massage therapy Licensure Information

Ohio was the first state to license the practice of massage, and the first applicant was licensed in 1916. Ohio is unique in that it defines massage therapy as a "limited branch of the practice of medicine."

The Board has established a Massage Therapy Advisory Committee to advise the board regarding issues relating to massage therapy in Ohio. This committee meets quarterly, and the schedule is available on the website.

Criminal Background Check required for initial license and license restoration applications received on or after March 24, 2008.

Verification of Ohio license

New Forms and Fees for Physicians and Limited Branch practitioners

Beginning October 19, 2009, the State Medical Board of Ohio is charging a $50.00 fee to complete and send a letter of good standing or license verification to another State Board, Canadian Province or other jurisdiction. The Board will verify both the Ohio training certificate and the permanent license for the same fee if the practitioner held both licenses in Ohio.

If you trained in Ohio prior to 1999 with a “temporary” license, the Board will send a verification memo and the fee of $50.00 is not required. If you have questions regarding the forms or fees, you may call the CME and Renewal department at 614-728-3113, or email med.records@med.state.oh.us

In addition, the Board will charge a $35.00 fee to process a request for a duplicate wallet card. Please go to the link for the affidavit for a wallet card at http://med.ohio.gov/md_lost_certificate_card.htm, download the affidavit, and submit it with a check or money order for $35.00.

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NEW - Staggered Limited License Renewal