1. At-a-glance facts
- License title: Massage Therapist
- Regulator: Arizona State Board of Massage Therapy
- Education required: Minimum 700 hours (board application page). massagetherapy.az.gov
- Initial fee: Board lists $217 total on the applications page (application fee plus background check fee). massagetherapy.az.gov
- Fee rule page: Arizona also publishes a fee rule summary, including renewal and delinquent renewal amounts. massagetherapy.az.gov
2. Official board and key links
- Applications page: massagetherapy.az.gov+1
- Statutes and rules hub (lists CE rules by number): massagetherapy.az.gov
- Rules list showing CE sections (R4-15-301 to R4-15-303): massagetherapy.az.gov
- Fee rule summary page: massagetherapy.az.gov
3. Getting licensed
- School hours: The board is explicit about 700 hours and how out-of-state grads fit. massagetherapy.az.gov
4. Renewal and CE
- Arizona’s board “Statutes and Rules” pages point directly to the CE rules you will want to quote on your hub page (R4-15-301 to R4-15-303). massagetherapy.az.gov+1
State Board Contact: Arizona State Board of Massage Therapy – Website – Phone: 602-542-8604 (Board office); Email: info@massageboard.az.govabmp.com. Office Address: 1740 W Adams St., Suite 3401, Phoenix, AZ 85007abmp.com.
Education Requirements: 700 hours of massage therapy education is required in Arizona. Applicants must pass an exam (MBLEx or NCBTMB). Notably, graduates from certain accredited Arizona schools may be exempt from the exam if the school’s curriculum meets state standards. A background check and fingerprints are also required for licensure
Continuing Education: 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years are required for license renewal in Arizonaabmp.com.
Licensing Fees: $217 initial application fee; $97.50 renewal fee (biennial)insurebodywork.com. (As of 2025, initial licensing cost totals ~$250 per FSMTBfsmtb.org.)
Healthcare Provider Status: Arizona LMTs are licensed and regulated by a standalone Massage Therapy Board, which operates under the state’s health regulatory umbrella. Legally, they are not defined as “health care providers” for purposes such as insurance mandates, but they do have a defined therapeutic scope (assessment and treatment of soft tissues). Arizona’s scope of practice allows therapeutic massage but prohibits diagnosis. LMTs often work in wellness and healthcare settings but generally cannot bill insurers independently as a “healthcare provider” without additional credentials.
Licensing History: Arizona’s massage therapy licensure law took effect in 2003. Initially, 500 hours were required; this was later raised to 700 hours to increase training standards. The state has periodically updated rules (e.g., adding fingerprint background checks) to align with public safety and national standards.
Insurance Billing: Workers’ Compensation: In Arizona, workers’ comp may cover massage therapy when prescribed by an authorized treating physician (often performed by or under a physical therapist or chiropractor). LMTs themselves typically cannot directly bill the state comp system, but their services can be included as part of a rehab plan. Auto Insurance (PIP): Arizona is an at-fault state and does not require PIP. Some auto policies offer “med pay” coverage which could reimburse massage therapy if ordered by a doctor after an accident, but it’s not assured. Health Insurance: There is no mandate for private insurers to cover massage. Some insurers in Arizona (for example, certain Aetna, Cigna, or Blue Cross plans) may cover massage therapy in limited circumstances (usually when performed in a clinical setting or by a PT/Chiropractor). Most Arizona LMTs either work for clinics that handle insurance or accept out-of-pocket payment.
Continuing Education Resources: The Arizona Board accepts CE from nationally approved providers. Local options include classes offered through the Arizona School of Massage Therapy and other colleges, as well as AMTA-Arizona Chapter workshops. The Board’s website lists CE requirements and any state-approved course categories (e.g., ethics, hands-on techniques).
Professional Community & Mentorship: AMTA Arizona Chapter is a primary resource for networking, mentorship, and continuing ed events. Arizona also has active Facebook groups (e.g., “Arizona Massage Therapists Network”) where practitioners share job leads and advice. Some cities (Phoenix, Tucson) have local meetups or associations. New therapists can seek mentors through the AMTA mentoring program or by connecting with instructors from Arizona’s massage schools.