This office regulates individual massage therapists, but not massage businesses or other facilities. Government personnel grant approval to school programs that meet criteria concerning the curricula. They issue licenses to practitioners, investigate complaints and alleged violations of the Message Therapy Practice Act, and impose penalties.
To earn approval, a school must be in good standing with the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. The state agency also requires approval by the Colorado Division of Private and Occupational Schools, certification from the Colorado Community College System, or accreditation by a nationally recognized agency.
Officials ensure that individual license applicants have successfully completed a massage therapy school that the state has sanctioned, and that they have professional liability insurance coverage.
Minimum Education Requirements for Massage Therapy Programs in Colorado
Those wishing to become a massage therapist must first obtain a high school diploma or GED. They then need to graduate from an accredited postsecondary school that the Office of Massage Therapy Licensure has approved. The agency requires programs to provide at least 500 hours of study in classrooms and clinics.
Many programs offer more than the minimum. Students who choose curricula with 625 or more hours have better job prospects. The additional coursework affords the chance to specialize in individual areas of interest, like certain types of massage.
Most of the schools award occupational certificates, though some have diploma programs. The coursework and on-the-job training generally require less than a year to complete, though a degree program can take two years.
Upon graduation, the final step is to apply for a state license to practice massage therapy in Colorado.