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To perform their jobs, massage therapists in South Carolina need a license that is issued by the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, in conjunction with the South Carolina Massage/Bodywork Therapy Panel.
There are several requirements that must be met:
- A minimum age – 18
- Completing certain specific education
- Passing an exam, MBLEx
- Having a high school diploma, though the GED is also accepted
- Be drug-free
- Show physical or mental assessments, if needed
Article Table of Contents
Education
The required education is at least 500 hours in duration and covers specific topics for a specific amount of hours.
This is a training program at an approved school.
Popular Programs
As students, future massage therapists need to study: anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, massage and bodywork overview, benefits, pathology, ethical and legal issues, professional practice standards, and assessment and treatment planning.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Greenville Technical College | P.O. Box 5616 Greenville, SC 29606 |
| Midlands Technical College | 7300 College St. Irmo, SC 29063 |
| Technical College of the Lowcountry | 921 Ribaut Rd. Beaufort, SC 29901 |
| Trident Technical College | PO Box 118067 Charleston, SC 29423 |
Examination
The Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) is the only one recognized at a national level.
This exam costs $195, and id scheduled through Pearson Vue if they’re approved after applying.
There’s a window of 90 days to find a suitable date for the exam, which is adapted for the computer.
The candidate bulletins have to be read before the exam.
Other exams can be accepted by the Panel, though not all of them are offered.
Applying for the License
The candidates need to meet all the requirements before applying.
The South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation have the application form on its website, for download.
Applying online is possible too, but additional documents will be needed.
There are some affidavits to provide, but they have to be notarized.
A recent photo in passport style is also needed, along with proofs of a legitimate presence in the USA.
The school the candidate attended has to send official transcripts and presented in a sealed envelope.
The fee for the application is $50 and the one for the license is $100.
Therapists From Other States
Some candidates may have obtained their license in a different state, and they can use the reciprocity option to obtain a license in South Carolina.
This is possible if the standards in the state that issued their license are similar to those of the Panel.
These candidates will have to provide additional documents.
Former South Carolina Massage Therapists
Some individuals may have obtained a license in South Carolina and allowed it to expire.
They can be reinstated if:
- they continue their education
- pay the $210 fee
- fill out the appropriate form, found on the Department’s website.
Extra Information
The license will expire if it’s not renewed every 2 years.
The salary earned by these professionals is influenced by many factors, like location or experience.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Charleston | $48,710 |
| Columbia | $48,175 |
| North Charleston | $48,710 |
| Mount Pleasant | $48,710 |
| Rock Hill | $50,488 |
| Greenville | $50,044 |
| Summerville | $48,495 |
| Goose Creek | $48,638 |
| Sumter | $45,866 |
| Hilton Head Island | $47,637 |
Regional Salary in South Carolina
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC | 390 | $44,680 | $21.48 | $61,470 | $19,570 |
| Columbia, SC | 200 | $42,490 | $20.43 | $62,670 | $17,130 |
| Florence, SC | 30 | $45,240 | $21.75 | $77,810 | $17,820 |
| Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin, SC | 350 | $46,210 | $22.22 | $65,060 | $20,290 |
| Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Beaufort, SC | 90 | $41,160 | $19.79 | $67,120 | $17,540 |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC-NC | 150 | $40,370 | $19.41 | $64,020 | $16,730 |
| Spartanburg, SC | 60 | $48,740 | $23.43 | $66,530 | $25,880 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Massage Therapist
Massage Therapy by State