Ohio Massage License
Updated for 2024
Massage therapists in Ohio must be licensed before practicing. The Ohio massage license is issued through the State Medical Board of Ohio. The practice of massage therapy in Ohio has been regulated since 1915.
To become a licensed massage therapist (LMT) in the state of Ohio, you must first complete the requirements as described on the Ohio Board website. This includes completing a massage education program of at least 750 hours and passing the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx). We’ve provided a summary of these requirements below for a quick reference.
Research from ABMP in 2016 estimated that there was about 11,000 massage therapists in Ohio.
Ohio Quick Look
Massage License Required? Yes
Designation: LMT
Education hours: 750
Exam: MBLEx
CEUs / Renewals: none/2yrs
Massage Education Requirements in Ohio
Applicants for an Ohio massage license are required to complete a massage education program of at least 750 hours of instruction from an approved school. This 750-hour requirement is valid for massage school graduates who have enrolled on or after December 31, 2005. The program must also be of at least 9 months in duration. Massage students who enrolled prior to December 31, 2005 are required to show graduation from a program that was at least 12 months long, and a minimum of 600 hours.
Massage students who enrolled on or after December 31, 2005 must have received the following minimum training:
- 325 hours of anatomy, physiology, and pathology
- 325 hours of massage theory and practical application
- 25 hours of ethics; 10 of these hours must be in a class dedicated exclusively to ethics
- 25 hours of business and law relevant to the practice of massage therapy
- 50 hours of other necessary and appropriate classes relevant to massage therapy
- Students must perform at least 1 therapeutic massage on a licensed massage therapist to evaluate meeting minimum competency standards
Check out the Ohio Board website for a list of approved massage schools.
Examination Requirements
The State Medical Board of Ohio has approved the following exam:
- Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx) offered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB)
For practitioners and students aiming to become licensed massage therapists in Ohio, gearing up for the MBLEx is an essential part of the journey. Tapping into study aids such as MBLEx practice tests can be very beneficial in helping you understand the format and variety of questions you will encounter on the actual exam. This method not only solidifies your understanding but also reinforces your confidence as you gear up for the challenge ahead.
If you have not yet taken the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam and are planning to seek licensure in Ohio, simply select this state when registering for the MBLEx, and they will send your scores to the State Medical Board of Ohio when you pass. Check out our About the MBLEx page to see how to apply and schedule your exam.
Additional License Requirements
Getting a massage license in Ohio has additional requirements. The applicant must:
- Be at least 18 years of age and of good moral character
- Have high school diploma of equivalent
- Submit to a criminal record check (FBI and Ohio BCI)
Application Process
Ohio massage license applicants can create an account and apply online.
Massage License Fees
Here is a summary of the fees charged by the State Medical Board of Ohio, for a massage therapy license. All fees are non-refundable and can be paid with a major credit card (Visa, MasterCard or Discover).
- Application fee: $150
- Transaction fee: $3.50
- Biennial registration fee: $100
- Late renewal fee: $125 (if a massage license has been lapsed for less than two years)
- Restoration fee: $150 (if a license has been inactive for two years or more)
Renewal Process
An OH massage therapy license needs to be renewed every 2 years. Renewal dates depend on the first letter of the licensee’s last name. As of May 2018, there are no continuing education requirements, however this may be changing soon. The following must be done to complete your renewal application:
- Log in and complete the online renewal process
- Send renewal fee of $100
State Medical Board of Ohio
Contact Information
Address:
State Medical Board of Ohio
30 E. Broad St., 3rd Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Note: The information on this website is for informational purposes. Please inquire directly with your state and local boards to verify requirements and regulations, as this may have changed. Contact information is listed above.