Massage Therapist (MT)

Licensing requirements for massage therapists

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MT Application

Eligibility

  • Be at least eighteen years of age and of good moral character

  • Submit criminal record checks (FBI & Ohio BCI)

  • Have attained high school graduation or its equivalent

  • Hold one of the following:

    • A diploma or certificate from a school, college or institution in good standing as determined by the Board, showing the completion of the required courses of instruction

    • A diploma or certificate from a school, college or institution in another state or jurisdiction showing completion of a course of instruction that meets course requirements determined by the Board through Ohio Administrative Code 4731-1-16

    • For not less than five years preceding application, a current license, registration or certificate in good standing in another state for massage therapy

  • Have passed the MBLEx (Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam).

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​Approved Massage Therapy Schools

Approved schools, colleges, or institutions determined to be in good standing and having the massage therapy curriculum required for successful course completion: List of Approved Schools

 

​Application

eLicense application portal: eLicense.ohio.gov

 

Initial Application Fees

Application $150.00

Transaction fee $3.50

Total due at submission $153.50

 

Before Completing an Application

Applicants will be required to complete the application in its entirety and pay a non-refundable fee. Applicants will be required to upload any required documents as a result of an affirmative answer provided in the Questions portion of the application, license specific certifications and to have a valid credit card (Visa, MasterCard or Discover).

 

Criminal Records Check

  • All applicants for licensure are required to complete an FBI and Ohio BCI criminal records check. The Ohio background check packet and instructions can be obtained here.

  • Results MUST be sent directly from the vendor to the State Medical Board of Ohio; the Board will not accept results from the applicant or a third party.

In-state applicants

  • You must use the services of a vendor that participates in the national WebCheck program. Click here for a list of vendors. The sheriff's offices in most Ohio counties also participate in WebCheck. Please allow at least two to four weeks for the Board to receive and process in-state background checks.

Out-of-state applicants

  • ​All applicants for licensure are required to complete an FBI and Ohio BCI criminal records check. The Ohio background check packet and instructions can be obtained here. Please allow at least two to eight weeks for the Board to receive and process out-of-state background checks.

 

Required Documents to Be Uploaded

  • Evidence of successful completion of the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx).

  • Education transcript from a school, college or institution in good standing as determined by the Board, showing the completion of the required courses of instruction; or an educational transcript from a school, college or institution in another state or jurisdiction showing completion of a course of instruction that meets course requirements determined by the Board through Ohio Administrative Code 4731-1-16.

  • Verification of certificate, licensure or registration status that you hold with any other country, state or province.

    • Request license verifications from any state or jurisdiction where you currently hold or previously held a professional license. The State Medical Board of Ohio prefers verifications be delivered by email (license@med.ohio.gov) or fax (614.466.1464).

  • Documentation related to affirmative answers provided in the Questions portion of the application. Examples of required documentation may include:

    • Your detailed explanation including the date, location, reason and disposition to the question and any supporting documentation

    • Documentation related to action taken by another state or entity

    • Documentation related to arrests/criminal actions

 

​Documentation That Should be Sent Directly to the Board

  • Verification of certificate, licensure or registration status that you hold with any other country, state or province that were not uploaded as part of the application process.

  • Certificate of Education Form. This form should be completed by your educational institution.

  • Criminal Record Check (FBI & Ohio BCI) results.

 

After You Apply

Following submission and payment for your application you will receive an email confirming initial application submission and payment.

If you need to contact the Board, please email license@med.ohio.gov.

 

Please note: the Medical Board is unable to confirm receipt of background checks or other supporting documents prior to an application being submitted. 

Once an application has been submitted, any documents that have been previously received will be attached to the application. Please allow the Board 10 business days to perform an initial review of your application. After that time, you may check the status of your application by logging into eLicense and navigating to your license application. Select the Options tab and the Review Status option. Any outstanding items will be listed in the ‘Comments’ section at the bottom of the page.

 

Forms and Helpful Links