Ohio Massage Therapist Licensing Exam

To get licensed in Ohio, massage therapists are required to take a massage exam that covers such subjects as anatomy, physiology, pathology and kinesiology. Whether you live in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Toledo or another city or county, the resources below will help you get started on the path to receive your massage license.

Need of a Massage License: A massage therapist needs a license to practice massage therapy in Ohio.

Who Grants a License: Licenses are granted by the State Medical Board of Ohio.

Qualifications to receive a License: A candidate needs to graduate from an approved massage therapy school which requires at least 600 clock hours of classroom instruction and training in massage therapy.

The candidate must also pass the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx).

Applying for the Massage Exam: Candidates can apply online to take the MBLEx. More information can be found on the MBLEx in a Candidate Handbook.

Test Content: The MBLEX exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions with four choices provided for each question. Test takers have 110 minutes to complete the computer-based exam.

The exam is divided into eight content areas:

     -          Anatomy & Physiology
     -          Kinesiology
     -          Pathology, Contraindications, Areas of Caution, Special Populations
     -          Benefits and Physiological Effects of Techniques that Manipulate Soft Tissue
     -          Client Assessment, Reassessment, & Treatment Planning
     -          Overview of Massage & Bodywork History/Culture/Modalities
     -          Ethics, Boundaries, Laws, Regulations
     -          Guidelines for Professional Practice

How to Apply for the License: Candidates must provide the Board the following: (1) completed application (http://www.med.ohio.gov/pdf/Applications/mtapp.pdf); (2) copy of massage therapy diploma and education certification; (3) criminal background check; and (4) certificates of recommendation; and (5) verification of passing the MBLEx. The documents should be sent to:

                    State Medical Board of Ohio
                    30 E. Broad Street, 3rd Floor
                    Columbus, OH 43215-6127

                    Phone: (614) 466-3934

Fees: There are fees to apply to become a licensed massage therapist.

Who Administers the Exam: The MBLEx is administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB).

License Renewal Requirements: A massage therapist must renew her license every two years.

Applicable Regulations: Massage therapists in Ohio are governed by Ohio Rule 4731-1 et seq.