State Board Contact: Colorado Office of Massage Therapy Licensure (Division of Professions and Occupations) – Website – Phone: 303-894-7800; Email: dora_massagetherapists@state.co.us. Address: 1560 Broadway, Suite 1350, Denver, CO 80202.
- Education Requirements: 500 hours of education were required when Colorado first enacted regulation; currently 625 hours is the standard (Colorado increased its requirement in recent years to align with national averages). Passing the MBLEx or NCBTMB exam is required. Applicants must also undergo a background check and carry liability insurance.
- Continuing Education: Colorado does not require CE for license renewal. (The state has no ongoing CE mandate, though therapists must renew their license every 2 years and maintain professional standards.)
- Licensing Fees: $100 application fee and $200 initial license fee (total $300). Renewal is $200 every 2 years. (Note: Colorado sometimes adjusts fees; always confirm on the DPO site.)
- Healthcare Provider Status: Colorado LMTs are licensed under the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) rather than a health department. They are considered regulated professionals, and Colorado’s Massage Practice Act defines a therapeutic scope (manual manipulation of soft tissues). LMTs are not explicitly listed as “healthcare providers” in statutes like insurance laws. However, because they are licensed and must meet healthcare-related training (including hygiene and ethics), they enjoy credibility in healthcare settings. Some LMTs work alongside medical professionals, but by law they cannot diagnose or claim to treat specific medical conditions independently.
- Licensing History: Colorado established state licensing for massage therapists in 2008. Prior to that, only local (city/county) regulations existed. The 2008 law set education at 500 hours and an exam requirement. In 2019, an update increased the required hours to 625 (effective for newer graduates). Colorado has also been active in combating human trafficking through stricter rules for establishments. Despite initial resistance in a state known for deregulation, licensing has been fully implemented and the profession is under state oversight now.
- Insurance Billing:
Workers’ Compensation: Colorado’s workers’ comp system allows physicians to refer patients for massage therapy, but typically the billing goes through the physician or PT/chiropractor. LMTs can become authorized treating providers in some cases (especially if working in a clinic), but they are not commonly listed as primary providers for comp claims.
Auto Insurance (PIP): Colorado previously had no-fault PIP, but that was repealed; it’s now an at-fault state (though drivers can purchase MedPay). If MedPay coverage is in place, it may cover massage therapy when ordered by a doctor after an auto accident. Some Colorado LMTs do treat auto injury patients with referrals and have their services paid via MedPay or third-party liability claims.
Health Insurance: No state requirement for insurers to cover massage. However, Colorado has a robust integrative health scene – some insurers (like certain Anthem Blue Cross plans or Kaiser in CO) offer limited coverage or discounted massage for members. Generally, insurance reimbursement to LMTs is not widespread; many work out-of-network even if a plan covers massage (i.e. client submits receipts for potential reimbursement). - Continuing Education Resources: While not mandatory, many Colorado LMTs pursue continuing ed. Popular topics include neuromuscular therapy, sports massage (given Colorado’s athletic/outdoor culture), and medical massage. The state’s regulatory body does not pre-approve CE, but staying current with industry standards (e.g. ethics refreshers) is encouraged.
- Professional Community & Mentorship: AMTA Colorado Chapter is very active – hosting conferences, an annual education event, and legislative advocacy (Colorado LMTs benefited from AMTA-CO’s lobbying during the licensing law passage). Networking also happens via regional meetup groups (e.g., Denver area massage therapists group) and social media. Because Colorado has many resort and spa towns, there are local networks in areas like Boulder, Colorado Springs, etc. For mentorship, new therapists often connect with experienced LMTs through AMTA or by joining state Facebook groups where job and mentorship opportunities are posted.
- Colorado Coalition of Massage Therapists offers another perspective on advocacy work.