How to Become a Licensed Massage Therapist in Ohio

Massage Therapy Training

When a new year begins, you might look to make some career decisions. School is only the first step on your road to success as a massage therapist. In the Buckeye State, thousands of massage therapists help people in salons, spas, medical offices, and private practices find relief from aches, pains, strains, or life’s daily stressors. To practice, you must pass requirements set out by the state of Ohio to allow you to work or open a business as a massage therapist. Let’s get started reviewing those requirements.

Studies for Massage Therapy

Programs that train massage therapists– like our Massage Therapy program here at Mason Anthony– offer a curriculum students must complete before signing up for the licensure exam. This includes both theory and practice of massage. Topics include anatomy, physiology, ethics, laws, hygiene in practice, and a clinical component. Mason Anthony helps students prepare for careers in the real world. If you are moving to Ohio, you may be subject to requirements within the state and be licensed to practice here before you start work. You may be exempt if you’ve been in practice longer than five years. Read here to learn more about this rule.

Getting Started

One of the first steps to getting your massage therapist license in Ohio is registering with the Ohio State Medical Board. To get started, you’ll need to pay a $150 fee. Registration is required to take the next step of getting licensed. Check to ensure you have completed the required 750 hours from Mason Anthony or another approved massage therapy program. Now you’re ready to take the MBLEx exam.

MBLEx Exam

Candidates for massage therapy licensure must pass the MBLEx exam, a multiple-choice test covering various topics you need to know to practice massage successfully. Some of the topics covered include;

• Kinesiology
• Special populations and care
• Benefits of massage for clients
• Assessment and treatment protocols
• Bodywork overview
• Practicing in an office setting and professional guidelines
• Rules, laws, ethics, and more to safely practice massage therapy

The test is given at many places throughout the state. Submit the registration and fee and look for a location near you. Once approved to sit for the exam, you will be issued an ‘Authorization to Test,’ which offers you a 90-day window to pass the exam and continue with your practice.

Background Check

Another requirement to become licensed in Ohio as a massage therapist is a background screening. People in Ohio who want to practice must have fingerprints taken. There is a $22 fee for the background check and another $24 for the FBI background checks. Other fees may apply. Both state and federal checks are required for licensure. Find a vendor who uses WebCheck to process the background check.

Finalize Application

Once you’ve completed the requirements and taken the examination, you can apply for licensure from the state of Ohio’s board. Their website has all the information you need. Obtain your certificate of education signed by school officials. Next, get two certifications of recommendation with a color photograph attached to each form and forward them to those people to fill them out on your behalf. You will also need to list your MBLEx score when you fill out the application, so be sure to have that handy. If you are licensed in other professions, you must also verify those (RN, LPN, etc.). Applicants will fill this out on the form before submission.

If, for any reason, you have a criminal history, each offense requires a form to be filled out by the Ohio board regarding each incident.

The application requires a signed affidavit and release form that must be notarized. A fee of $150 will be charged when submitting the application materials to the State Medical Board in Columbus. Expect to wait around 60 days for it to process and for your license to be issued.

Next Steps

Now that you are licensed to practice in Ohio, you can practice in many places across the state. Career prospects are looking good for massage therapists as they continue to be in high demand in private settings and public spas, salons, and more. Sports massage therapists can practice in many locations and rehabilitation centers. Continue to grow your education by taking additional classes and looking to connect those skills to your chosen workplace and finding satisfaction knowing you are helping others feel better with all you’ve learned.

Consider touring the Mason Anthony School of Cosmetology to see if training for a career in the salon is proper for you. We’re the largest, best-in-class facility in Ohio and have a large student body ready to help you hone your skills and practice your craft.

Call us today!