Becoming a Licensed Massage Therapist in the Carolinas
If you’re considering a career in massage therapy and you live in the Carolinas, you might be wondering: What are the licensing differences between North Carolina and South Carolina? Do both states require the same training? Is the process easier in one than the other?
It’s a great question and an important one to ask before you enroll in massage school. While NC and SC share some similarities, there are a few critical distinctions in how each state handles massage licensure, continuing education, and legal requirements.
Here’s a side-by-side look at what you need to know.
Training Hours and Exams
To get licensed in either North or South Carolina, you’ll need to complete at least 650 hours of approved massage therapy education. That’s a recent increase from the old 500-hour minimum part of both states’ push for better training and public safety.
After finishing school, you must pass the MBLEx, the national exam that tests your knowledge of massage techniques, anatomy, ethics, and client care. It’s required for licensure in both states.
At NC Massage School, our 700-hour program exceeds these standards and prepares you through:
- Detailed anatomy and technique instruction
- Real client experience in our student clinic
- Built-in MBLEx exam prep and expert mentorship
The NC Twist
Here’s where North Carolina throws in a curveball: the Jurisprudence Learning Exercise. In addition to passing the MBLEx, aspiring massage therapists in NC must take an online exam that covers state-specific laws and ethical standards. It’s open-book, but you need to score 100%. You can retake it as many times as needed until you pass.
This additional requirement helps ensure all North Carolina massage therapists understand the state’s legal expectations. South Carolina, by contrast, does not have a separate state law exam after the MBLEx.
Their licensing process is a bit more streamlined in that regard.
Application and Fees
Applying for your license in either state means submitting school transcripts, proof of passing the MBLEx, and a criminal background check. Both states require fingerprinting through state-approved agencies. Expect to pay around $150 for your initial application, plus the cost of the background check.
In North Carolina, your license will identify you as an LMBT (Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist), while South Carolina uses the title LMT (Licensed Massage Therapist). The titles are different, but the scope of practice is largely the same.
Each state issues a two-year license. That means you’ll need to renew every other year to stay in good standing, but the rules for renewal vary more than you might think.
Continuing Education
After you’re licensed, both states require ongoing education, but the rules differ.
North Carolina mandates 24 CE hours every two years, with 3 hours in ethics and 12 hours in-person. It’s designed to keep your hands-on skills sharp. South Carolina only requires 12 hours, all of which can be done online, making it more flexible, but less focused on practical growth.
At NC Massage School, we offer CE courses that meet NC’s standards and are accepted in SC, including:
- Advanced massage and bodywork techniques
- Ethics and professional boundaries
- Hands-on training to meet in-person CE requirements
- Specialized skills like neuromuscular therapy or sports massage
License Renewal Deadlines
If you’re practicing in North Carolina, you’ll renew your license every December 31 of even-numbered years, unless otherwise specified on your license. In South Carolina, the renewal deadline is every June 30 of even-numbered years. Mark your calendar early if you miss the deadline; there may be penalties or a lapse in your ability to work.
License renewal fees are also modest: $100 in NC and $75 in SC. It’s a small price to maintain your professional status.
What If You Want to Work in Both States?
Many therapists in the Charlotte area or near the state line opt to hold dual licensure. Fortunately, both states offer licensure by endorsement, meaning if you’re licensed in one state and meet the other’s requirements, you can apply for a second license without starting over.
If you’re licensed in South Carolina and want to work in NC, you’ll need to take the Jurisprudence Exam and meet NC’s continuing ed rules. If you’re licensed in NC and moving to SC, you can generally apply directly, just be sure to check SC’s most current regulations before applying.
Your Career, Your State, Your Future
North and South Carolina both offer rewarding opportunities for massage therapists, but every career starts with the right training and a solid foundation.
At NC Massage School, we’re based in Cornelius, North Carolina, and our program is specifically designed to prepare students for licensure in North Carolina. We’ve helped hundreds of students from across the region launch successful careers with expert instruction, personalized support, and a curriculum that meets and exceeds state requirements.
While we don’t currently offer licensure for South Carolina, who knows what the future holds? In the meantime, we’re proud to serve students from both states who want to train in NC and pursue a career grounded in quality, hands-on education.
If you’re ready to take the first step toward becoming a Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist (LMBT) in North Carolina, we’re here to guide you.
Apply now, or request more information to learn how we can help you turn your passion into a meaningful, rewarding career.
