Ohio Massage Therapist State Requirements

Massage Therapy Schools in Ohio

Choosing the right massage therapy school in Ohio is an important step for those pursuing a career in this rewarding field. Ohio offers a variety of reputable massage therapy schools across the state, catering to different needs and preferences.

Here's an overview of some noteworthy institutions from various regions within Ohio:

• Columbus Area: The American Institute of Alternative Medicine in Columbus provides a comprehensive education in massage therapy, preparing students for successful careers with a focus on alternative medicine techniques.

• Northeast Ohio: Cuyahoga Community College District in Cleveland offers massage therapy programs that blend traditional and contemporary practices, emphasizing hands-on learning.

• Northwest Ohio: Healing Arts Institute in Perrysburg is known for its focus on therapeutic massage, providing students with a deep understanding of the healing aspects of massage therapy.

• Western Ohio: The Institute of Therapeutic Massage in Lima offers a program designed to equip students with the skills needed for a variety of massage therapy careers, from clinical settings to wellness centers.

• Central Ohio: Stark State College in North Canton provides a solid foundation in massage therapy, combining theoretical knowledge with practical application to prepare students for the professional world.

For those interested in pursuing a career in massage therapy in Ohio, exploring these and other approved programs throughout the state is advised. By choosing a school that aligns with their educational and professional aspirations, students can ensure they receive the training and support needed to thrive in this growing field.

Insurance Requirements

In Ohio, massage therapists are strongly encouraged to have liability insurance for their protection, although there are no legal requirements for having it while practicing. Having liability insurance ensures you're covered in case something unexpected happens during your services.

Massage Magazine Insurance Plus' insurance coverage offers $2 million per occurrence and a total of $3 million in aggregate coverage. This level of insurance can give you peace of mind, knowing you have strong financial protection behind you. Choosing comprehensive insurance like Massage Magazine Insurance Plus is a smart move to ensure you're well-protected.

For more information, refer to our Ohio massage liability insurance page.

License Renewals

In Ohio, maintaining your massage therapy license involves a straightforward renewal process. Here’s a simplified overview tailored for Ohio based on the provided guidelines:

License Renewal Steps

1. Renewal Deadline: Ohio massage therapists need to renew their licenses every two years. The specific renewal date can depend on the first letter of the licensee's last name.

2. Renewal Fee: The standard renewal fee is $100. This fee is for the biennial (two-year) license renewal.

3. Online Processing Fee: Not specifically mentioned, so it's advised to check directly with the State Medical Board of Ohio for any additional online processing fees.

4. Late Renewal: If you renew late, there's a late fee of $125 for licenses that have been lapsed for less than two years. If a license has been inactive for two years or more, a restoration fee of $150 applies.

5. Background Check: Ohio requires a background check through the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCI) and the FBI for initial licensure. It's prudent to verify if a new background check is necessary for renewal.

Continuing Education (CE) Requirements

As of the latest information, Ohio does not require continuing education for massage therapy license renewal. However, this could change, so staying updated with the State Medical Board of Ohio is important.

Transfer of License and License Reciprocity

For massage therapists seeking to transfer their license to Ohio or understand the state's reciprocity policies, here are the essential details:

License Transfer Requirements

• Must have completed a massage education program of at least 750 hours from an approved school, covering anatomy, physiology, pathology, hygiene, business and law, ethics, and a clinical program.

• The program must include specific hours in various areas, such as 325 hours of anatomy, physiology, and pathology, 325 hours of massage theory and practical application, 25 hours of ethics, and 25 hours of business and law relevant to massage therapy.

• Out-of-state schools must be authorized by an agency comparable to the Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools Registration or the Ohio Board of Regents and include the prescribed curriculum.

• The original license must have been issued based on passing the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx).

Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact)

The state massage therapy boards, including Ohio’s, are importantc in regulating the practice and maintaining high professional standards.

• About IMpact: The Interstate Massage Compact, known as IMpact, allows licensed massage therapists to practice in all states that join the compact. This initiative simplifies practicing in multiple states, requiring only one multistate license.

• Ohio's Participation: Ohio has pending legislation for the IMpact under bill SB 56. The compact map on the official Interstate Massage Compact website offers the latest updates on which states have enacted, are pending, or have not introduced the relevant legislation.

Given the evolving nature of interstate compacts and licensure requirements, it's advisable for Licensed Massage Therapists (LMTs) in Ohio to regularly check for updates, especially regarding the state's involvement in the Interstate Massage Compact with the prospective bill SB 56.