Minnesota Massage Therapy Continuing Education Requirements 2026
Minnesota currently does not have a statewide continuing education hour requirement for massage therapists. Massage therapy has historically been regulated locally in Minnesota rather than through a statewide massage therapy licensing board. However, Minnesota enacted a new Massage Therapy and Asian Bodywork Therapy Act in 2026, creating a statewide registration system for massage therapists and Asian bodywork therapists.
The new law establishes statewide registration, education and examination requirements, professional liability insurance requirements, and biennial registration renewal. The law does not currently specify a statewide number of continuing education hours that massage therapists must complete for renewal.
Because Minnesota's massage therapy regulations are changing, massage therapists should also check their city or local requirements for any continuing education or business requirements that may apply to their practice.
Minnesota Massage Therapy CE Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Minnesota Requirement |
|---|---|
| Statewide CE Hours Required | No current statewide CE-hour requirement |
| Statewide Massage Registration | Yes — new registration system created in 2026 |
| Registration Renewal | Every 2 years |
| Statewide Ethics CE Requirement | No specific CE-hour requirement currently established |
| Online CE | May be taken for professional development; acceptance for local requirements varies |
| Local Requirements | May apply |
| NCBTMB CE | Available for NCBTMB recertification |
| Local Regulation | Check city requirements |
Is Massage Therapy Regulated in Minnesota?
Minnesota is currently transitioning from a primarily local regulatory system to statewide registration for massage therapists.
Under the 2026 Minnesota Massage Therapy and Asian Bodywork Therapy Act, the Minnesota Department of Health will administer registration for massage therapists and Asian bodywork therapists. Registrations will expire two years from the date of issuance, and registrants must renew every two years.
The new law also creates a Massage Therapy Advisory Council to advise the commissioner on standards of practice, ethics, education, and massage therapy programs.
When Does Minnesota's New Registration System Take Effect?
Minnesota's new law creates a transition period. The new statewide registration system is being established now, while the law provides that the state will preempt municipal licensure and regulation of massage therapists beginning July 1, 2028. The protected titles “registered massage therapist,” “RMT,” “registered Asian bodywork therapist,” and “RABT” become restricted beginning January 1, 2028.
Until the statewide system is fully implemented, massage therapists should continue to check the requirements of the city or municipality where they practice.
Does Minnesota Require Continuing Education for Massage Therapists?
There is currently no statewide Minnesota requirement specifying a certain number of CE hours for massage therapists.
The new Minnesota registration law establishes education requirements for applicants and requires completion of education in areas including:
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Pathology
- Massage therapy
- Massage therapy history, theory, and research
- Professional ethics
- Therapeutic interpersonal communication and standards of practice
- Business and legal practices related to massage therapy
- Supervised practice
These are entry-level education requirements, not a current statewide continuing education requirement for license renewal.
Can Minnesota Massage Therapists Take CE Online?
Yes. Massage therapists in Minnesota can take online continuing education for professional development, NCBTMB recertification, and other professional requirements.
However, because Minnesota does not currently have a statewide massage therapy CE-hour requirement, there is no statewide rule establishing a specific number of online CE hours that can be applied toward massage license renewal.
MassageTherapyCEU.com is an NCBTMB Approved Provider #409296-00, and our courses can be used toward NCBTMB continuing education requirements when they meet NCBTMB's requirements.
What About Local Minnesota Massage Therapy Requirements?
This is especially important for Minnesota massage therapists.
Before completing CE for a specific licensing or registration purpose, check with the city or municipality where you practice to determine whether local massage therapy regulations require continuing education, specific training, permits, or other professional requirements.
Minnesota's new statewide law will eventually preempt municipal licensure and regulation of individual massage therapists, with that preemption taking effect July 1, 2028. Municipalities may still regulate massage therapy establishments through business licenses or permits.
Why Take Massage Therapy CE If Minnesota Does Not Require It?
Even when continuing education is not required by the state, additional education can help massage therapists:
- Expand massage therapy knowledge and skills
- Learn new massage techniques and modalities
- Improve understanding of anatomy, pathology, and clinical applications
- Strengthen professional ethics and boundaries
- Develop specialized knowledge for working with specific client populations
- Maintain NCBTMB certification
- Support professional development and career growth
MassageTherapyCEU.com offers online and home-study courses covering massage therapy techniques, anatomy, pathology, ethics, professional practice, and specialized massage topics.
Minnesota Massage Therapy CE FAQs
How many CE hours does Minnesota require for massage therapists?
Minnesota currently does not have a statewide CE-hour requirement for massage therapists. Local requirements may apply depending on where the therapist practices.
Does Minnesota require ethics CE?
There is currently no statewide ethics CE-hour requirement for massage therapy license or registration renewal. However, professional ethics is included in the education requirements established by Minnesota's new massage therapy registration law.
Can Minnesota massage therapists take CE online?
Yes. Online continuing education can be used for professional development and other applicable credentialing requirements. Acceptance for a specific local requirement should be confirmed with the appropriate authority.
Does Minnesota accept NCBTMB-approved CE?
MassageTherapyCEU.com is an NCBTMB Approved Provider #409296-00, and its courses are available for NCBTMB continuing education purposes. Whether a particular course satisfies a local Minnesota requirement should be confirmed with the applicable local authority.
Does Minnesota now have statewide massage therapist registration?
Yes. Minnesota enacted a new statewide Massage Therapy and Asian Bodywork Therapy Act in 2026. The law creates registration requirements and a statewide regulatory structure for massage therapists and Asian bodywork therapists.
When will Minnesota's statewide massage therapy system replace local regulation?
The new law provides that statewide regulation will preempt municipal licensure and regulation of individual massage therapists beginning July 1, 2028.
Minnesota Massage Therapy Continuing Education
If you are a Minnesota massage therapist looking for continuing education, MassageTherapyCEU.com offers convenient online and home-study massage therapy courses that can support professional development, NCBTMB recertification, and ongoing education.
Because Minnesota's massage therapy regulatory system is changing, always verify current requirements with the appropriate Minnesota or local authority before completing CE for a specific licensing or registration requirement.
MassageTherapyCEU.com — NCBTMB Approved Provider #409296-00