Pennsylvania Massage Therapy Continuing Education Requirements 2026
Pennsylvania massage therapists must complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years to renew their massage therapy license. Of the 24 required hours, at least 16 hours must be completed through contact hours, meaning the instruction must take place in the physical presence of an instructor. Pennsylvania also requires at least 4 hours of professional ethics and 2 hours of Board-approved Act 31 child abuse recognition and reporting training.
MassageTherapyCEU.com offers online and home-study continuing education courses that can be used for up to 8 hours of the Pennsylvania continuing education requirement. As an NCBTMB Approved Provider #409296-00, we offer a wide variety of massage therapy courses. Pennsylvania specifically recognizes NCBTMB-approved providers as approved continuing education providers. You can verify this information or contact the state with questions through the Pennsylvania State Board of Massage Therapy.
Suggested Courses for Pennsylvania Massage Therapy License Renewal:
- Deep Tissue Massage for Muscular Conditions – 8 CE Hours
- Lymphatic Drainage Basics – 8 CE Hours
- Postural Assessment Fundamentals – 8 CE Hours
- Thumbs-Free Massage – 4 CE hours
- All About Marketing – 4 CE hours
- Ethics for Massage Therapists – 4 CE hours
- Massage therapists can also choose a combination of CE courses totaling up to 8 online/home-study hours.
Important: Pennsylvania requires at least 16 of the 24 CE hours to be completed through contact hours. These online/home-study courses cannot be used to satisfy that 16-hour contact-hour requirement.
Pennsylvania Massage Therapy CE Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|
| CE Hours Required | 24 CE hours every 2 years |
| Contact Hours | Minimum 16 hours |
| Ethics Requirement | Minimum 4 hours |
| Child Abuse Training | 2 hours of Board-approved Act 31 training |
| Online/Home Study | Up to 8 hours |
| Renewal Period | Two years |
| CPR | Current Adult CPR certification required; CPR does not count toward CE |
| Documentation | Certificates must be retained for at least 5 years |
| NCBTMB | NCBTMB-approved providers are accepted |
How Many CE Hours Does a Pennsylvania Massage Therapist Need?
Pennsylvania massage therapists must complete 24 hours of continuing education during each two-year renewal period.
At least 16 hours must be earned through contact hours, which Pennsylvania defines as instruction in the physical presence of an instructor. The remaining hours may be completed through other qualifying education, including up to 8 hours through online or home-study education.
Pennsylvania also requires 4 hours of professional ethics during each biennial renewal period and 2 hours of approved Act 31 child abuse recognition and reporting training.
Pennsylvania CE Provider Requirements
Pennsylvania recognizes several categories of continuing education providers, including massage therapy schools, AMTA, NCBTMB-approved providers, and ABMP. Courses must advance the licensee's professional knowledge and skills related to massage therapy.
MassageTherapyCEU.com is an NCBTMB Approved Provider #409296-00. Our courses are designed for massage therapists and cover a variety of massage therapy and professional education topics.
Can Pennsylvania Massage Therapists Take CE Online?
Yes, but Pennsylvania limits the amount of continuing education that may be completed through online or home-study education.
Massage therapists may complete up to 8 of the required 24 CE hours through online or home-study courses. At least 16 hours must be contact hours completed in the physical presence of an instructor.
Does Pennsylvania Require Ethics Continuing Education?
Yes. Pennsylvania requires a minimum of 4 hours of professional ethics CE during each two-year renewal period.
Does Pennsylvania Require Child Abuse Continuing Education?
Yes. Pennsylvania massage therapists must complete 2 hours of Board-approved Act 31 child abuse recognition and reporting training during each renewal period.
Does Pennsylvania Require CPR?
Pennsylvania requires current Adult CPR certification. CPR certification must be obtained through an approved provider and must include hands-on training. CPR certification does not count toward the 24-hour continuing education requirement.
How to Complete Your Pennsylvania Massage Therapy CE
Step 1: Check Your Renewal Date
Pennsylvania massage therapy licenses expire on January 31 of each odd-numbered year.
Step 2: Complete 24 CE Hours
Complete 24 hours of qualifying continuing education during the two-year period immediately preceding renewal.
Step 3: Complete the Required Categories
Make sure your 24 hours include:
- At least 16 contact hours
- At least 4 hours of professional ethics
- 2 hours of approved Act 31 child abuse recognition and reporting training
Step 4: Complete Online CE
You may complete up to 8 hours through online or home-study education. The remaining hours must meet Pennsylvania's contact-hour requirements.
Step 5: Renew Your License
Submit your renewal application and required verification. Keep your continuing education certificates for at least five years in case you are audited.
Pennsylvania Massage Therapy CE FAQs
How many CE hours are required for Pennsylvania massage therapists?
Pennsylvania requires 24 CE hours every two years for massage therapy license renewal.
Can I take all of my Pennsylvania massage therapy CE online?
No. Pennsylvania requires at least 16 of the 24 hours to be contact hours completed in the physical presence of an instructor. Up to 8 hours may be completed through online or home-study education.
Does Pennsylvania require ethics CE?
Yes. Pennsylvania requires 4 hours of professional ethics CE during each two-year renewal period.
Does Pennsylvania require child abuse training?
Yes. Massage therapists must complete 2 hours of Board-approved Act 31 child abuse recognition and reporting training.
Does Pennsylvania accept NCBTMB-approved CE?
Yes. Pennsylvania specifically lists NCBTMB-approved providers among the approved continuing education providers.
MassageTherapyCEU.com is an NCBTMB Approved Provider #409296-00.
Can CPR count toward my Pennsylvania CE hours?
No. Pennsylvania requires current Adult CPR certification, but CPR certification cannot be used to satisfy the 24-hour continuing education requirement.
How long should I keep my Pennsylvania CE certificates?
Pennsylvania requires licensees to retain their continuing education certificates for at least five years.
Where can I verify Pennsylvania massage therapy CE requirements?
You can verify current requirements through the Pennsylvania State Board of Massage Therapy.