Who Regulates Massage Therapy in Nevada?
Massage therapy in Nevada is regulated by the Nevada State Board of Massage Therapy under NRS Chapter 640C and NAC Chapter 640C. The Board also licenses reflexology and structural integration practitioners. Working without a license in Nevada is illegal and can lead to fines, so every therapist, whether new to the field or relocating from another state, needs to complete the Board’s process before seeing clients.
Step by Step: How to Get Your Nevada Massage Therapy License
Step 1: Meet the Basic Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must be at least 18. You will also need to show good moral character, which the Board evaluates through your application answers and your background check. MMIP
Step 2: Complete a Board Recognized Massage Therapy Program
Nevada requires a minimum of 625 hours of instruction from a Board recognized program, including courses in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, pathology, business, ethics, and hands on clinical instruction. Before you enroll, confirm your school is recognized by the Board, since hours from unrecognized programs may not count. Thetaylorconsultinggroup
Step 3: Complete CPR Certification
Applicants are required to complete a CPR course as part of their licensing requirements. Keep a copy of your card to upload with your application. MMIP
Step 4: Pass a Nationally Recognized Exam
Nevada law requires applicants to pass a nationally recognized examination for testing the education and professional competency of massage therapists that is approved by the Board. Most new graduates take the MBLEx (Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination). The Board has also retired the ITEC exam for license applicants, so check the Board’s current list of accepted exams before you register. Nevada LegislatureABMP
Step 5: Submit Your Application and Fees
Apply online through the Nevada State Board of Massage Therapy. You will need your transcripts, exam score report, CPR card, a 2×2 inch photo, and payment for the application, license and background check fees. Fees are nonrefundable and change from time to time, so confirm current amounts on the Board’s website at massagetherapy.nv.gov.
Step 6: Get Fingerprinted for Your Background Check
This is the step that trips up the most applicants. Nevada law requires a complete set of fingerprints and written permission authorizing the Board to forward the fingerprints to the Central Repository for Nevada Records of Criminal History for submission to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for its report. Nevada Legislature
After you apply, the Board will send you fingerprint cards or a live scan voucher, which includes a list of approved fingerprinting locations. Bring that paperwork and a valid government issued photo ID to an approved vendor like Fingerprinting Express. Results may take up to 30 days or longer to process, so getting fingerprinted quickly, and correctly the first time, keeps your license on track. MASSAGE Magazine
Step 7: Receive Your License and Plan for Renewal
Once your background check clears and your application is approved, you can verify your license status through the Board’s online license lookup. Renewal requires continuing education: 24 hours every two years, including specific hours in ethics and human trafficking awareness. Note that licensees must also submit a complete set of fingerprints to the Board upon renewal, so you will likely visit a fingerprinting location again down the road. CertOutlookNevada Legislature
Why Choose Fingerprinting Express for Your Nevada Massage License Fingerprints
Fingerprinting Express has helped Nevadans get through licensing background checks since 2003. As an approved livescan fingerprinting vendor, FE works with the exact requirements Nevada licensing boards use, which means fewer surprises and faster results.
What sets FE apart:
A 0.02% fingerprint rejection rate. Rejected prints mean resubmissions, extra fees and weeks of delay. FE’s trained technicians capture high quality prints the first time.
Locations across Nevada. Visit FE in Reno, Las Vegas (North and South Rainbow) or Henderson, so northern and southern Nevada applicants are both covered.
Livescan speed. Digital livescan submissions travel electronically to the Nevada Central Repository and the FBI, which is typically much faster than mailing ink cards.
Licensing expertise. FE serves roughly 1,000 institutional clients and processes fingerprints for dozens of Nevada licensing boards, from nursing and teaching to contractors and child care. Our team knows what the Massage Therapy Board expects.
Service built on Culture To Care®. Our technicians walk you through every step so you leave confident your submission is right.
What to bring to your FE appointment: your Massage Board fingerprint form, a valid unexpired government issued photo ID, and payment for the fingerprinting service.
Transferring a Massage License to Nevada
If you are licensed in another state, the Board generally asks for a copy of your current license, official transcripts sent directly from your school, your national exam score report, and verification from each state where you have held a license. Out of state applicants still need Nevada fingerprints and a background check, and FE can process those at any of our locations. Nevada has also enacted the Interstate Massage Compact, though it is not yet active, so check the Board’s site for updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours of training do I need for a Nevada massage license?
At least 625 hours from a Board recognized massage therapy program.
What exam do I need to pass in Nevada?
A Board approved national exam. Most applicants take the MBLEx.
Where do I get fingerprinted for my Nevada massage therapy license?
At an approved livescan vendor such as Fingerprinting Express, with locations in Reno, Las Vegas and Henderson and walk-ins are always welcome.
How long does the Nevada massage license background check take?
Often up to 30 days or more. Livescan fingerprinting and a clean first submission help avoid added delays.
Does Nevada still offer a temporary massage license?
No. The temporary license to practice massage therapy was repealed in 2025. Nevada Legislature
Do I need fingerprints again when I renew?
Yes. Nevada regulations require a new set of fingerprints upon renewal.
How many continuing education hours do Nevada massage therapists need?
24 hours every two years, including ethics and human trafficking awareness.
Ready to get fingerprinted? Visit Fingerprinting Express in Reno, Las Vegas or Henderson and take the next step toward your Nevada massage therapy license.
