1
Last Updated Aug. 4, 2026 ARTICLE 20:76
MASSAGE THERAPY
CHAPTER 20:76:08
LICENSING Section
20:76:08:01 Recognized facilities.
20:76:08:02 Facilities that may be recognized by the board.
20:76:08:02.01 Recognized facility application form.
20:76:08:02.02 Instructors.
20:76:08:03 Repealed.
DRAFT
2
Last Updated Aug. 4, 2026 20:76:08:01. Recognized facilities. The board may license an applicant who has completed the
training required by § 20:76:01:06 from the following South Dakota facilities:
(1)Black Hills Health & Education Center;
(2)Headlines Academy;
(3)National American University;
(4)Pam's Massage School;
(5)South Dakota School of Massage Therapy;
(6)Sioux Falls Therapeutic Massage & Education Center; and
(7)Springs Bath House School of Massage Therapy.
a recognized facility.
The criteria for approval of a recognized facility is outlined in § 20:76:08:02.01. An in-state
recognized facility must reapply for each location every three years to remain a recognized facility.
The list of recognized facilities located in South Dakota is available on the board’s website.
The board will continue to accept education and training from a facility that is no longer
operational if it was recognized by the board while in operation.
Source: 38 SDR 177, effective April 26, 2012; SL 2013, ch 184, § 18, effective July 1,
2013; 43 SDR 181, effective July 10, 2017.
General Authority: SDCL 36-35-12, 36-35-24(2).
Law Implemented: SDCL 36-35-12(3), 36-35-24(2), 36-35-12(2). DRAFT
3
Last Updated Aug. 4, 2026 20:76:08:02. Facilities that may be recognized by the board. The board may accept an
applicant's training required by § 20:76:01:06 from: a facility not recognized pursuant to
§20:76:08:01 if the facility provides official evidence it meets at least one of the following criteria:
(1)The facility is licensed or approved by the state board of massage therapy where that
training facility is located; or
(2)The facility is accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the United States
Department of Education.
The training that allows an applicant to take a national examination does not require the
board to recognize the facility.
(1)An in-state facility that is a recognized facility. Recognition will be determined
based on the following criteria:
(a)Documentation that the curriculum complies with § 20:76:01:06;
(b)Verification that instructors meet the qualifications specified in
§20:76:08:02.02; and
(c)Identification of the physical location of the school; or
(2)An out-of-state facility if the facility provides official evidence it meets at least one
of the following criteria:
(a)The facility is licensed or approved by the state board of massage therapy
in the state where that training facility is located; or
(b)The out-of-state facility is accredited by an accrediting body recognized
by the United States Department of Education or other federal agency with the
authority to accept accreditation of post-secondary education facilities.
Source: 38 SDR 177, effective April 26, 2012; 43 SDR 181, effective July 10, 2017. DRAFT
4
Last Updated Aug. 4, 2026 General Authority: SDCL 36-35-12, 36-35-24(2).
Law Implemented: SDCL 36-35-12(3), 36-35-24(2).
DRAFT
5
Last Updated Aug. 4, 2026
20:76:08:02.01. Recognized facility application form. The board shall prescribe the application
form for an in-state recognized facility and shall publish the form on the state’s website. The form
must require the facility to provide the information and documentation necessary for the board to
evaluate the facility. A submitted application must include:
(1) The curriculum that complies with § 20:76:01:06;
(2) A list of instructors and their credentials as defined in §20:76:08:02; and
(3) Other relevant information related to the operational procedures of the facility.
A recognized facility must operate at the location listed on the application and is not
transferable to a new owner. If a facility wishes to operate in more than one location or city,
separate applications must be submitted for each location.
Source:
General Authority: SDCL 36-35-24(2).
Law Implemented: SDCL 36-35-12(3), 36-35-24(2).
DRAFT
6
Last Updated Aug. 4, 2026 20:76:08:02.02. Instructors. Except as otherwise provided in this section, classroom instruction
must be provided by either:
(1)A licensed massage therapist who:
(a)Holds a South Dakota massage therapy license; and
(b)Is in good standing with the board; or
(2)An instructor for anatomy, body systems, business and ethics, kinesiology,
pathology, or physiology who is not a licensed massage therapist, must be a faculty
member of a recognized school of massage therapy when providing instruction and
must demonstrate competence in the subject area by:
(a)Providing evidence of at least 2,000 hours of professional experience in
that field;
(b)Holding an appropriate degree or certification from an accredited college
or institution; or
(c)Holds a current instructor license issued by the South Dakota
Cosmetology Commission.
Source:
General Authority: SDCL 36-35-24(2).
Law Implemented: SDCL 36-35-12. DRAFT