Click any link below and it'll take you to your question of interest. There will be a back to the top link at the end of each question.
Q: Doesn’t Minnesota already have statewide massage therapy licensure?
Q: How can I help support the licensure initiative?
Q: Why do we need licensure? Aren’t things fine the way they are?
Q: Where else is licensure required for massage therapists?
Q: Will licensure make it harder for me to practice massage or bodywork therapy?
Q: Will I have to go back to school or take a test to get my license?
Q: Will it be expensive to get a license?
Q: Who supports establishing licensure in Minnesota?
Q: If the licensure bill becomes law, what happens next?
Your Questions Answered
Q: Doesn’t Minnesota already have statewide massage therapy licensure?
A: No! Minnesota is one of three states lagging behind the rest of the country without any type of massage regulation. This means no one is making sure massage and bodywork therapists practicing in the state meet minimum education standards or practice competently, safely, or ethically.
Q: How can I help support the licensure initiative?
A: Make your voice heard! Reach out to your state representative and senator at https://www.gis.lcc.mn.gov/iMaps/districts/ and share your support for HF362/SF1131. The more lawmakers who hear that this is something their constituents want, the more likely they are to make sure this bill passes. Every voice counts!
Q: Why do we need licensure? Aren’t things fine the way they are?
A: Minnesota’s lack of licensure creates challenges—from public safety to professional credibility. Licensure ensures consistent standards and protects both practitioners and clients. A lack of statewide massage therapy licensure leads to major problems that adversely impact massage and bodywork therapists, public perception of the massage industry, massage therapy schools, and the public. We see more frequent illicit activity disguised as massage and more illicit massage businesses per capita in unregulated states than in states with mandatory licensure. Most importantly, without licensure, it is extremely difficult to have the regulatory oversight needed to protect the public from unqualified, uneducated, inexperienced, or unethical practitioners.
Q: Where else is licensure required for massage therapists?
A: Mandatory statewide licensure for massage therapy has been adopted in 45 states and two US territories. It’s time for Minnesota to join them!
Q: Will licensure make it harder for me to practice massage or bodywork therapy?
A: No! The bill establishes a Massage and Asian Bodywork Therapy Practice Act that outlines the qualifications and scope of practice for licensed massage and bodywork therapists. If you are properly trained and/or have prior experience, you should be able to continue with no interruptions.
Q: Will I have to go back to school or take a test to get my license?
A: No! The bill has a generous legacy provision that makes it as seamless as possible for experienced and qualified massage and bodywork therapists to keep practicing once statewide licensure is established. Those currently practicing in Minnesota could qualify for licensure if they:
- Submit an application
- Have at least two years of prior experience in massage or Asian bodywork therapy during the past five years
- Pass a criminal background check
- Have liability insurance (your ABMP membership provides liability insurance that satisfies legislative requirements)
- Pay applicable fees
A: Click here HF 362 as introduced - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026) for House File 362 and here SF 1131 as introduced - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026) for Senate File 1131.
Q: Will it be expensive to get a license?
A: The initial licensure fee is capped at $285, but could be lower and the biennial renewal fee is capped at $185, but could be lower.
Q: Who supports establishing licensure in Minnesota?
A: Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP), the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), and the American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia (AOBTA) are leading the charge for licensure, but there are countless other organizations and individuals in strong support.
Q: If the licensure bill becomes law, what happens next?
A: Don’t worry, implementation won’t be immediate. If passed into law, the bill will be effective July 1, 2027. But don't stress! There will be plenty of time to allow everyone to ease into licensing requirements. The next step after the bill is signed into law will be establishing an official licensing board.