How to Become a Massage Therapist in Colorado

The State of Colorado Massage Therapy License Requirements

Throughout the 104,185 square miles of the Centennial State, approximately 12,418 massage therapists work to help the more than 5 million people in their state find relief from pain, rehabilitation from injuries, and comfort in the midst of stress and anxiety.

With 705,576 people in Denver, 464,871 people in Colorado Springs, and 369,111 people in Aurora, massage therapists who work in Colorado can find an engaged environment to open, continue, or join a massage therapy business.

How Do I Become A Massage Therapist in Colorado?

To receive your Colorado massage license, you must meet all of the following requirements:

• Complete a minimum of 500 hours from an approved massage therapy program
• Pass one of the following examinations for licensure: Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB), National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage (NCETM)
• Submit fingerprint and background check as well as answer criminal history screening questions
• Submit a $90 application payment
• Provide information on other licenses you may hold
• Provide license verification information
• Meet Colorado’s professional liability insurance coverage requirement
• Complete the Healthcare Professionals Profile

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Where Can I Study?

The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies provides information on what an “approved” school is. If the school meets the requirements listed on their site, future LMTs can complete their 500 required hours at that location.

Below are two popular massage therapy schools in Colorado to help you get started on what you may be looking for in massage therapy education.

• Denver School of Massage Therapy: Training massage therapists for more than 30 years, students at this school perform more than 200,000 massages per year in the weekend clinic. Accredited by the ACCET, graduates work with top industry employers and continue to receive career assistance.
• Colorado School of Energy Studies: Teaching the art and science of somatic therapy, this school uses an energy-based approach that teaches “introspective self-awareness and gentle, natural remedies to facilitate and enhance the body’s inherent healing resources.” The school is approved and regulated by the State of Colorado, Department of Education, Division of Occupational Schools.

Other education options include Healing Arts Institute in Fort Collins, and Collinson Massage School in Colorado Springs.

How Much Will I Earn?

The average annual wage of a massage therapist in Colorado was $53,063 in 2021. This is on the average side of state earnings, with the average national salary at $53,222. Massage therapists who work in Boulder have the opportunity to earn a higher salary, with the average for this city at $54,521 annually.

Learn how to avoid mistakes when earning your massage therapist income. 

Unlock a rewarding career in the thriving massage therapy industry by becoming a licensed massage therapist in Colorado. This guide will walk you through each step of the process, from educational requirements to passing the MBLEx, preparing you to succeed in this fulfilling profession.

Educational Requirements

To become a licensed massage therapist in Colorado, you must complete a minimum of 650 hours of education from a state-approved massage therapy program if you do not already hold a license from a national certification board in another state. This new requirement, effective July 1, 2024, assures that aspiring massage therapists receive comprehensive training in both coursework and clinical practice, preparing them for a successful career in the field.

Unlike some states, Colorado does not mandate a specific state laws and rules course. However, applicants must demonstrate their educational credentials and send them to the Colorado office of massage. This includes proof of completing one of the approved national exams, such as the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) or others recognized by the state.

For those considering programs in Colorado, the state boasts reputable massage therapy schools in cities like Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs, many of which emphasize a holistic approach to massage therapy, reflecting Colorado’s culture of wellness and outdoor living. These programs often include specialties like sports massage, which are ideal for working with Colorado’s active population, from skiers in the Rockies to cyclists on the Front Range.

What is the MBLEx?

The Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) is a national certification examination required to become a licensed massage therapist in Colorado. It assesses your knowledge and skills to make sure you can practice safely and effectively.

The Bodywork licensing exam, administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB), is offered in English and Spanish. Passing the MBLEx is one of several state-approved ways to meet Colorado’s massage therapy licensure and requirements and begin your massage therapy career.

Out-of-State License Transfer

If you are licensed in another state and want to work as a massage therapist in Colorado, the state offers a straightforward endorsement process. You must provide proof of an active license in good standing, along with documentation showing that your education and experience meet or exceed Colorado’s requirements.

Colorado also requires proof of recent experience—either 400 hours of practice within the past two years or 24 hours of continuing education related to massage therapy. Additionally, you must complete a fingerprint-based background check and provide verification of passing an approved licensing exam, such as the MBLEx.

Application Process for Licensure

After completing your education and passing the MBLEx (or another approved exam), you’ll need to apply for licensure in Colorado. The process includes:

• Submitting Proof of Education: Documentation from your massage therapy program showing you’ve completed at least 650 hours.
• Exam Scores: Official test scores sent to the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA).
• Application Form: Complete the application, which is available on the DPO Division of Professions and Occupations website.
• Application Fees: Pay the required fees, which are non-refundable and listed on the application form.
• Affidavit of Eligibility: Complete and submit the affidavit as part of your application package.
• For Endorsement Applicants: Provide proof of active massage practice or continuing education to meet endorsement requirements.

Background Check and Fingerprinting

Colorado requires all its massage therapy license applicants to undergo a background check. This process includes:

• Fingerprinting: Schedule an appointment with an approved vendor, such as IdentoGO or American BioIdentity, to get your fingerprints taken.
• Background Check: The state conducts both state and federal background checks through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the FBI.
• Fees and Processing: Pay the associated fees to the vendor and allow time for the results to be sent to the Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations (DPO).

Continuing Education Requirements

To maintain your massage therapist license, Colorado requires massage therapists to complete continuing education:

• Hours Required: A minimum of 24 hours of continuing education every two years.
• Approved Courses: Courses must be relevant to the practice of massage therapy and meet state guidelines.
• Renewal Process: Submit proof of continuing education during your license renewal application through the Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations (DPO).

Colorado Massage Insurance Requirements

Colorado requires massage therapists to carry professional liability insurance. According to Colorado Revised Statutes § 12-235-116, it is unlawful to practice massage therapy without maintaining professional liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $50,000 per claim and an aggregate limit of $300,000 annually. 

Importance of Insurance

Massage insurance provides essential protection against various risks associated with the profession. Key reasons to consider obtaining insurance include:

• Professional Liability: Covers legal expenses and damages if a client sues you for malpractice or negligence. This is important as it protects you from claims related to injuries or dissatisfaction with your services.
• General Liability: Protects against accidents and injuries that may occur on your business premises. For instance, if a client slips and falls in your office, general liability insurance covers medical costs and potential legal fees.
• Identity Protection Coverage: Provides protection against identity theft and threat incidents that would put personal information at risk. Typically, it includes credit monitoring, dark web scans, and recovery services if your information is jeopardized.
• Personal and Advertising Injury Coverage: This coverage can help protect you if you’re accused of libel, slander, or false advertising.

Resources

For more detailed information on insurance requirements and recommendations for massage therapists in Colorado, consider the following resources:

• Interstate Massage Compact: The Interstate Massage Compact, or IMpact, is a multistate license option for massage therapists who work in more than one state. Currently, only Nevada and Ohio have legislation enacted, but therapists should keep a sharp eye on this for licensure reasons.
• Colorado Office of Massage Licensure: Regularly visit the state office of massage therapy website for any updates on regulations and state laws.
• MBLEx Guide: This is a dependent educational platform for completing the MBLEx.

Employment and Career Opportunities

Once you become a licensed massage therapist in Colorado, a wide range of massage therapist jobs awaits you. Here’s an overview of potential workplaces, salary expectations, and job search tips to help you kickstart your career.

Workplaces

Massage therapists in Colorado can find massage therapy jobs in diverse settings, such as:

• Spas and Wellness Centers: Common employers providing relaxation and therapeutic massage services, especially in cities like Denver and Boulder, are known for their wellness-focused communities.
• Clinics and Hospitals: Medical settings where massage therapists contribute to patient recovery and rehabilitation alongside healthcare teams.
• Chiropractic Offices: Offering complementary care to chiropractic treatments, particularly in Colorado Springs, where holistic health services are popular.
• Private Practice: Many therapists choose to operate their own businesses, offering services from home offices or traveling to clients across Colorado’s active communities.
• Fitness Centers and Sports Facilities: Collaborating with athletes, from skiers in the Rockies to marathon runners in Boulder, to prevent injuries and improve performance.

Salary Expectations

The salary for massage therapists varies based on location, experience, and place of employment. According to recent data:

• The median annual wage for massage therapists in the United States was $55,310 as of May 2023 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
• Based on the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of May 2022, the average annual salary for massage therapists in Colorado is approximately $60,460, with an hourly mean wage of $29.07 Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Job Outlook

The demand for massage therapists is projected to grow significantly. Employment of massage therapists is expected to increase by 18% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth will result in approximately 22,000 new job openings each year, driven by increasing awareness of the health benefits of massage therapy and the need to replace retiring workers.

Job Search Tips

To successfully land a job as a massage therapist, consider the following strategies:

• Networking: Connect with other professionals in the field through industry events, local massage therapy associations, and online platforms.
• Job Search Platforms: Use job search websites such as Indeed, Glassdoor, and specialized platforms for healthcare professionals to find job openings.
• Continuing Education: Stay updated with the latest techniques and trends in massage therapy by attending workshops and courses. This not only increases your skills but also makes you more attractive to potential employers.
• Marketing: If you are starting a private practice, invest in marketing efforts such as creating a professional website, using social media, and establishing partnerships with local businesses to attract clients.

Ensure Your Peace of Mind with Liability Insurance

As a massage therapist, protecting yourself and your practice is crucial. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a student starting your journey, liability insurance is an essential safeguard. Massage Magazine Insurance Plus offers comprehensive policies that cater to your specific needs, providing unmatched peace of mind. Here’s why you should consider this vital coverage:

Exclusive Student Rates: Students can benefit from student rates on their insurance premiums, making it affordable to start protecting themselves right away. Don’t wait until you graduate—secure your future now.

Access to Continuing Education: Stay ahead in your field with access to a wide range of continuing education resources. Our policyholders enjoy exclusive benefits that help them keep their skills sharp and up-to-date.

Comprehensive Member Benefits: Join a community that offers more than just insurance. With Massage Magazine Insurance Plus, you gain access to numerous member benefits, including industry news, resources, and networking opportunities that can propel your career forward.

Why Wait? Protect Your Practice Today! Investing in professional liability insurance now is a proactive step towards ensuring a successful and worry-free career. Don’t leave your practice vulnerable—choose Massage Magazine Insurance Plus and enjoy unparalleled protection and benefits.

By making this small investment today, you’re not just purchasing insurance; you’re investing in your peace of mind and professional longevity. Don’t wait until it’s too late—get insured now!