease/HIV/AIDS - Maryland requires three hours of communicable disease education, including HIV/AIDS.
2 hours – Diversity, Cultural Competency, or Implicit Bias - These hours address diversity, cultural competency, and/or implicit bias as required by Maryland.
Implicit Bias and Structural Racism Training
For the first renewal after April 1, 2026, Maryland requires training in Implicit Bias and Structural Racism. The required implicit bias training counts toward the CE requirement. Applicants who have already completed qualifying implicit bias training for a prior renewal generally do not need to repeat that training.
Maryland CPR Requirement
In addition to the 24 CE hours, Maryland requires a current CPR certification at renewal. CPR is not included in the 24 CE-hour requirement.
CE Provider and Course Approval
Maryland has specific requirements for continuing education programs and identifies pre-approved continuing education programs and acceptable providers. Courses must be relevant to massage therapy and meet the Board's continuing education standards.
MassageTherapyCEU.com is an NCBTMB Approved Provider #409296-00 and offers Maryland-specific courses and packages designed around the state's required CE categories.
CE Certificates and Documentation
Keep your continuing education certificates and documentation after completing your courses. The Maryland Board may require proof of continuing education during an audit.
Your records should clearly document the course completed, number of CE hours, completion date, and provider information.
How to Complete Your Maryland CE Requirements
- Complete 24 qualifying CE hours during your two-year renewal period.
- Complete the required categories: 3 ethics, 3 communicable disease/HIV, 2 diversity/cultural competency/implicit bias, and 16 massage-related hours.
- Maintain current CPR certification at the required level.
- Keep your certificates and complete your Maryland license renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CE hours do Maryland massage therapists need?
Maryland requires 24 CE hours every two years for massage therapy license or registration renewal.
Does Maryland require ethics CE?
Yes. Maryland requires 3 hours of ethics or jurisprudence during each renewal period.
Does Maryland require HIV/AIDS CE?
Yes. Maryland requires 3 hours of communicable disease education, including HIV/AIDS.
Does Maryland require implicit bias training?
Yes. Maryland requires implicit bias training as part of the diversity-related requirements, with specific first-renewal requirements beginning after April 1, 2026.
Is CPR required for Maryland massage therapists?
Yes. A current CPR certification is required at renewal and is separate from the 24 CE hours.
Can Maryland massage therapy CE be completed online?
Qualifying continuing education may be completed through approved electronic formats when the course meets Maryland's requirements.
Complete Your Maryland Massage Therapy CE
MassageTherapyCEU.com makes completing your Maryland continuing education convenient with online and home-study courses. Choose a complete 24-hour package or combine individual courses to meet your Maryland renewal requirements. NCBTMB Approved Provider #409296-00